Development of a Cross-Platform Emulator for Legacy iOS Versions

About the project

Super Duper is a cross-platform application for running and organising games built for legacy iOS versions. Users import their own IPA file, add a game to the local library, and resume a saved session from one interface. The core challenge was to hide complex emulation logic behind a clear mobile journey, from package import and environment preparation to launch, state persistence, and per-app settings.

Business problem

• Enable users to run compatible applications and games built for legacy iOS versions on modern devices.
• Bring IPA import, library management, and game launch into one clear mobile interface.
• Persist game session state so users can continue after closing the application.
• Separate the user interface from the low-level execution layer so the product can evolve across multiple platforms.
• Provide compatibility settings for applications with different runtime and control requirements.

Technical solution

• Import user-provided IPA packages directly from the application interface.
• A local library with game icons, titles, and quick launch without selecting the source file again.
• Resume saved sessions for supported games after restarting the application.
• Prepare an isolated runtime environment for launching a legacy iOS application on the target device.
• A unified game lifecycle layer covering installation, initialisation, launch, pause, and state restoration.
• A settings screen for managing application options and compatibility scenarios.
• A responsive library grid designed for smartphones with different screen sizes and pixel densities.
• Import and launch error handling without exposing internal technical diagnostics to the user.
• An architecture that allows platform adapters to evolve independently from the catalogue and user interface.

Technologies

• Cross-platform mobile application architecture
• IPA package and local file system handling
• Isolated runtime environment for compatible iOS applications
• Local storage for the library, settings, and session state
• Native platform adapters and mobile user interface

Results

• Users received one application for importing, storing, and running a compatible collection of legacy iOS games.
• A complex technical process is reduced to a familiar mobile library experience with clear actions and settings.
• State persistence lets users return to a game without replaying completed stages.
• The modular separation of interface and platform logic provides a foundation for supporting more devices and improving compatibility.
• The project demonstrates the team's experience in specialised mobile software, application package formats, and platform constraints.

Related service

We build cross-platform applications with complex system logic, local storage, and interfaces adapted to different devices.

Interface gallery