Have you ever thought about running Windows on your iPhone or iPad? It might sound like an odd pairing, but with the help of an emulator called UTM, it’s possible. For many, the appeal lies in testing the limits of Apple’s powerful hardware, as Windows allows them to explore software not available on iPadOS. In fact, Apple’s M-series chips are underutilized with most iPad apps, leaving users eager to unlock their devices’ full potential.
Why Run Windows on Apple Hardware?
The idea of installing Windows on an Apple device might seem purely experimental, but it actually offers some real benefits. The M-series chips inside iPhones and iPads are extremely powerful, yet many users feel that iPadOS doesn’t take full advantage of these processors. Running Windows opens up opportunities for more resource-intensive programs, like image editors or other design software, that could push the Apple silicon to its limits.
The Different Versions of UTM
UTM comes in three versions, each with unique features and limitations:
- UTM Base: This version isn’t available on the App Store and requires sideloading.
- UTM SE: Available on the App Store, but it has certain limitations that affect performance, particularly with newer software.
- UTM HV: Also available on the App Store, this version is designed for high-performance emulation and can run Windows 10 or 11 on ARM, delivering a smoother experience without code interpretation.
These different options offer flexibility for users depending on what they hope to achieve by running Windows on their Apple devices.
How UTM Works and What Sets It Apart
UTM allows you to set up a virtual machine (VM) on your iOS device, much like on a traditional computer. Setting up is straightforward: download the app, create a new VM, and select your preferred operating system. UTM SE, the App Store version, works well for retro games and older systems. However, it struggles to perform with more demanding programs and OS versions beyond Windows XP. For those who need higher performance, UTM Base—which can be sideloaded—includes Just-in-Time (JIT) execution for faster performance with certain programs.
JIT, a key feature in UTM, helps bridge the performance gap by translating programs from their original code into the ARM architecture used by Apple’s M-series chips. Though not as fast as native machine code, JIT allows emulators, including game emulators like Dolphin for Wii and GameCube, to perform well on Apple hardware.
Running Windows 10 or 11: UTM HV for ARM
For those looking to run Windows 10 or 11 on an Apple device, UTM HV is the ideal version. It allows you to run these OS versions natively on the ARM architecture, eliminating the need for code interpretation. This setup enables full-speed performance, which is impressive for an emulator running on an iOS device.
However, keep in mind that GPU virtualization isn’t supported, so don’t expect to play graphically intense games. Additionally, you’ll need your own copy of Windows to get started.
Is Mac OS on a PC Next?
While running Windows on an Apple device is already a unique experience, what about going in the opposite direction? Running macOS on a PC is possible as well. If this interests you, you can explore guides that detail how to create a “Hackintosh,” a Mac OS system on non-Apple hardware.
In conclusion, with the flexibility of UTM, Apple users now have the power to explore Windows applications on their iOS devices, making the most of their device’s hardware. Whether you’re looking to try out Windows for fun or productivity, UTM opens a world of possibilities.
In case you have found a mistake in the text, please send a message to the author by selecting the mistake and pressing Ctrl-Enter.
Sign In