UTM SE and the Limitations on iOS: How Apple’s Restrictions Affect Performance
In an interesting twist for retro gaming aficionados and vintage software enthusiasts, the developers of the PC emulator UTM have managed to get a version called UTM SE onto the iOS App Store. However, this new version comes with significant performance limitations due to restrictions imposed by Apple. As a result, users hoping for a smooth emulation experience may find themselves disappointed.
What is UTM SE?
UTM SE is an emulator that allows users to run various software and games designed for different processors on iOS devices. Built upon the QEMU open-source emulation layer, UTM supports over 30 processors, ranging from x86 and PowerPC to RISC-V and ARM64. The App Store listing promises to let you “run classic software and old-school games” through both VGA graphics mode and text-based terminal mode. The developers provide pre-configured settings for Windows versions going as far back as XP, alongside guides to help users set up these operating systems on their iPhones.
Why “Slow Edition”? The Impact of Lacking JIT Compilation
Despite the initial excitement, UTM SE has been dubbed by some users as the “Slow Edition.” This nickname stems from a key limitation: the app cannot use Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation because of Apple’s App Store restrictions. JIT allows software to translate code into machine language on the fly, significantly improving performance. Without JIT, UTM SE relies on a Tiny-Code Threaded Interpreter (TCTI), which interprets each original line of code one by one rather than converting it into a more efficient form. In simple terms, this makes the emulator much slower.
A moderator known as CZ on the UTM Discord summed it up aptly: “This is us telling you gaming on UTM SE is not happening.” The restrictions make running more advanced emulations almost impractical. Users have reported that running Linux through UTM SE results in a “dog slow” and “gloopy experience.”
How Does it Affect Gaming?
If you’re thinking about using UTM SE for gaming, be prepared for a less-than-smooth ride. The lack of JIT compilation severely hampers performance, making it challenging to run anything more demanding than very old and lightweight software. For instance, emulators like DolphiniOS, which try to run GameCube/Wii games, also suffer greatly from the lack of JIT and can’t achieve functional frame rates through the iOS App Store version.
“Gaming on UTM SE is not happening.” – CZ, UTM Discord
However, not all is bleak. Emulators such as Delta manage to run classic gaming consoles up through the Nintendo DS at playable frame rates despite similar restrictions, which suggests that UTM SE could still handle older titles from the MS-DOS or Windows 95 era.
Workarounds and Alternatives
For those unable to tolerate the performance limitations of UTM SE, there are alternatives. Non-SE versions of the app, which include JIT compilation, can still be installed via sideloading or through alternative app stores. This allows users to tap into the full potential of the emulator without being hindered by the restrictions of the App Store.
- Sideloading: This involves manually installing the app using tools like AltStore or Cydia Impactor, although it may require some technical know-how and additional steps.
- Alternative App Stores: Apps like AltStore provide a way to install emulators with fewer restrictions than Apple’s App Store, enabling users to have a smoother emulation experience.
Final Thoughts
While the availability of UTM SE on the iOS App Store is a promising step for emulation enthusiasts, the lack of JIT compilation significantly affects its performance. The primary audience for UTM SE is likely those looking to run very old or less demanding software. For more intensive tasks, sideloading the non-SE version remains the best option. In the ever-evolving landscape of emulation on iOS, UTM SE represents a small but significant milestone, complete with its own set of challenges and limitations.
With these constraints in mind, potential users should weigh their options carefully and consider the type of software they wish to emulate before diving into UTM SE on iOS.
also read:Relive Childhood Gaming Glory on iOS with Antstreams Retro Gaming Library