Best 10 Android Emulators for iOS [2025 Latest]
Nazneen Ahmad
Posted On: August 11, 2025
16 Min
If you’re an iOS user who wants to run Android apps, you might be wondering if there’s a way to get the best of both worlds. Android emulators for iOS make this possible by simulating the Android environment on your iPhone or iPad. This allows you to use Android apps and games without switching devices.
Overview
Android emulators for iOS are software applications that allow Android apps to run on iOS devices by creating a virtual Android environment.
Best Android Emulators for iOS
- LambdaTest: A cloud testing platform that offers online Android emulators to test mobile apps at scale.
- Redfinger Cloud Phone: A virtual Android emulator hosted in the cloud, accessible on iOS so you can install and use Android apps remotely.
- LDPlayer: Primarily a Windows Android emulator, but can be streamed to iOS through remote desktop services for gameplay and app use.
- MuMu Player: An Android emulator from NetEase that supports remote access from iOS, enabling mobile gaming without local installation.
- Appetize: A browser-based streaming emulator that runs Android (and iOS) apps in the cloud, viewable and usable from iOS devices.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is an Android Emulator for iOS?
An Android emulator for iOS is a software application that allows you to run Android apps on your iPhone or iPad. It creates a virtual Android device within your iOS system, enabling you to experience the Android environment without needing a separate physical device.
However, there are also some important things to keep in mind about Android emulators for iOS:
- Security and performance: Emulators can be resource-intensive and may not provide the same level of performance or security as a real Android device.
- Jailbreaking: Most emulators for iOS require a jailbroken device, which voids your warranty and can leave your device vulnerable to security risks. Also, it’s not recommended to test on jailbroken or rooted devices.
- Availability and legality: There are not many official Android emulators available for iOS, and using them may violate Apple’s App Store terms of service.
Best 10 Android Emulators for iOS
Following is the list of the top Android emulators for iOS with their features. This will help you to choose the best Android emulator that aligns with your software application’s requirements.
1. LambdaTest
LambdaTest is an AI testing platform that allows testing of mobile apps on online Android emulators at scale. Using LambdaTest virtual device cloud, you can test and run your Android apps on a range of different Android emulators online. This includes emulators from brands like Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and many more.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Testing: Interact live with your app on over 500 Android emulators, simulating real-world usage scenarios.
- Automation Testing: Integrate with Appium to run automated tests on Android emulators, enhancing testing efficiency.
- Geolocation Testing: Test your app’s behavior across 170+ global locations to ensure accurate geolocation functionality.
- Network Throttling: Simulate various network conditions, including 2G, 3G, 4G, and Wi-Fi, to assess your app’s performance under different scenarios.
- UI Inspector: Utilize built-in tools to inspect and debug your app’s user interface, ensuring a seamless user experience.
- Quick App Uploads: Easily upload and install APK, AAB, or IPA files directly from the Play Store or App Store for testing.

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2. Redfinger Cloud Phone
Redfinger Cloud Phone allows you to access a full Android virtual environment from your iOS device using cloud-based technology. It runs 24/7 in the cloud, so your apps and games stay active even when your phone is off. This makes it useful for managing multiple accounts, running Android-exclusive apps, or automating tasks without impacting your iOS device’s performance.
Key Features:
- Access Anywhere: Use Redfinger on iOS, Android, Windows, or through the web. Start on one device and continue seamlessly on another.
- Run Multiple Apps: Manage and run several apps or games at the same time with support for multiple accounts.
- Always-On Cloud: Keep your apps running continuously, even if your local device goes offline, thanks to Redfinger’s cloud service.
- Flexible Plans: Choose between VIP and XVIP subscription options designed for either light or intensive use.
3. LDPlayer
LDPlayer is one of the popular Android emulators that allows you to run Android apps and games on your PC, providing an easy and efficient solution for testing Android applications in a desktop environment. Though originally designed to run Android on Windows, it can also be useful for Android emulators for iOS when you want to simulate Android functionalities on non-Android systems.
Key Features:
- Fast and Smooth Performance: Ideal for running Android apps and games on your PC without lag.
- Customizable Controls: Easily map controls for games and apps, offering a personalized testing or gaming experience.
- Multiple Android Instances: Run several Android environments simultaneously, helping developers test app compatibility across different systems, including Android and iOS emulators.
- Wide App Support: Compatible with most Android apps and games, including the latest releases, allowing evaluation similar to using an iOS emulator on PC.
