Executing Java code on Apple’s mobile operating system involves employing specific tools and techniques to bridge the gap between the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) environment and the iOS platform. This usually entails using cross-compilers or emulators to translate Java bytecode into a format compatible with iOS, such as Objective-C or Swift code, or utilizing a virtualized Java environment on the device.
The capability to run applications developed in Java on iOS devices offers several advantages, including leveraging existing Java codebases for mobile deployment and enabling developers familiar with Java to target the iOS market. Historically, direct execution was not possible due to the absence of a native JVM. The need for compatibility solutions has driven innovation in cross-platform development tools.