iDared 32bit arrived on the App Store in September 2026 as a high-level emulator capable of running 32-bit games and apps from the old iPhone OS on current iPhones and iPads. The project derives from touchHLE, requires no JIT and no sideloading, and already appears in the Brazilian store for R$ 19.90, with official support for iOS 17 or later.
Developer Alex Martin publicly announced the app's availability on September 28. According to him, removing JIT was precisely the path that allowed the fork to make it to Apple's store. iDared 32bit primarily targets software created for iPhone OS 2.x and 3.x, although some later titles may also work.
iDared 32bit runs old games without JIT
The iDared 32bit follows the high-level emulation approach of touchHLE. Instead of replicating all the hardware of an old iPhone and booting a complete copy of the system, the software reimplements frameworks used by apps from that era. This way, it creates the necessary environment to run game code on modern devices.
In addition, the fork removes the JIT dependency. This decision reduces one of the main barriers to conventional distribution on iOS, since the user does not need to enable a debugger, install external tools, or resort to sideloading to launch the emulator.
This difference contrasts with heavier emulation projects on the iPhone. In a recent article, Allves Games showed how the iCube also tries to boost performance without JIT for GameCube and Wii. However, the two projects tackle quite different systems and workloads.
Castle of Magic in a touchHLE build, a project that serves as the basis for iDared 32bit. Image: official touchHLE compatibility database.
iDared 32bit derives from touchHLE
The application does not represent an emulator written from scratch. The App Store page itself identifies iDared 32bit as an independent fork of touchHLE. The original project remains open source and maintains a compatibility base dedicated to first-generation iPhone apps.
touchHLE also uses high-level emulation. Therefore, it implements parts of frameworks like UIKit, Foundation, OpenGL ES, and OpenAL instead of fully replicating an Apple device. iDared adapts this base to run natively on modern iPhones.
According to the fork's developer, compatibility should be close to that found in touchHLE, but differences may occur. Therefore, the original project's list works only as a reference. It does not guarantee that a game classified as compatible on touchHLE will exhibit the exact same behavior on iDared.
iPhone OS 2.x and 3.x games are the focus
The App Store states that the emulator primarily targets titles from the iPhone OS 2.x and 3.x eras. The developer also stated that they do not intend to turn the project into a solution for modern 64-bit applications.
In early public reports, users mentioned the functionality of games like Dungeon Hunter, N.O.V.A., Asphalt 5, Earthworm Jim, Metal Gear Solid Touch, and Rayman 2. These results represent individual experiences and not a universal certification. Other titles still display a black screen, errors, or crashes.
Metal Gear Solid Touch running on touchHLE. The project's database helps estimate compatibility, but does not replace specific tests on iDared 32bit. Image: touchHLE.
Consequently, the current stage still requires realistic expectations. The official description classifies the application as an emulator in development and states that compatibility varies by title.
Brazilian App Store now offers the emulator
In Brazil, Apple's official page lists iDared 32bit for R$ 19,90. The store requires iOS 17.0 or later and identifies Alex Martin as the developer. The app also offers game selection via the Files app, touch controls, virtual cursor, gamepad support, accelerometer simulation, persistent saves, and per-game options.
The program does not include games. Therefore, the user needs to add their own legally obtained files. This requirement also follows the guidance of the original touchHLE, which recommends running only software that the user has the right to use.
For those following emulation on the iPhone, the arrival on the store represents an important delta. Until now, many projects depend on TestFlight, SideStore, or other external methods. The Allves Games also maintains a SideStore guide on iPhone, but iDared 32bit does not require this process when installed via the App Store.
Current version fixes a graphic issue
The App Store currently lists version 1.1.23. The history states that this update made the Mozilla Public License 2.0 license explicit and fixed a major graphic inconsistency that could cause crashes.
Therefore, the news goes beyond a future announcement or an experimental demonstration. The app already has official distribution, pricing in Brazil, and a public version available on Apple's infrastructure. At the same time, compatibility continues to evolve and still heavily depends on each game.
Sources: App Store Brazil; developer's announcement on r/EmulationOniOS; touchHLE official site; touchHLE official repository.
