Ever wanted to play iPhone games on your Mac? You’re not the only one — and the good news is, in 2025, it’s easier than ever. Thanks to macOS Sequoia, you now have access to built-in tools and powerful third-party options to make it happen.
Whether you’re looking to mirror your screen, use an emulator, or even install iPhone apps directly from the App Store, I’ve tested all the top methods to help you find the best solution.
Let’s dive in.
Why play iOS games on a Mac?
So, why did I shift part of my mobile gaming to my Mac? Here are a few reasons:
- Bigger Screen, Better Experience: Games like Monopoly Go! and Stardew Valley Mobile feel way more immersive on a MacBook’s larger display.
- Longer Battery Life: Mobile games can kill your iPhone battery quickly. My MacBook Pro, on the other hand, holds up much better during long sessions.
- Enhanced Controls: Surprisingly, some iOS games work with the Mac’s keyboard and trackpad, making controls smoother and more precise.
- Effortless Multitasking: Switching between a game, Spotify, and Messages is seamless with a few quick gestures on the trackpad.
With iOS and macOS more integrated than ever in 2025, the process is smoother than you might think. Now, let’s dive into how to make it happen.
How to play iPhone games on MacBook
1. Download iPhone games via the Mac App Store
If you’re on a Mac with Apple Silicon (M1 or newer), this is the simplest method — many iPhone and iPad games are directly available in the App Store.
Here’s what to do:
1. Open the Mac App Store.
2. Click your profile icon in the bottom-left corner.
3. Under the Purchased section, select iPhone & iPad Apps.
4. Browse or search for the game you want to install, then click Download.
5. Once it’s installed, open it from your Applications folder — just like any other Mac app.
Keep in mind, not every app will show up — it’s up to the developer to allow Mac support. That said, big names like Among Us and Plague Inc. are typically available.
2. Use AirPlay to Mirror your iPhone
If the app you’re looking for isn’t available on the App Store, you can still mirror it from your iPhone using AirPlay. I recently tried this with Brawl Stars — the controls weren’t perfect, but it worked surprisingly well.
Steps to use AirPlay:
1. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On your iPhone, open the Control Center.
3. Tap Screen Mirroring and choose your Mac from the list.
4. Enter the code displayed on your Mac screen to complete the connection.
Now your iPhone screen is mirrored on your Mac. Just open the game on your phone, and you’ll see it live on your Mac’s display.
Tip: For the best experience, rotate your iPhone to landscape mode and connect a controller.
3. Use a trusted iOS Emulator
I recently tested PlayCover, a free emulator that lets you run iPhone games directly on your Mac—especially if you have an Apple Silicon model. If you’re comfortable with a bit more advanced setup and don’t mind the term “emulator,” this is definitely worth trying. PlayCover allows you to install and run iPhone apps, including games, natively on your Mac. It’s free, though the setup requires a few extra steps. Let me walk you through it.
Step one
1. Download PlayCover from GitHub (it’s open-source and designed specifically for Mac).
2. Install PlayCover on your MacBook by following the on-screen instructions.
Next, you’ll need the .IPA file of the game you want to run. You can extract this from your iPhone using the Apple Configurator 2 app. Here’s how:
Step two
1. Open—or first install—the Apple Configurator 2 app on your Mac.
2. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable, then launch Apple Configurator and select your iPhone.
3. Right-click the app you want (for example, Monopoly GO!) and choose Export .IPA.
4. Save the .IPA file to your Desktop or another convenient location.
You can only export apps that are already installed on your iPhone.
Step three
1. Open PlayCover.
2. Drag your .IPA file into the PlayCover window.
3. The app will install just like a regular Mac application.
4. You’ll find the game in your Applications folder—just launch it like any other Mac app.
Heads up: While most single-player iOS games run smoothly, not every game works perfectly. Online games with anti-cheat systems—like PUBG or Call of Duty—may not launch at all.
No matter how you play on your Mac, gaming can quickly drain your system resources if you’re not careful. But don’t worry, I’ve got some tips to help you manage that coming up.
Best iOS games to play on Mac (2025 picks)
I couldn’t wrap up the article without sharing a quick game roundup. If you’re curious about what’s trending this year—based on App Store charts and my own playtime—here’s the list:
- Monopoly Go! — Surprisingly addictive and even more fun on a bigger screen.
- Royal Match — The spiritual successor to Candy Crush that keeps you hooked.
- Stardew Valley Mobile — The full game experience, and it plays beautifully on Mac.
- Call of Duty: Mobile — Still a fan favorite, especially when played with a controller.
- Genshin Impact — Requires emulator support or AirPlay to run smoothly on Mac.
So, can you play iPhone games on a Mac? Absolutely! Whether it’s through native support, AirPlay, emulators, or the Mac App Store, there’s a solution for every kind of gamer. If you want to explore even more ways to run iOS apps on your Mac, check out this complete guide:
How to Run iOS Apps on Mac
