The ability to run Apple’s mobile operating system within a virtualized environment is a topic of considerable interest. The process involves utilizing virtualization software to create a virtual machine and then attempting to install and run the mobile operating system on that virtual machine. While officially unsupported by Apple, achieving this allows users to explore and potentially test the operating system on non-Apple hardware.
Doing so offers several potential advantages, including cross-platform development capabilities for developers targeting the Apple ecosystem who may not have access to dedicated Apple hardware. Furthermore, security researchers can leverage virtualization to analyze the operating system in a controlled environment, identifying vulnerabilities and exploring security features without risking damage to a physical device. Historically, achieving a functional setup has proven technically challenging, often requiring complex configurations and customized solutions, with varying degrees of success and stability.