VirtualKim - 6502 Emulator
Coding like it's meant to be.
Free · In‑App Purchases · Designed for iPad. Not verified for macOS.
The 6502 development studio, emulator, teacher, and games machine you can bring with you; and a useful set of 6502 instructions for your Apple Watch too.
The 6502 microprocessor changed the world. Released in the 1970’s, it was the reason that home computers were within the reach of many hobbyists. This app re-creates the 6502 CPU and some of the hardware that used it. This isn't a game (although games are included), this is an emulation of the 8-bit processor, complete with an assembler and some programming puzzles to solve.
Start with the most basic user interface you can imagine - six 7-segment LEDs and some buttons - to enter, debug and run your applications. Then upgrade to a display and keyboard, and use the built-in monitor program to dump memory, makes edits and execute your code. Can you run BASIC? Maybe. FORTH? Perhaps. Assembler? Definitely!
Don't think of this as a something "fun" or "enjoyable" in the traditional sense. Think of it as a puzzle: how on earth did those folks in the 1970's manage to do ANYTHING when computers were this basic?
Documentation is provided, but to get the most of out of this app you'll need to do your own research. Just like in the 1970s.
Features
- KIM-1 keypad/LED mode simulator.
- KIM-1 serial terminal mode simulator.
- Apple 1 serial terminal mode simulator.
- Multiple programs including Life, Mastermind, word games, Trek, and more.
- Working 6502 Assembler with single-step, memory and register view.
- A comprehensive 6502 tutorial system with interactive lessons and reference material.
- Shareware! All features are always available without a purchase.
Watch app updates; register view in assembler, more sample code, and other minor tweaks.
The developer, John Kennedy, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
Information
- Seller
- John Kennedy
- Size
- 75.9 MB
- Category
- Education
- Compatibility
Requires iOS 17.0 or later.
- iPhone
Requires iOS 17.0 or later. - iPad
Requires iPadOS 17.0 or later. - Mac
Requires macOS 14.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later. - Apple Vision
Requires visionOS 1.0 or later. - Apple Watch
Requires watchOS 26.5 or later.
- iPhone
- Languages
- English
- Age Rating
4+
- 4+
- In-App Purchases
Yes
- Buy Me a Coffee $0.99
- Copyright
- © Copyright John Kennedy 2026
