The M - series central processing unit used in Apple ’s belated Macs are based on technology first developed for the ship’s company ’s iPhone and iPad . ( In fact , some iPads use the same M1 and M2 processor . ) Because of this , the M - series microprocessor chip convey to the Mac the power to run iPhone and iPad apps .

Why would you want to run an iPhone or iPad app on a Mac in the first place ? Well , it ’s potential that there is no Mac equivalent of the app you desire to employ . Or maybe you care using a particular app , irrespective of the ironware it is bleed on . Whatever the reason , it ’s a capital room to use the tool you want .

To run an iPhone or iPad app , your Mac must have an M1 C.P.U. or later . If you have an Intel - ground Mac , it ’s a lot trickier . You have to employ an emulator , an app that model iOS or iPadOS .

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How to get iPhone/iPad apps on your Mac

iPhone and iPad apps are acquired through the App Store , so logically , it follow that you apply the Mac App Store to get those apps onto your Mac . Keep in mind that a developer may choose not to make their iPhone / iPad app available for M - series Macs , so every app on your iPhone wo n’t mechanically be on your Mac . For example , Pokémon Go is not available for M - series Macs ( sorry , flight simulator ) .

iPhone/iPad apps you own

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Getting new iPhone/iPad apps

How to use iPhone/iPad apps on your Mac

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Apps are downloaded to the Mac ’s Applications folder and can be launched like any other Mac app .

Remember though , that these apps were not earlier designed for the Mac , so there may be some quirkiness in the user interface or how the app is expose . In the App Store , the descriptions for each app have labels to tell you what platform the app was designed for . Many apps will also have a label that read , “ Not verified for macOS , ” which mean you may encounter public presentation or interface issues while using it .

App Store purchased apps

Adjust the interface controls

These apps were made with a touchscreen in mind . Most of the time , you ’ll just point and click or else of tap to utilize the app , but Apple does admit you to adjust the input setting so you could have more restraint , such as tilt and Multi - Touch .

In the app , go to the app ’s preferences , which is situate in the menu bar as [ App name ] > Preferences . A Touch Alternatives window will open , and you ’ll see the keyboard combinations you could use for the input controller used on an iPhone or iPad . Click theOnbutton to spark off theTouch Alternatives .

You ’re also about to customize game mount with keyboard and trackpad options in the Game Control tab .

App Store search

Threes App Store

Touch Alternatives