8 votes

How to install Windows 3.1 on an iPad

9 comments

  1. [3]
    JXM
    Link
    It's obviously running in emulation, but it's kind of fun to see Windows 3.1 running on an iPad. I wonder if you can upgrade the Windows 3.1 install to Windows 95? Does it work with any of the...

    It's obviously running in emulation, but it's kind of fun to see Windows 3.1 running on an iPad.

    I wonder if you can upgrade the Windows 3.1 install to Windows 95? Does it work with any of the pre-XP versions of Windows that are DOS based?

    3 votes
    1. Bear
      Link Parent
      According to the developer's site, the app is "based on DOSBox, version 0.74-3", so theoretically anything that runs on that version will run on this iDevice port. Sadly that does not appear to...

      I wonder if you can upgrade the Windows 3.1 install to Windows 95? Does it work with any of the pre-XP versions of Windows that are DOS based?

      According to the developer's site, the app is "based on DOSBox, version 0.74-3", so theoretically anything that runs on that version will run on this iDevice port. Sadly that does not appear to include Windows 95, at least not until a later 0.8x version, based on some quick googling.

      2 votes
    2. knocklessmonster
      Link Parent
      It can be done in DOSBox, so I'd bet it can be done on this port of DOSBox. More adcanced forks, like -staging or -X are better at doing this (I got Windows 98 running in DOSBox-X), but don't...

      It can be done in DOSBox, so I'd bet it can be done on this port of DOSBox. More adcanced forks, like -staging or -X are better at doing this (I got Windows 98 running in DOSBox-X), but don't exist for iOS.

      1 vote
  2. [6]
    ducc
    Link
    I’m surprised Apple is allowing this on the app store, given their strict policy on emulators. Did this one slip through the cracks, or are they changing their attitude towards them? If this is...

    I’m surprised Apple is allowing this on the app store, given their strict policy on emulators. Did this one slip through the cracks, or are they changing their attitude towards them? If this is allowed, would it be a stretch to allow something like UTM or console emulators as well? From a quick Ctrl+F of the app store review guidelines, I don’t even see emulators mentioned anywhere.

    2 votes
    1. moocow1452
      Link Parent
      I'm assuming that it has escaped Apple's attention up to this point and now that there's an article being passed around about it, the hammer of God will strike true.

      I'm assuming that it has escaped Apple's attention up to this point and now that there's an article being passed around about it, the hammer of God will strike true.

      5 votes
    2. JXM
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      If I recall correctly, the app was originally approved, then removed by Apple, and reinstated after the developer raised a public stink and got approved.

      If I recall correctly, the app was originally approved, then removed by Apple, and reinstated after the developer raised a public stink and got approved.

      2 votes
    3. [3]
      Greg
      Link Parent
      According to the article:

      According to the article:

      iDOS has a spotty history on the App Store. Way back in 2010, Apple pulled an earlier version of the app because it allowed people to run unapproved code loaded through iTunes. Last year, its author updated the app to pull DOS files from iCloud or the Files app, and Apple approved it. So far, it’s still listed, so let’s hope that it sticks.

      1 vote
      1. [2]
        ducc
        Link Parent
        I saw that, but I don't really see how loading code through the files app is any different than through iTunes. If anything, it's easier.

        I saw that, but I don't really see how loading code through the files app is any different than through iTunes. If anything, it's easier.

        1 vote
        1. Greg
          Link Parent
          Oh I agree with you on that part, it confused me too! The fact it's already been through the reject/update/approve cycle with Apple makes me think that they're at least somewhat aware and it...

          Oh I agree with you on that part, it confused me too! The fact it's already been through the reject/update/approve cycle with Apple makes me think that they're at least somewhat aware and it wasn't a fluke, which was more what I was pointing to, but admittedly with them that's by no means a guarantee for the future.

          1 vote