iDOS 3
What iDOS 3 is
iDOS 3 is a DOS emulator for iPhone and iPad that also supports word processing and casual programming. The maker describes it as based on DOSBox 0.74-3 and lists DOS-compatible software plus cue-sheet CD images. Its PC-style on-screen keyboard offers layouts for different devices and orientations. Bluetooth keyboards and mice work on iOS 14 or later, and external Bluetooth game controllers are supported. A virtual gamepad provides customizable key bindings, with a D-pad that can switch to joystick mode. Audio features include MT-32 emulation, MIDI sound fonts, and cue-sheet CD images carrying OGG, MP3, or FLAC tracks. Version 3.3 adds speed adjustment through the cycles window and support for a Documentation folder in a game package. The source is available under GPLv2. iDOS 3 costs $4.99, paid once and has no free plan. It supports iOS, iPadOS, and macOS; iPhone and iPad require version 15 or later, while Mac compatibility requires macOS 12 or later and an Apple M1 chip or later.
Who it suits
iDOS 3 suits people who want DOS games or DOS-era software on Apple devices. It also fits users needing keyboard, controller, and legacy audio options.
What it does well
- Runs classic DOS games on iPhone and iPad
- Supports Bluetooth keyboards and mice
- Customizable virtual gamepad
- MT-32 and MIDI audio options
- Source released under GPLv2
What to know first
- No free plan
- Costs $4.99, paid once
- iPhone and iPad require iOS 15 or later
- Mac requires Apple M1 or later
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| iDOS 3 | iPhone and iPad app · Requires iOS 15.0 or later | $4.99, paid once |
As litchie.com lists them, read 7 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
iDOS 3 provides DOS emulation with flexible controls, legacy audio support, and open-source code across Apple platforms. Its one-time price and operating-system requirements are the main purchasing constraints.
Facts from iDOS 3's own pages
- Audio
- The listing names MT-32 emulation, MIDI sound fonts, and cue sheet CD images with compressed OGG, MP3, or FLAC audio tracks. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Emulator
- The maker describes iDOS as based on DOSBox version 0.74-3. · litchie.com, 7 Oct 2026
- External input
- The listing says Bluetooth keyboards and mice are supported on iOS 14 or later, and external Bluetooth game controllers are supported. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Game controls
- Its virtual gamepad has customizable key bindings, and its D-pad can be switched to joystick mode. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
- On-screen keyboard
- It provides a PC-compatible on-screen keyboard with layouts for different devices and orientations. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Open source
- The maker links the project as open source, and its GitHub README says the source code is released under GPLv2. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Platform requirement
- The App Store listing requires iOS 15 or later on iPhone and iPadOS 15 or later on iPad, and lists Mac compatibility for macOS 12 or later on an Apple M1 chip or later. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The App Store listing reports that the developer indicated the app does not collect data, and says that information has not been verified by Apple. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Private builds
- The maker says Patreon supporters can receive private device builds that last one year and require the device UDID. · litchie.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- iDOS 3 runs classic DOS games on iPhone and iPad, and can also be used for word processing and casual programming. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Recent features
- Version 3.3 supports adjusting speed by tapping the cycles window and supports a Documentation folder in a game package. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker directs bug reports to the GitHub project or @litchiedev on Twitter; the App Store listing also provides [email protected] for support. · litchie.com, 7 Oct 2026
Where iDOS 3 stands on Freedom251
- MS-DOS Emulators#26 of 26