iPhone Tip: How To Run Mac OS X On Smartphone Sans Jailbreaking

Apple may be testing running macOS on a device powered by its own chips, previous reports suggested. The source of the information hints that the company is using a prototype that can be described as an “iPhone with macOS.”

Those who can't wait to try running a Mac operating system on an iPhone, however, don't have to wait for Apple to release a macOS device powered by in-house silicon. Cult of Mac reported that iPhone users can simply run Mac OS X on their handsets – without jailbreaking it.

The process requires users to do several things, but once it's done, the iPhone will be able to run Mac OS X Leopard and older versions. While it won't be as feature-packed as macOS Catalina or Big Sur, it does reward the patient with a trip down memory lane.

Here's how to run Mac OS X on an iPhone:

• First, users will need to install the AltStore app on their iPhone. Cult of Mac has an excellent guide for doing that.
• Second, users will need to download the UTM app from GitHub to their iPhone. This will be needed to run Mac OS X.
• Third, users will need to get a copy of Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard (or earlier). Users will need an .ISO file that will be saved on the iPhone.
• Fourth, once AltStore is installed, users must open it then install the UTM app. This is done by tapping on the My Apps tab, tapping on the “+” button next, then selecting the UTM app package. AltStore will install the UTM app to the iPhone.
• Once the UTM app has been installed to the iPhone, users will need to run it and create a virtual machine. Users will need to customize the machine's settings, then use the Mac OS X .ISO file that was downloaded earlier. Cult of Mac has a detailed guide on how to set this up.

This process makes the iPhone run Mac OS X Leopard, and older versions, as virtual machines. The process is safe and will not affect the iPhone.