4. MuMu Player
MuMu Player is an Android emulator aimed at providing a seamless Android gaming experience on PC and Mac. It allows users to run Android applications and games on their computers, offering a stable and high-performance environment optimized for gaming.
Key Features:
- Wide Game and App Support: Supports a broad range of Android games and applications, ensuring smooth performance and stability.
- Keyboard and Mouse Mapping: Offers customizable controls for a more intuitive and precise gaming experience.
- Multi-Instance Support: Allows users to run multiple games or applications at the same time.
- Enhanced Graphics Rendering: Provides improved visuals for a more immersive experience.
5. Appetize
Appetize iOS emulator enables you to run mobile apps within your web browser. It allows you to access any iOS or Android app without downloading it. This feature is helpful if you are an app developer. You can render a live app preview directly in the web browser using the Appetize emulator.
Key Features:
- Run Directly in Browsers: Launch the app without any downloads or installations.
- Shareable Links: Easily generate links to share the app with others for quick access.
- No Plugins Needed: Operates without requiring additional browser plugins.
- Supports Multiple Orientations: Works smoothly in both portrait and landscape modes.
- Simulates Touch Gestures: Enables realistic user interactions like taps and swipes within the browser.
6. NOX Official
NOX Official is a popular Android emulator designed to run Android apps and games on macOS and Windows. It’s highly regarded for its fast performance, customizability, and ease of use, making it a great choice for developers, gamers, and anyone looking to run Android applications on non-Android devices.
Key Features:
- Multi-App Support: Run multiple apps or games simultaneously for easy testing in different setups.
- Gamepad and Keyboard Mapping: Control Android games and apps using physical controllers or keyboard inputs.
- Root Access: Enable root privileges for apps that require system-level permissions.
- File Transfer: Easily move files between the emulator and host system for quick sharing of documents and media.
7. ApowerMirror
ApowerMirror is a screen mirroring app, not a full Android emulator. It allows you to mirror the Android screen to iOS and interact with the apps. While it doesn’t fully emulate Android OS, it helps you access Android apps on an iOS device through screen mirroring.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Android to iOS Mirroring: Mirror Android content to iOS devices instantly for easy visual checks.
- Interactive Mirrored Screen: Interact with the mirrored Android screen directly from iOS to test apps seamlessly.
- Annotation and Notes: Add drawings or notes on the mirrored screen to aid documentation and collaboration.
- Built-In Screenshot and Recording: Capture screenshots and record your screen with integrated tools.
8. iEMU
iEMU enables you to easily access Android apps on your iPhone, offering a smooth customization process. After downloading this tool, accessing Android apps and games on your iPhone or iPad becomes a hassle-free experience. It is important to note that iEMU works only on jailbroken iOS devices and is no longer actively maintained.
Key Features:
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Allows Android applications to run seamlessly on iOS devices.
- Wide Android App Support: Supports a variety of Android applications for smooth operation on iOS.
- Easy Installation: Simplifies setup with a straightforward installation process and no complex configurations.
9. MechDome
MechDome is another valuable emulator for app developers, mainly for testing purposes. It specializes in converting unmodified Android apps into native iOS or OS X applications. It is developed by a California-based startup.
- Supports Android AOSP API Level 22: Compatible with applications developed up to this Android version.
- No Virtualization: Converts apps to run natively on iOS and OS X without emulating Android.
- Seamless iOS Interoperability: Runs apps on iOS without requiring code changes from developers.
- Integration with Android Technologies: Supports development tools like Quartz Composer, Core Animation, and Android Studio.
10. Alien Dalvik Emulator
Alien Dalvik Emulator lets you run Android apps on systems like iOS. It functions as a compatibility layer, enabling Android apps (typically packaged as APK files) to operate on devices running other operating systems, such as MeeGo, Tizen, and iOS.
Key Features:
- Copies Android Runtime (Dalvik VM): Emulates the Android runtime environment directly on iOS.
- No APK Changes Needed: Allows apps to run without modifying or rebuilding APK files.
- Early Versions Ran Fast: Especially efficient on powerful devices.
- Cross-System Compatibility Demonstration: Showcased how different mobile operating systems could work together.
Is it Possible to Run Android Apps on iOS?
No, you cannot run Android apps directly on iOS dеvicеs or vicе vеrsa. Android and iOS arе two distinct mobilе opеrating systеms dеvеlopеd by Googlе and Applе, rеspеctivеly. Thеy havе diffеrеnt architеcturеs, app framеworks, and sеcurity modеls.
