POKE64

Paid iPhone

What POKE64 is

POKE64 is a free, open-source Commodore 64 emulator for iPadOS, built on the VICE x64sc family. It presents an iPad workspace for disks, tapes, cartridges, programs, drives, expansions, and peripherals. The emulator handles C64 and C64C systems in PAL and NTSC modes, with D64, D71, D81, G64, PRG, CRT, TAP, and T64 media formats. Fast Virtual Device Traps and full True Drive emulation are available, with IEC drive units including 8 through 11 in the current development line. REU memory can reach 16 MB, and bundled-core audio choices include ReSID, ReSID-FP, and FastSID where available. Its media library provides artwork, title profiles, and inspection tools. Input includes touch keyboard, joysticks, modern controllers, paddles, KoalaPad, Apple Pencil, and Commodore 1351 mouse support. An IEC printer and virtual modem are also supported. Copyrighted ROMs, firmware, and commercial software images are not bundled. POKE64 is currently identified as a TestFlight beta, with public source and unsigned sideloading builds available.

Who it suits

It suits iPad users wanting a touch-oriented C64 workspace with emulated drives, media management, expansions, and peripherals. It is also relevant to people who prefer free, open-source software and can provide legally permitted ROMs or software images.

What it does well

Supports C64 and C64C in PAL and NTSC modes
Handles eight listed disk, tape, cartridge, and program formats
REU memory support reaches 16 MB
Media library includes artwork and title profiles
Supports Apple Pencil and Commodore 1351 mouse input

What to know first

Copyrighted ROMs and commercial images are not bundled
Currently identified as a TestFlight beta
Virtual modem may transmit data to a selected remote destination
No netplay support

Verdict

POKE64 combines broad C64 media, drive, memory, audio, and peripheral support in an iPad-focused workspace. Its beta status and requirement to supply software images are important considerations.

Facts from POKE64's own pages

Availability: The site identifies POKE64 as a TestFlight beta, says App Store availability is coming soon, and lists public source and unsigned sideloading builds in the repository. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Controls: Controls include an on-screen keyboard, joystick and keyboard input, modern controllers, virtual Paddles, KoalaPad, and Apple Pencil support. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Development: Public source code, release notes, and unsigned sideloading builds are available in the project repository, though the public source snapshot may trail the private beta. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Disk drives: It offers fast virtual disk access or True Drive emulation and supports multiple IEC drives, including units 8 through 11. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Disk I/O: It offers fast Virtual Device Traps and full True Drive emulation, with multiple IEC drive units including units 8 through 11 in the current development line. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Emulation: POKE64 uses the VICE x64sc family as its C64 emulation foundation. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Firmware and media: Commodore ROMs, proprietary peripheral firmware, and commercial software images are not bundled and must be supplied by the user where legally permitted. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Founded: 2026 · alexain.github.io, 28 Sept 2026
Intended audience: The product is designed for people who want a touch-oriented iPad C64 workspace with access to emulated drives and hardware expansions. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Intended users: The product is presented as an iPad workspace for C64 emulation, media, drives, expansions, and peripherals, rather than only a game launcher. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Media formats: The app supports D64, D71, D81, and G64 media, including extended-track and raw-GCR recognition. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Media library: Its native media library organizes disks, tapes, cartridges, and programs with artwork, per-title profiles, and media inspection. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Memory and audio: POKE64 supports REU configurations up to 16 MB and exposes ReSID, ReSID-FP, and FastSID engine choices where available in the bundled core. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Memory and peripherals: It supports REU memory up to 16 MB, a virtual printer and modem, paddles, KoalaPad, and Commodore 1351 mouse input. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Network privacy: When emulated software uses the virtual modem, data may be sent to the remote destination selected by the user. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Optional networking: Using the virtual modem can transmit data to a remote destination selected by the user, which is independent of POKE64 and may have its own privacy practices. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Payments: Apple handles payment details for in-app purchases, while POKE64 receives purchase information needed to determine entitlement status. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Peripherals: The app includes workflows for an IEC printer and virtual modem, plus support for the Commodore 1351 mouse and other control-port devices. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Privacy: Imported files are stored in app-local storage or locations selected through Apple system interfaces, and the app does not need to upload them to a developer-operated server for emulation. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Product: POKE64 is a native Commodore 64 emulator experience designed for iPad. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Purpose: POKE64 is a native Commodore 64 emulator for iPad built on the VICE x64sc core. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
ROMs and software: POKE64 does not bundle copyrighted Commodore ROMs, proprietary peripheral firmware, or commercial software images. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Support: During beta, GitHub Issues is the preferred channel for technical reports and reproducible bug reports. · alexain.github.io, 8 Oct 2026

Where POKE64 stands on Freedom251

Commodore 64 Emulators#31 of 31