Here’s something you probably thought you would never see: Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system running on an iPhone X.
The hack is made possible by an app called UTM, which allows virtual machines to run on iOS devices. And despite some issues — as you might expect — it really works rather well … if you have plenty of patience.
Apple calls iOS the world’s most advanced mobile operating system, but what happens when a mobile operating system just won’t do? It’s not like you can easily boot into another OS like you can on a Mac or PC; Apple won’t allow that.
That doesn’t mean it’s not possible, however. YouTuber Hacking Jules, who has brought Windows to other Apple devices in the past, has successfully gotten Microsoft’s latest OS running on an iPhone X. Here’s what it looks like.
An iPhone powered by Windows 10
The 13-minute video below shows Windows 10 in action on Apple’s 2017 flagship. We get to see everything from the boot-up process to File Explorer, and real Windows apps — including Word and Paint.
You will quickly notice that speed is the biggest issue when attempting this. Nothing about running Windows 10 on an iPhone X is quick. Hacking Jules explains that just booting up a Windows VM takes around 20 minutes.
The process may be somewhat snappier on newer iOS devices, but even in this state, it’s a pretty impressive feat. It demonstrates what Apple’s mobile devices are really capable of when you dare to venture outside the walled garden.
https://youtu.be/kizvlapX064
This isn’t all UTM is capable of, either.
Virtual machines on iOS
The virtual machine host can also be used to install other versions of Windows, Android, and more on Apple devices. Hacking Jules has previously used it to get Mac OS 8, with WarCraft II and SimCity 2000, running on an iPhone.
UTM does not require you to jailbreak, although that is one way to install it, but it’s not an Apple-approved app you will find in the App Store, either. Instead, it must be “sideloaded” using an unofficial repository like AltStore.
If you’re interested in checking it out for yourself, there are some simple installation instructions you can follow online. Note, however, that installing virtual machines after UTM is set up is a little more complicated.