Apps arе spеcifically dеsignеd and dеvеlopеd for еach platform, and thеy arе distributеd through different app storеs – Googlе Play for Android and thе App Storе for iOS. Thе undеrlying tеchnologiеs, programming languagеs, and APIs usеd for Android and iOS app dеvеlopmеnt arе also diffеrеnt.
While each platform typically confines its applications and services to its user base, there are still ways to run Android applications on your iPhone or iPad. This can be achieved using Android emulators for iOS, which we have listed in this blog.
When to Choose Android Emulator for iOS?
Wondеring whеn to choose an Android еmulator for iOS? Here are some reasons. Lеt’s chеck thеm out!
- Access Google Services on a Budget: Use an Android emulator for iOS to access Google Photos, Drive, Maps, and more without extra cost.
- Run Apps Not Available on the App Store: If an app isn’t on the iOS App Store but is on Google Play, the emulator lets you install and use it easily.
- Play Android Games on iOS Devices: Gamers can enjoy Android-only games on their iOS devices through an Android emulator.
Factor for Selecting the Right Android Emulator for iOS
The above list of Android emulators for iOS has given information about the top Android emulator for iOS. However, it might be confusing for some regarding how to select the right tool. The information below details the factors you should consider while choosing the right one.
- Check App Store Guidelines: Verify that using an Android emulator on iOS complies with Apple’s policies.
- Research Reputation and Reviews: Look for reliable user feedback and ratings before choosing an emulator.
- Confirm Compatibility and Updates: Ensure the emulator works with your iOS version and receives regular updates.
- Consider User Experiences: Positive reports from other users suggest the emulator is reliable and effective.
- Be Aware of Legal Risks: Understand the potential legal implications of running an emulator on your iOS device.
Conclusion
Android emulators help create a controlled environment for app development and testing. The availability of Android emulators for iOS significantly enhances the user experience for those who want to enjoy Android apps on their iOS.
In this article, we’ve explored top Android emulators for iOS, highlighting their key features and drawbacks. Common features provide real-time testing, accessibility evaluation, and performance profiling benefits. However, they have limitations in accurately mirroring every aspect of real-world devices. We also introduced cloud-based emulators like LambdaTest, offering cost-efficient, scalable, and accessible testing environments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are reliable Android emulators available for iOS devices?
Reliable Android emulators for iOS are almost nonexistent due to Apple’s strict ecosystem rules. iOS tightly controls app behavior and limits access to system resources. This makes developing smooth, fully functional emulators extremely difficult. Most available options are either unreliable or require complex workarounds.
Why is it harder to run Android emulators on iOS compared to Windows or macOS?
iOS is a closed system designed to restrict apps from running outside approved environments. Unlike Windows or macOS, which allow virtualization and emulation more freely, iOS does not support running another OS inside it easily. This creates technical barriers for emulating Android on iPhones and iPads. Hardware differences between iOS devices and Android devices add to the challenge.
Can I install and run Android apps on my iPhone using an Android emulator?
In most cases, you cannot run Android apps natively on iPhones using an emulator. Since Android emulators for iOS are very limited or unstable, this functionality is usually unavailable. Some cloud-based services allow streaming Android apps but rely on an internet connection and aren’t the same as true emulators. For full offline use, native iOS apps remain necessary.
What alternatives exist if I want to run Android apps on iOS devices?
One alternative is cloud gaming or app streaming platforms that let you use Android apps remotely on your iPhone. These services require a stable internet connection and do not run apps locally. Another option is using web-based versions of apps if available. However, none of these provide the full experience or flexibility of true emulators.
Is jailbreaking my iPhone necessary to use Android emulators?
Many experimental Android emulators for iOS require jailbreaking the device. Jailbreaking removes Apple’s restrictions but can void warranties and expose your phone to security risks. It’s generally not recommended unless you fully understand the consequences. Most users avoid jailbreaking just to run Android apps on iOS.
Can I test Android apps on iOS without an emulator?
You can’t run Android apps directly on iOS, but developers often use cross-platform tools to build apps for both systems. Testing usually requires separate devices or simulators specific to each OS. Direct testing on iOS isn’t possible without an emulator.
Do Android emulators on iOS affect device performance?
If available, Android emulators can slow down your iPhone because they use extra processing power and memory. Most emulators are resource-intensive and may cause lag or battery drain. This is another reason they’re rare and impractical on iOS.
Are Android emulators safe to use on iOS?
Most Android emulators for iOS aren’t officially supported and may carry security risks, especially if they require jailbreaking. Downloading from unofficial sources can expose your device to malware. Always be cautious and use trusted methods.
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