But some of the tools listed below double as iOS emulators and Android emulators as well. The reviews in this guide will mainly focus on iOS simulators. Emulators duplicate the software features and hardware of the device in question.

Simulators create an environment that imitates the configurations and behavior of an actual iOS device. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. We’ll cover the top features, benefits, pricing, and other considerations so you can find the best tool for your unique situation.īefore we get started, I just want to quickly clarify the difference between simulators and emulators. This in-depth guide breaks down the best iOS app simulators on the market today. But app testing can be challenging if you don’t have access to an iPhone, iPad, or macOS.įortunately, using a simulator to run iOS apps makes it possible to test your app developments on a Windows operating system. This is relatively easy if you’re using Xcode or Apple’s DevKit for iOS.

Testing iPhone apps is a crucial step in the software development process.