What's a good iOS app for running a Linux shell environment locally?

iSH Shell provides a complete local Linux environment on your iOS device, letting you run terminal commands and utilities.

linuxshellterminalemulatorcommand linealpinex86localenvironmentish
iSH Shell is an excellent choice for running a Linux shell environment directly on your iOS device. It leverages the musl libc and a userspace x86 emulator to provide a functional Alpine Linux environment. This means you can execute familiar terminal commands, manage files, and even run some Linux applications without needing a remote server. It's particularly useful for developers who want to test scripts or manage files on the go. The app is lightweight and doesn't require jailbreaking your device. iSH Shell provides a convenient way to access a command-line interface, making it a valuable tool for system administrators and tech enthusiasts alike. The ability to have a portable Linux environment opens up a world of possibilities for on-device development and system administration tasks.

Key Features

Alpine Linux Environment: Provides a complete and lightweight Linux distribution.
x86 Emulation: Allows running x86 binaries on ARM-based iOS devices.
Local Access: Enables running commands and managing files directly on your device without requiring a remote server.

"This app is amazing! I can now run a full Linux environment on my iPad without any compromises. The performance is surprisingly good, and I can even use it for coding and testing. It's a game-changer for mobile development."

— 5★ User Review
IOSUpdated: 7/7/2025
iSH Shell icon

iSH Shell

by Theodore Dubois

4.7
Get on App Store

Screenshots

iSH Shell screenshot 1

Platform

ios