The process of installing newer versions of Apple’s mobile operating system onto compatible Macintosh computers, generally through virtualization or emulation, allows users to experience mobile applications and features on their desktop environment. This involves using software to create a simulated iOS environment within macOS, enabling the execution of iOS apps. An example is utilizing a virtualization tool to run an iOS simulator, permitting the user to interact with iOS apps directly on their Mac.
The capability offers developers a platform to test and debug their mobile applications on a larger screen and with more robust hardware. This simplifies the development workflow, offering access to desktop resources and functionalities. Historically, the demand for running mobile applications on desktop environments has grown, prompting development of virtualization and emulation solutions to bridge the gap between mobile and desktop ecosystems. This can be a significant advantage for cross-platform development and testing.