# GBA4iOS

> Game Boy Advance emulator for iOS

**Wikidata**: [Q131583562](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131583562)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gba4ios

## Summary  
GBA4iOS is a Game Boy Advance emulator designed for iOS devices. It allows users to play classic GBA games on iPhones and iPads. The app was developed by Riley Testut and is based on the VisualBoyAdvance-M emulator core.

## Key Facts  
- GBA4iOS is a Game Boy Advance emulator for iOS devices.  
- It is developed by Riley Testut, also known for creating AltStore and Delta.  
- The software is based on VisualBoyAdvance-M.  
- Licensed under GNU General Public License version 2.0.  
- Source code is hosted on Bitbucket at https://bitbucket.org/rileytestut/gba4ios.  
- Classified as an iOS application, emulator, and mobile app.  
- Copyright status is copyrighted.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is GBA4iOS used for?  
A: GBA4iOS is used to emulate and play Game Boy Advance games on iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads.  

### Q: Who created GBA4iOS?  
A: GBA4iOS was created by Riley Testut, a programmer known for developing other iOS tools like AltStore and Delta.  

### Q: Is GBA4iOS free to use?  
A: Yes, GBA4iOS is distributed under the GNU General Public License v2.0, making it free and open-source software.  

## Why It Matters  
GBA4iOS plays a significant role in preserving and extending access to classic Game Boy Advance titles on modern mobile platforms. As one of the few GBA emulators tailored specifically for iOS, it enables users to revisit nostalgic games without dedicated hardware. Its development reflects broader trends in mobile emulation and homebrew software, often operating in gray areas of platform policy. By leveraging open-source foundations like VisualBoyAdvance-M, GBA4iOS contributes to community-driven preservation efforts while offering insight into the evolving landscape of iOS app distribution through tools like AltStore.

## Notable For  
- Being one of the first fully functional Game Boy Advance emulators built natively for iOS.  
- Utilizing the widely respected VisualBoyAdvance-M as its emulation backend.  
- Releasing under an open-source license (GPLv2), encouraging modification and redistribution.  
- Integration with jailbreak and sideloading ecosystems due to Apple's restrictions on emulation apps.  

## Body  
### Overview  
GBA4iOS is a mobile application that emulates the functionality of the Nintendo Game Boy Advance handheld console, enabling users to play original GBA ROM files on iOS devices. It targets enthusiasts interested in retro gaming and digital preservation.

### Development and Creator  
The project was initiated and maintained by Riley Testut, a prominent figure in the iOS jailbreaking and independent app development scene. He is also the creator of AltStore, an alternative app store for iOS, and Delta, a multi-system emulator for iOS.

### Technical Foundation  
- Based on **VisualBoyAdvance-M**, a well-regarded open-source fork of the original VisualBoyAdvance emulator.  
- Written primarily in Objective-C and optimized for iOS performance.  
- Supports various GBA features including save states, customizable controls, and screen scaling options.

### Licensing and Distribution  
- Distributed under the **GNU General Public License version 2.0**.  
- Cannot be officially published on the App Store due to Apple’s policies against emulation software.  
- Requires third-party methods such as sideloading via AltStore or jailbreaking for installation.

### Repository and Codebase  
- Source code available at: [https://bitbucket.org/rileytestut/gba4ios](https://bitbucket.org/rileytestut/gba4ios)  
- Hosted on **Bitbucket**, utilizing Mercurial version control.  
- Open to public contributions and modifications within the terms of its license.