The first public alpha version (1.0.0, build 9280) of XeniOS is now available. This project is a port of the popular Xenia emulator, specifically optimized for the Apple ecosystem.
Despite the project’s early development stage, initial compatibility results shared by the creator indicate that enthusiasts can already run seventh-generation console titles on their smartphones.
What can you play?
Based on the developer’s early testing stats, about 13% of the Xbox 360 library has been tested so far. According to the published data, 4% of games are considered fully playable, including:
- BioShock
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
- The Simpsons Game
The creator reports that another 7% of games can boot up (In-Game status) but still experience graphical artifacts or bugs, while 87% of the library remains untested. The developer also warns that the first launch of a game may stutter due to shader compilation.
System requirements & details
According to the official release notes, the requirements are as follows:
- Hardware. An A16-class chip (iPhone 14 Pro / 15 level) or newer is recommended. For Mac, both Apple Silicon and Intel chips are supported.
- OS. iOS/iPadOS 18+ and macOS 15.0+ (the developer notes that older versions might work but are not validated).
- Controls. The creator states that a paired controller is absolutely required, as there are no touch controls implemented yet.
- Games. No games are included with the software. Users must provide their own game dumps (ISO or GOD formats) via the native “Files” app.
Installation process for iOS/iPadOS
Since Apple currently restricts such projects in the App Store and limits JIT (Just-In-Time) compilation, the installation process requires workarounds. The developer notes that without JIT enabled, the emulator will either crash or run at 1 FPS:
- Download the IPA file from the official XeniOS website.
- Install it using SideStore (or alternatives like AltStore).
- Enable JIT. The developer recommends using the StikDebug utility for this step. It is also noted that JIT must be re-enabled every time the app is forcefully closed.
The developers emphasize that the project is currently in an early alpha state, so users should expect crashes, bugs, and limited compatibility. However, the prospect of running BioShock natively on an iPhone is certainly an impressive milestone.
At the same time, I must remind you that any experiments with sideloading and bypassing Apple’s system restrictions are done entirely at your own risk. Furthermore, the development team strictly advises using only game dumps created from discs you legally own.