Unlock the Ultimate Secret: Transform Your Mac into an iOS Haven with Our Step-by-Step Guide!

Are you an Apple enthusiast who cannot get enough of the iOS features? Do you wish you could access them on your Mac? If yes, then you are in the right place.

In this article, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to transform your Mac into an iOS haven. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Install the Latest macOS

The first step to transforming your Mac into an iOS haven is to install the latest version of macOS. It will give you access to the latest features and functionality, making your Mac more like iOS. To do this, follow these simple steps:

  1. Click on the Apple icon on the top left corner of your screen.
  2. Click on “System Preferences.”
  3. Click on “Software Update.”
  4. If there is an update available, click “Update Now” and wait for the process to complete.

Step 2: Install iOS Apps on Your Mac.

The next step is to install iOS apps on your Mac. This way, you will be able to access your favorite iOS apps right from your Mac. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Open the “App Store” on your Mac.
  2. Click on your profile picture on the bottom left corner of the screen.
  3. Click “Purchased” and scroll down until you see “iPhone and iPad Apps.”
  4. Click on “Not on This Mac,” and you will see a list of the iOS apps you have purchased or downloaded on your iPhone or iPad.
  5. Click on the app you want to install and then click “Install.”

Step 3: Use iCloud to Sync Your Devices

iCloud is a powerful tool that allows you to sync your data between your Mac and your iOS devices. This means you can access your photos, contacts, calendars, and even messages across devices seamlessly. To do this, follow these easy steps:

  1. Open “System Preferences” on your Mac.
  2. Click on “Apple ID.”
  3. Click on “iCloud” and log in with your Apple ID.
  4. Toggle on the switch next to the data you want to sync with your Mac.

Step 4: Use Handoff

Handoff is a nifty iOS feature that allows you to start working on your iPhone or iPad and then continue on your Mac seamlessly. To use this feature, follow these simple steps:

  1. Make sure you are logged in to the same iCloud account on both your Mac and iPhone or iPad.
  2. Open the app you want to transfer on your iPhone or iPad.
  3. Swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone or iPad screen to reveal the Dock.
  4. Tap on the “Handoff” icon, which is located at the bottom left corner of the Dock.
  5. The app will automatically open on your Mac, and you can continue your work from where you left off.

Step 5: Use Messages on Your Mac

One of the most popular iOS features is iMessage. With iMessage, you can send and receive messages, photos, videos, and even make voice and video calls on your Mac. To use this feature, follow these steps:

  1. Open the “Messages” app on your Mac.
  2. Sign in with your Apple ID.
  3. You will see all your conversations from your iPhone or iPad.
  4. You can now send and receive messages, photos, and videos, and even make voice and video calls on your Mac.

With these simple steps, you can easily transform your Mac into an iOS haven. Now you can enjoy all the iOS features you love on your Mac. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring!

In Summary

Apple announced its transition to Apple Silicon for its Mac lineup in 2020. In addition to offering a boost in performance and efficiency on the new Macs, this move also opened the possibility to run iOS (and iPadOS) apps on the Mac. If you’ve always wanted to run your favorite app or game on your Mac, then this guide will walk you through the instructions to help you in the process.

So, if you’ve always wished to use your favorite iOS apps, which were once only available for the iPhone, it’s now finally possible to get them running on the all-new Macs. Here’s a short guide to help you with the instructions on how to run iOS apps on the Mac. Using these instructions, you can also run iPadOS apps on your Mac.

What Are the Requirements to Run iOS Apps on Mac?

To run an iOS app on your Mac, your Mac needs to be:

Powered by one of Apple’s custom silicon chips: M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, or M1 Ultra Running macOS Big Sur or newer

How to Run an iOS App on an M1-Powered Mac

First, open the App Store. You can do this by going into the Launchpad and finding App Store there. Or press Command + Space to bring up Spotlight Search and look for AppStore. On the App Store, click the Search box in the left pane. Here, search for your favorite iPhone app or iPad app.

When it returns the results, click on the iPhone & iPad Apps tag under Results. This will show you only the iOS and iPadOS apps for your query.

Click on your app from the result. Now, tap on the iCloud icon or the GET button on the following screen. If you’ve downloaded this app on your iPhone or iPad before, you’ll see the iCloud icon. Else, it will have the GET button next to its name. With the latter, you’ll need to either enter your Apple ID password or authenticate yourself using Touch ID before the app starts downloading. Once it’s downloaded, click on the OPEN button to open the app.

Alternatively, go back to the Launchpad, and you should be able to see it there. Or you can also look for it using the Spotlight Search.

Adjust App Controls to Make iOS Apps Work Better on the Mac

Since iOS and iPadOS apps are meant for the iPhone and iPadOS, respectively, they rely on touch inputs for navigation. As a result, using them on a Mac, which doesn’t use touch input, can be a little tricky. But as it turns out, a lot of these apps provide touch alternatives to make navigation a bit easier on the Macs. At the time of writing this, all the apps we tried offered these options, and we had a decent experience using them. To access these controls, launch the iOS or iPadOS app you just downloaded on your Mac and tap on its name in the menu bar. Select Preferences from the menu options. And then, select the On radio button beside Touch Alternatives.

While you’re at it, check out all the touch alternatives you need to perform to carry out different screen gestures. In case it’s a game, you’ll also see the Game Control tab inside its Preferences. It basically lets you use your keyboard and trackpad to emulate your screen’s controls. For using it, select the On radio button for Controller Emulation.

After this, click on the dropdown beside Control Scheme and select a control option according to your preference. Additionally, use the Pointer Sensitivity slider to adjust your pointer’s sensitivity. Lastly, there’s the Preferences tab, which lets you adjust the window size and a few other app options. To access the window size option, while in Preferences, click the General tab and select between the size options.

Similarly, go to the System tab inside Preferences to change settings for Location Services, Notifications, etc. Note that these options are app-specific, so you may or may not see them on all apps.

Delete an iOS App From Your Mac

At any point in the future, if you end up not using this app and want to remove it, you can delete it just like you’d delete a Mac app. Here’s how:

Open the Finder app. Click on the Applications tab from the left pane. Find your iOS or iPadOS app in this list. Right-click on the app and select Move to Bin.

If prompted to confirm, enter your password or authenticate using TouchID.

Use Your Favorite iPhone and iPad Apps on Apple Silicon Macs

Although the App Store is filled with all kinds of Mac apps, there are several iOS and iPadOS apps that don’t have a macOS equivalent. As a result, you have to resort to using their alternatives on your Mac. But thanks to the all-new Apple Silicon, you can now easily run your favorite iPhone or iPad app on your Mac. Of course, the experience may not be the same since the mode of interaction is different, but the overall experience is certainly fluid and pleasant.