PlayCover runs iOS apps and games on Apple Silicon Macs, with mouse and keyboard controls described by the project.
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24 alternativesVirtualBuddy
VirtualBuddy runs macOS 12 and later in virtual machines on Apple Silicon Macs.
About VirtualBuddy
VirtualBuddy is a free and open-source virtual machine app for Apple Silicon Macs. It can run macOS 12 and later in virtual machines, and is aimed at developers who need to test apps on multiple macOS versions, including betas.
You can create a macOS virtual machine with the built-in installation wizard. You can select a macOS version from a list provided by the app for automatic download and installation, or use a local IPSW file or custom IPSW URL. You can also install ARM-based Linux distributions from a local .iso file, a URL, or a provided collection, boot into recovery mode, customize hardware settings, and use networking, file sharing, clipboard sharing, and saved VM state.
It suits developers and advanced Mac users with an Apple Silicon Mac running macOS 13 or later who need separate test environments. Guest app features depend on the macOS version in the virtual machine, with full clipboard and shared-folder support requiring macOS 14 or later.
Key features
- Run macOS 12 and later VMs on Apple Silicon
- Install macOS from Apple images or IPSW files
- Install ARM Linux distros from ISO files or URLs
- Built-in installation wizard for creating virtual machines
- Clipboard sharing and shared folders via guest app
- Customize VM hardware and save and restore state
Best for: Developers who need to test apps on multiple macOS versions and betas on Apple Silicon Macs.
Good for
- Free and open-source
- Automatic download of macOS restore images
- Supports macOS and ARM Linux virtual machines
- Available via GitHub releases or Homebrew
Watch out for
- Requires Apple Silicon Mac with macOS 13 or later
- Guest app not supported on macOS 12 or earlier
- Clipboard sharing unavailable on macOS 13 guests
VirtualBuddy at a glance
- Category
- Software & Utilities › Mac Apps
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Free
- Platforms
- macOS
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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VirtualBuddy FAQ
What are the system requirements for VirtualBuddy?
You need an Apple Silicon Mac running macOS 13 or later.
How do I install macOS in VirtualBuddy?
Select a macOS version from the list in the installation wizard for automatic download and installation. You can also use a local IPSW file or a custom IPSW URL.
Is VirtualBuddy free?
Yes, VirtualBuddy is free and open-source. You can download it from GitHub releases or install it with Homebrew.
Can VirtualBuddy run Linux?
Yes, it can boot some ARM-based Linux distributions, including Ubuntu Server and Ubuntu Desktop. You can install from a local .iso file, a URL, or a provided collection.
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