Capable of running Intel programs via Rosetta 2, the MacBook Air, Pro and Mac mini M1 can also run apps developed for the iPhone and iPad. Here’s how to install them, even if they’re not on the Mac App Store.
In addition to so-called universal applications and Intel programs, emulated using Rosetta 2, Macs powered by an Apple Silicon M1 SoC are natively capable of running applications developed for iOS and iPadOS.
It is very easy from the Mac App Store and their account to access purchases made on their iDevices to download and install programs linked to their Apple ID. Problem, whether for technical reasons or by decision of the developers, not all applications are available by this means.
However, since iTunes, then the Finder, no longer manage the applications present on the iPhone or the iPad, there is no longer an “official” way to recover applications already installed on a device.
Fortunately, a Reddit user came up with a simple solution, which requires just one app. Here’s how to implement it and get the apps you want.
1 – Download and install iMazing
iMazing is a paid application that you can try for free. It gives you access to the content of your iPhone or iPad, in order to transfer data quickly, restore a backup or even manage the applications on the device. This is what we are going to use.
From your Mac Apple Silicon, go to the application’s website: imazing.com, then click on the button Free Download to grab the free version. Then install it like any macOS app.
2 – Connect your iPhone or iPad
Now you need to connect it to your computer using the USB to Lightning cable that came with your iPhone. If your smartphone isn’t the latest generation, you’ll need to use a USB-C to USB-A adapter, but if you’re using a Mac, there’s a good chance you have one.
Once your iPhone is wired to your Mac, give it time to “climb” in the Finder. You can then proceed to the next step.
Note in passing that this manipulation is necessary during the first connection. Then, iMazing will be able to connect to your device if it is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac. So there will be no need for a cable.
3 – Allow access to the iPhone
Now launch iMazing. In the window that opens, and click on the link Continue the test, below the button Enter the license code to access its home interface.
You will need to authorize access to the iPhone by unlocking it and then placing your trust in this computer.
The iPhone will then pair with your Mac. If iMazing offers to back up your device, click the button Later, to the left of the main window.
4 – Access the applications
Your first goal will now be to access the applications on your iPhone / iPad.
In the main program window, make sure you have chosen the correct device in the left column.
Then click on Manage apps.
The interface listing the applications installed on your device will then appear. At the top of the window, click Library. This is where all the applications retrieved by iMazing from your iPhone or iPad are stored or will be stored.
5 – Recover applications on iPhone or iPad
In front of you is a list of all the apps installed on your device. Let’s assume that we want to recover and install the application Instagram to use it on our Mac.
You can scroll through the list or use the search field at the base of the interface to directly find the app that interests you.
Then select the chosen application and click on the button To download, which takes the form of a cloud and a descending arrow) next to its name.
You will then have to enter the password of the Apple account linked to your iPhone.
The download should be quick and a Trash can icon should appear instead of the download one.
6 – Install the application on macOS
Now you just need two quick steps to be able to run your application on your Mac M1.
First of all, still in the interface where you were in the previous step, right-click on the application in the displayed list.
In the context menu, click Export .ipa.
You are then asked to choose the location where you will keep this application archive. You can store it on your desktop if you want, as you won’t need it for long and can then delete it.
Go to the macOS desktop, and start installing the application by double-clicking on its icon.
A Finder window opens to show you that the app is now in its place in the Applications directory.
Double click on the app icon, it will run immediately. All you have to do is identify yourself if necessary.
You can now drag the .ipa archive to the Trash.
To conclude
A few remarks, before we leave you.
First of all, iOS / iPadOS apps cannot be brought to full screen. So, if you get the Netflix version from your iPad, you will only be able to watch your series in a window.
Then, some applications will not want to launch for various reasons, library problems, for example.
This solution is therefore not perfect, however, it allows you to make the most of the application richness that you have accumulated on iOS, and iPadOS over the years.