How to Run iOS Apps on Mac [Guide]

Apple launched its custom silicon—the Apple M1—for its Mac computers back in 2020. While this transition from Intel to Apple Silicon promised an overall improvement in performance and efficiency of the Macs, it also enabled the ability to run iOS and iPadOS apps on the Mac.

So, if you’ve always wished to use your favorite iOS apps, which were once only available for the iPhone, it’s now finally possible to get them running on the all-new Macs.

Here’s a short guide to help you with the instructions on how to run iOS apps on the Mac. Using these instructions, you can also run iPadOS apps on your Mac.

What Are the Requirements to Run iOS Apps on Mac?

To run an iOS app on your Mac, your Mac needs to be:

• Powered by one of Apple’s custom silicon chips: M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, or M1 Ultra
• Running macOS Big Sur or newer

How to Run an iOS App on an M1-Powered Mac

First, open the App Store. You can do this by going into the Launchpad and finding App Store there. Or press Command + Space to bring up Spotlight Search and look for AppStore.

On the App Store, click the Search box in the left pane. Here, search for your favorite iPhone app or iPad app.

When it returns the results, click on the iPhone & iPad Apps tag under Results. This will show you only the iOS and iPadOS apps for your query.

Click on your app from the result. Now, tap on the iCloud icon or the GET button on the following screen. If you’ve downloaded this app on your iPhone or iPad before, you’ll see the iCloud icon. Else, it will have the GET button next to its name.

With the latter, you’ll need to either enter your Apple ID password or authenticate yourself using Touch ID before the app starts downloading.

Once it’s downloaded, click on the OPEN button to open the app.

Alternatively, go back to the Launchpad, and you should be able to see it there. Or you can also look for it using the Spotlight Search.

Adjust App Controls to Make iOS Apps Work Better on the Mac

Since iOS and iPadOS apps are meant for the iPhone and iPadOS, respectively, they rely on touch inputs for navigation. As a result, using them on a Mac, which doesn’t use touch input, can be a little tricky.

But as it turns out, a lot of these apps provide touch alternatives to make navigation a bit easier on the Macs. At the time of writing this, all the apps we tried offered these options, and we had a decent experience using them.

To access these controls, launch the iOS or iPadOS app you just downloaded on your Mac and tap on its name in the menu bar. Select Preferences from the menu options. And then, select the On radio button beside Touch Alternatives.

While you’re at it, check out all the touch alternatives you need to perform to carry out different screen gestures.

In case it’s a game, you’ll also see the Game Control tab inside its Preferences. It basically lets you use your keyboard and trackpad to emulate your screen’s controls.

For using it, select the On radio button for Controller Emulation.

After this, click on the dropdown beside Control Scheme and select a control option according to your preference. Additionally, use the Pointer Sensitivity slider to adjust your pointer’s sensitivity.

Lastly, there’s the Preferences tab, which lets you adjust the window size and a few other app options. To access the window size option, while in Preferences, click the General tab and select between the size options.

Similarly, go to the System tab inside Preferences to change settings for Location Services, Notifications, etc. Note that these options are app-specific, so you may or may not see them on all apps.

Delete an iOS App From Your Mac

At any point in the future, if you end up not using this app and want to remove it, you can delete it just like you’d delete a Mac app. Here’s how:

1. Open the Finder app.
2. Click on the Applications tab from the left pane.
3. Find your iOS or iPadOS app in this list.
4. Right-click on the app and select Move to Bin.
   
5. If prompted to confirm, enter your password or authenticate using TouchID.

Use Your Favorite iPhone and iPad Apps on Apple Silicon Macs

Although the App Store is filled with all kinds of Mac apps, there are several iOS and iPadOS apps that don’t have a macOS equivalent. As a result, you have to resort to using their alternatives on your Mac. But thanks to the all-new Apple Silicon, you can now easily run your favorite iPhone or iPad app on your Mac. Of course, the experience may not be the same since the mode of interaction is different, but the overall experience is certainly fluid and pleasant.

FAQs About Running iOS Apps on Macs