Executing software developed for the Android operating system on devices running iOS is a technical challenge due to fundamental architectural differences. Android applications are typically built to run on the Dalvik or ART virtual machine, while iOS applications are designed to run natively on the operating system’s kernel. These disparities extend to the programming languages, libraries, and system calls employed by each platform.
The capability to run applications across differing operating systems holds potential benefits for users and developers alike. Users could potentially access a wider range of software titles, regardless of their chosen mobile device. Developers might see a reduction in development costs and broadened audience reach if cross-platform compatibility was readily achievable. Historically, attempts to bridge this gap have focused on emulation or virtualization techniques, with varying degrees of success and often limited performance.