Emulator software works by replicating Apple’s design, interface, and some limited functionality. These are especially useful for developers who want to know how a specific app will appear and function on the iPhone and iPad. For developers, particularly small teams, this mitigates the requirement to purchase a lot of expensive devices purely for testing purposes. Emulators make it easy to run and test iOS apps on Windows PC or Mac. Simulator allows you to pick a specific device environment for testing - like an iPhone 7 Plus running iOS 10.3. Because Xcode is only available on the Mac platform, Apple's Simulator is not available for Windows users.

Only simulator apps that you develop on various apple platforms.

Installed as part of Xcode's tools, Simulator functions like a standard Mac app on your desktop. Note: Xcode cannot be used to run iOS apps on a macOS. It might seem obvious, but the best simulator for iOS devices comes from Apple itself.

You can simulate iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and even Apple TV environments using simulation software, though for best results you'll need a Mac. Simulators differ from emulators in that they aren't designed to replicate hardware, but rather model the underlying state of the hardware.Ī good simulator will model these conditions so well that the simulation itself can emulate the hardware. If you're looking for a way to test iOS apps on a Mac or PC, you'll need to use a simulator.

Ipad emulator mac xcode