VirtualMacOniPad lets macOS run on M1/M2 iPads via jailbreak

The open‑source project VirtualMacOniPad, created by developer nfzerox, demonstrates that macOS can be installed on Apple‑Silicon iPads. The tool targets iPad Pro and iPad Air models equipped with M1 or M2 chips and requires a jailbreak and iPadOS 16 (up to 16.3.1). It recommends devices with at least 1 TB of storage and 16 GB of RAM for stable operation.

VirtualMacOniPad supports a range of macOS releases from Monterey to the latest Golden Gate, with Ventura, Sonoma and Sequoia advised for everyday use. The environment is primarily aimed at developers who need desktop‑only applications such as Xcode. Because macOS is not designed for touch, the project suggests using a Magic Keyboard, though a virtual keyboard is possible. The software is experimental: users report kernel crashes, accelerated battery wear and loss of Apple warranty.

The project’s GitHub repository remains open to contributions, with future goals to add support for iPadOS 15 and newer versions. While it showcases the flexibility of Apple Silicon, the solution is intended for testing and development rather than replacing iPadOS for regular users.