GoKawiilHackiOS project boots unmodified iOS 16.5 on Android phone and QEMU
A research project called HackiOS, from a group identifying as OOSEX GANG, runs Apple's open-source XNU kernel alongside an unmodified iOS 16.5 user space on a POCO X5 Pro 5G Android phone and in QEMU emulation. The system boots entirely from RAM via fastboot without flashing the device, and reverts to Android on reboot; the project uses custom EFI/UEFI loaders and driver replacements rather than any Apple binaries, pulling IPSW files directly from Apple's CDN at runtime.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The project demonstrates that iOS's core user-space components can run on non-Apple silicon when paired with a from-scratch bootloader and driver layer, which could interest researchers studying iOS internals, security, or portability. Significant limitations remain - no cellular, Bluetooth, charging, or full GPU acceleration - suggesting this is an early-stage proof of concept rather than a usable alternative to Apple hardware. Because it relies on Apple's proprietary IPSW and kernel code fetched from Apple's own servers, it may raise questions about licensing and Apple's response, though the project states it is unaffiliated with Apple.
- HackiOS runs iOS 16.5's XNU kernel and user space on a Snapdragon 778G Android phone and in QEMU, without flashing the device.
- Core functions like the lock screen, home screen, and several stock apps work, but cellular, Bluetooth, charging and full GPU support do not yet.
- The project avoids redistributing Apple files by having users fetch the iOS 16.5 IPSW directly from Apple's CDN.
POCO X5 Pro 5G Smartphone — This is the exact device used to boot the XNU kernel and run iOS 16.5 userland in this project, making it the ideal hardware for hobbyists wanting to replicate or experiment with HackiOS. Its Snapdragon 778G chipset and unlockable bootloader make it a great platform for tinkering with custom firmware and UEFI loaders without permanently modifying the device.
See POCO X5 Pro 5G Smartphone on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: github.com, 2026-10-22
Published there as: “Show HN: Run full iOS 16.5 firmware on Android Devices”
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