Video Demos macOS Catalina Running on iPad Pro via x86 Emulation

A video demonstrating macOS Catalina running on a current 2020 iPad Pro has been shared on YouTube, giving us a look at an interesting hack that has a Mac OS up and working on one of Apple's iPads.


There's limited information about how the process of getting macOS Catalina on an iPad Pro works, but it uses x86 emulation and was done through the UTM software that allows virtual machines to run on iOS.

Booting up into macOS Catalina took a full 20 minutes, though the original creator says that it has since been optimized and now takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes. The video is over 37 minutes long due to how slow macOS Catalina is on the iPad, and it is not a functional or usable installation at this time, but it's interesting to see the macOS operating system on an ‌iPad Pro‌.

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...

Top Rated Comments

gaximus Avatar
60 months ago
How far along in the process do you think he was when they announced an ARM version of MacOS coming out. A real “ah f**k” situation.
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple Knowledge Navigator Avatar
60 months ago

Apple should make a Mac tablet. As small and light as possible. Ideally, 200 g and pocketable. Even without battery, but charging from the mains. Not for heavy work, but the ultimate Keynote and PowerPoint presentation tool. Make the presentation on the desktop Mac. Save it into the Mac tablet and carry it to the presentation room. Great for teachers and researchers.
Look up ‘iPad’
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iL15hts Avatar
60 months ago

What's next? BigSur on Apple Watch?
It will be called small sur ?
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
0815 Avatar
60 months ago

this is perfect proof against running anything similar to the macOS UI on a touch input only device.
i know, it also supports mouse, but it's easy to see that is not the primary input method.
ipadOS is no longer a touch-only interface ... I have the latest iPad Pro with Apple's keyboard+touch pad and also the pencil ... it combines the best of all worlds. Using the iPad became for me a nice mix of keyboard/touchpad/finger/pen ... same could be true for macOS
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
grimgreybeard Avatar
60 months ago
What's next? BigSur on Apple Watch?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Benjamin Nabulsi Avatar
60 months ago
This year Apple should enable iPad Pro to run macOS and it's fine to have rules like 30% minimum battery and keyboard and mouse attached. iOS can't be taken seriously to replace the desktop work.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)