As someone who has been testing iOS emulators for years, both on jailbroken and non-jailbroken devices, I think RetroArch is still the king of multi-system emulation.
The new RetroArch 1.21.0 update brings several improvements across iOS, macOS, Linux, and even the web version. From my testing, it feels smoother, more stable, and adds features that make it easier to enjoy retro gaming on iPhone and iPad.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the changes in RetroArch 1.21.0, how it performs on iOS devices, and where to safely download the RetroArch IPA.
What’s New in RetroArch 1.21.0?
I’ve spent the past few days playing around with RetroArch on both iOS 17, iOS 18, but also the dreaded and unstable iOS 26. Here are the highlights I found most useful:
Linux Upgrades
- PipeWire & ffmpeg camera drivers – In my testing on Linux, switching between these was seamless. Latency is better, and webcam compatibility is noticeably improved. If you stream gameplay or experiment with camera-based input, this is a solid upgrade.
Apple Platforms (iOS & macOS)
- CoreMIDI and CoreLocation drivers – I tried these on both iPad and macOS, and input feels much more responsive.
- Vulkan mailbox emulation – Smoother graphics handling, especially on Macs with dedicated GPUs.
- b2 core included in App Store builds – Limited compared to sideloading, but still nice for casual users.
- Orientation lock via display server – A small change, but very handy when gaming on iPhone or iPad in handheld mode.
From my perspective, the iOS experience feels more polished. Touch input no longer misses presses randomly, and external controllers pair quickly without much fiddling.
RetroArch on the Web
- AudioWorklet driver & modern web player – I tested the in-browser version, and audio/video sync finally feels reliable.
- Touch support – Playing retro titles directly in Safari on iPad is surprisingly smooth. Loading times are shorter than before.
Nintendo 3DS
- TLS (SSL) support & crash handling fixes – More stable, fewer UI freezes when navigating menus. Not iOS-related, but worth noting for handheld fans.
Download RetroArch 1.21.0 IPA for iPhone & iPad
Now for the important part, how to get RetroArch on iOS.
If you search the App Store, you’ll only find the b2 version, which has fewer cores and limited functionality. For the full experience, you’ll need the IPA.
RetroArch
An emulator for iOS with support for a variety of systems and consoles.
Best ways to install RetroArch IPA:
- AltStore – My go-to method for sideloading on non-jailbroken devices.
- Sideloadly – Great for Windows users who want an easy one-click install.
- TrollStore – If your iPhone supports it, this gives you a permanent install without 7-day resigning hassles.
- A No PC signing service like FlekSt0re, Feather, or Tutu Helper.
- Finally, you can get RetroArch from the App Store, but it is limited compared to the IPA.
From my experience, TrollStore offers the most “App Store-like” experience, but AltStore is more universal.
What Is RetroArch?
For those who don’t know: RetroArch is an all-in-one emulator frontend. Instead of juggling separate apps for NES, SNES, PlayStation, Game Boy, etc., RetroArch lets you run everything inside one unified interface.
It works through cores, which are basically plug-ins for each console. Load up the SNES core, and you’re ready for Mario. Switch to the PlayStation core, and you can jump into Crash Bandicoot.
In my opinion, what makes RetroArch stand out isn’t just the multi-system support—it’s the level of customization:
- Shaders & video filters – Enhance graphics or mimic classic CRT looks.
- Rewind & fast forward – Perfect for testing or retrying tough levels.
- Save states – Pick up exactly where you left off.
- Controller flexibility – Works with touch, MFi gamepads, and even Bluetooth controllers.
I’ve tested dozens of emulators on iOS, but none offer the same balance of flexibility and stability.
Why I Recommend RetroArch for iOS
Here’s why I personally think RetroArch is worth installing on iPhone or iPad:
RetroArch Pros:
- Supports many classic systems
- All-in-one emulator (no need for multiple apps)
- Open-source and updated regularly
- Touch + controller support
- Shaders, cheats, save states, rewind
- Works on both old and new iPhones/iPads
RetroArch Cons:
- Not exactly self explanatory if you never used it (RTM!)
- App Store version is not the most powerful, but that is due to Apple’s limitations. The sideloaded version is much more powerful.
- Some cores are more stable than others
Performance on iOS 18 vs iOS 26
In my testing:
- On iOS 26 (iPhone 16 Pro) – PlayStation and N64 cores run almost flawlessly with Metal renderer enabled.
- On iOS 18 (older iPad Pro) – Still very playable, though I noticed slightly longer load times.
Even on iOS 14/15 devices, RetroArch runs decently well. If you enable the Metal renderer, you’ll get smoother framerates and fewer graphical glitches.
Final Thoughts
I think RetroArch 1.21.0 is one of the strongest updates in recent years. It’s not just about bug fixes, also the new features genuinely improve the experience on iPhone, iPad, macOS, and even the web.
If you care about retro gaming on iOS, I recommend sideloading the latest IPA instead of relying on the App Store version. It unlocks the full library of cores and features, making RetroArch one of the best emulators you can have on your iPhone or iPad in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I download RetroArch IPA on iPhone without jailbreak?
You can download RetroArch IPA on iPhone without jailbreak by using sideloading tools like AltStore or Sideloadly. These let you install RetroArch directly from your computer. In my experience, AltStore is the easiest method for beginners, while TrollStore (if your device supports it) offers a permanent install with no certificate expiration.
Is RetroArch available in the App Store for iOS?
Yes, but the App Store version of RetroArch is limited. It only includes the b2 core, meaning you won’t get access to the full library of systems. If you want the full RetroArch experience on iPhone and iPad, you’ll need to sideload the IPA.
Does RetroArch work on iOS 18 and iOS 26?
Yes. I tested RetroArch 1.21.0 on both iOS 18 and the latest iOS 26, and it runs smoothly on both. On newer devices, PlayStation and N64 cores perform exceptionally well with the Metal renderer enabled. On older iOS versions, games still run fine, but loading times may be slightly longer.
What consoles can I emulate with RetroArch on iPhone?
RetroArch on iOS supports dozens of systems, including NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, PlayStation 1, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and even arcade machines. From my testing, lighter systems like GBA and SNES run flawlessly, while more demanding cores like N64 work well on modern iPhones.
Can I use RetroArch on iPad without a computer?
Yes. If your device supports TrollStore, you can install RetroArch IPA directly on your iPad without a computer. Otherwise, you’ll need to use AltStore or Sideloadly once, but after setup, updating and reinstalling is simple.
Is RetroArch safe to install on iPhone and iPad?
Absolutely. RetroArch is open-source software developed by the trusted Libretro team. As long as you sideload the IPA from the official RetroArch website or reliable sources, it is completely safe. I’ve used it across multiple iOS versions without security issues.
Does RetroArch support Bluetooth controllers on iOS?
Yes. In my testing with RetroArch 1.21.0, Bluetooth controllers like the Xbox and PlayStation DualShock/ DualSense pair seamlessly with iPhone and iPad. It also supports MFi controllers and touch controls if you prefer a screen-only setup.
Is RetroArch better than standalone emulators on iOS?
In my experience, yes. RetroArch unifies dozens of emulators under one interface, meaning you don’t need separate apps for GBA, SNES, or PlayStation. While standalone emulators may have slightly simpler UIs, RetroArch is more powerful, customizable, and regularly updated.
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