Apple 2 Emulators

Apple II Emulators (updated July 20th, 2025)

AppleWin

Operating Systems: Windows
URL: https://github.com/AppleWin/AppleWin
Latest Version Released: June 2, 2025 (v1.30.21.0)

AppleWin is a fully-featured, open-source Apple II emulator specifically designed for Windows. It supports multiple Apple II models including the II+, IIe, and enhanced IIe, with extensive peripheral card support and video display modes (NTSC, RGB). The emulator includes a powerful built-in symbolic debugger, Mockingboard and Phasor sound card support, hard drive emulation, save states, and even Uthernet ethernet support. AppleWin is actively maintained and considered one of the most comprehensive Apple II emulators available.

Virtual ][

Operating Systems: macOS
URL: https://www.virtualii.com/
Latest Version Released: November 10, 2024 (v12.1.1)

Virtual ][ is a premium shareware Apple II emulator for macOS that's widely regarded as the best Apple II emulator for Mac systems. It emulates Apple ][, ][+, //e, and //c models with exceptional accuracy and polish. The emulator features a highly intuitive interface, extensive virtual hardware options (peripheral cards, memory cards, serial cards, Mockingboard), printer emulation that outputs to PDF, and unique features like mounting Mac folders as hard drives. Virtual ][ offers both evaluation and full commercial licenses.

microM8

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux
URL: https://paleotronic.com/software/microm8/
Latest Version Released: January 29, 2024

microM8 is an enhanced Apple II and IIe emulator that goes beyond traditional emulation by offering "upcycling" features. It provides solid Apple II emulation with NTSC cycle-accuracy, artifact generation, and supports DHGR games. Unique features include 3D graphics rendering, HD graphics modes, live rewind capabilities (the only publicly available Apple II emulator with this feature), cloud-based disk library integration, and experimental super-high resolution graphics modes. The emulator also includes a browser-based reverse debugger and integrated music tracker.

KEGS

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux
URL: https://kegs.sourceforge.net/
Latest Version Released: December 10, 2023 (v1.33)

KEGS (Kent's Emulated GS) is a very full-featured Apple IIGS emulator that originated in the 1990s. After a 16-year hiatus, it resumed active development in 2020 with excellent enhancements. The emulator supports ROM 01 and 03 IIGS models, offers ZipGS acceleration up to 128 MHz, includes a debugger, and supports memory expansion up to 14 MB. KEGS can print to network printers via TCP/IP and features comprehensive disk support including multiple SmartPort drives. While the interface is somewhat clunky, it provides highly accurate IIGS emulation.

OpenEmulator

Operating Systems: macOS
URL: https://openemulator.github.io/
Latest Version Released: March 11, 2022 (v1.1.1)

OpenEmulator is a free, open-source emulator that aims for exceptional fidelity to real Apple II hardware appearance and behavior. It emulates Apple II, II Plus, IIe (both unenhanced and enhanced), Apple-1, and various foreign variants and clones. The emulator emphasizes historical accuracy, including authentic disk drive sounds that can be configured for either Shugart or Alps mechanisms. OpenEmulator features scanline effects to simulate CRT monitors and provides detailed peripheral configuration options, though it lacks some modern conveniences found in other emulators.

GSport

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux
URL: https://david-schmidt.github.io/gsport/
Latest Version Released: June 21, 2014 (v0.31)

GSport is a portable Apple IIGS emulator based on KEGS that adds networking and printing capabilities. Key features include Uthernet ethernet emulation with bridging to EtherTalk, AppleTalk networking emulation, ImageWriter LQ printer emulation, and clipboard text paste functionality. While development has slowed significantly, GSport remains notable for being one of the few emulators supporting network features like AppleTalk, making it valuable for users wanting to experience the IIGS's networking capabilities.

LinApple

Operating Systems: Linux
URL: https://github.com/linappleii/linapple
Latest Version Released: 2015 (original author), community forks available

LinApple is a cross-platform Apple II/IIe emulator designed primarily for Linux systems. Based on AppleWin, it provides solid 8-bit Apple II emulation with support for standard disk formats and peripheral emulation. While the original author discontinued development in 2015, community members have continued enhancing it. The emulator works well for basic Apple II emulation needs on Linux, though it may require some technical setup and lacks the polish of more actively maintained alternatives.

Apple2TS

Operating Systems: Web browser (any platform)
URL: https://apple2ts.com/
Latest Version Released: Ongoing development (web-based)

Apple2TS is a browser-based Apple II emulator written in TypeScript. As a web emulator, it provides Apple II emulation that runs directly in modern web browsers without requiring software installation. This makes it accessible on platforms where native emulators aren't available, including mobile devices and Chromebooks. While web-based emulators typically have limitations compared to native applications, Apple2TS offers convenient access to Apple II software from any device with a modern browser.

GSplus

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux
URL: https://apple2.gs/plus/
Latest Version Released: Ongoing alpha development

GSplus is an open-source, cross-platform Apple II/IIGS emulator based on KEGS and GSport. The project aims to create an easier-to-install and more user-friendly emulator while modernizing the codebase. Notable features include drag-and-drop disk image support directly to the Finder desktop, though the project remains in alpha phase with known bugs. GSplus represents an attempt to bring KEGS-based emulation into the modern era with improved usability.

MAME (Apple II Support)

Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux
URL: https://www.mamedev.org/
Latest Version Released: Ongoing monthly releases

MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) includes comprehensive Apple II family emulation as part of its mission to preserve computing history. MAME supports numerous Apple II models, clones, and an extensive array of historical interface cards and peripherals that other emulators don't support. It's also one of the few modern emulators offering Apple III emulation. While MAME's interface can be complex and requires ROM files, it provides unparalleled hardware preservation and accuracy for users interested in exploring the full breadth of Apple II ecosystem hardware.

Additional Notes

  • ROM Requirements: Most emulators require Apple II ROM files to function, which users must obtain separately
  • Active Development: AppleWin, Virtual ][, and KEGS are the most actively maintained emulators
  • Platform Recommendations:
    • Windows: AppleWin
    • macOS: Virtual ][ (commercial) or KEGS (free)
    • Linux: LinApple or KEGS
    • Cross-platform/Modern features: microM8
    • Web/Mobile: Apple2TS
  • Apple IIGS Focus: KEGS, GSport, and GSplus are specifically strong for Apple IIGS emulation
  • Historical Accuracy: OpenEmulator and MAME excel at faithful hardware reproduction