/ How to

How To Run and Use iOS Apps on Your Mac Computer

Running iOS apps on your Mac computer opens up exciting new possibilities. With the latest Macs powered by Apple silicon, you can now natively run iPhone and iPad apps on your Mac. This allows you to access your favorite mobile apps on the big screen and take advantage of the power of your Mac.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using iOS apps on your Mac, including:

Requirements for Running iOS Apps on Mac

To run iOS apps on your Mac, you need:

  • A Mac with Apple silicon – This includes Macs with the M1 or M2 chip. Older Intel-based Macs cannot natively run iOS apps.
  • macOS Big Sur or later – The capability was introduced in macOS 11 (Big Sur), so you need at least this version. Newer versions work too.
  • Compatible iOS apps – Not all iOS apps are available or fully compatible on Mac. The app needs to explicitly support Mac by the developer.

If your Mac meets these requirements, you’re ready to start using iOS apps!

Finding and Downloading iOS Apps

Finding iOS apps to download is easy since they are available right in the Mac App Store. Here is the process:

  • Open the App Store on your Mac
  • Click on your Account icon in the bottom left corner
  • Select the “iPhone & iPad Apps” option

This will display all the iOS apps that are compatible with Mac. You can browse or search for apps here just like you would on an iPhone or iPad.

When you find an app you want, click Get and then Install to download it. The app will now be available to launch on your Mac just like a regular Mac app.

Using and Configuring iOS Apps on Mac

Once installed, you can launch iOS apps from your Applications folder or Dock like any other Mac app. However, since they are designed for touch input on mobile devices, they may not work optimally with a mouse and keyboard.

Here are some tips for using iOS apps on Mac:

  • Use trackpad gestures – You can simulate touch input using the trackpad. For example, swiping with two fingers, pinching to zoom, etc.
  • Enable Touch Alternatives – Many iOS apps have Touch Alternatives settings to improve their use with a trackpad and keyboard. Explore the settings of each app.
  • Expect limitations – Not all features of the iOS app may be available or work properly on Mac. There will be some limitations in most cases.
  • Adjust window size – You can resize the window for most iOS apps on Mac to better fit your screen. The default size may be small since iOS screens are smaller.
  • Use Sidecar on iPad – If you have an iPad, use Sidecar to mirror or extend your Mac display and use your iPad as a dedicated touchscreen for iOS apps.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips for running iOS apps efficiently on your Mac:

  • Sort iPhone & iPad Apps separately in the App Store for easier discovery.
  • Use iOS Simulator in Xcode to test iOS apps before downloading to your Mac.
  • Close iOS apps fully when not in use for better performance.
  • iOS updates may break compatibility until the app updates – keep apps updated.
  • Try both iPhone and iPad versions of apps for the best experience.

Conclusion

The ability to run iPhone and iPad apps natively on the Mac unlocks exciting new use cases. From mobile games to photography apps and beyond, you can now seamlessly work across your Apple devices. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to get started with downloading and running iOS apps on your Mac computer today!

Related Posts