One of the original iOS Game Boy Advance emulators, and the app that led to Delta.
GBA4iOS has a notable place in iOS emulation history — it was one of the first Game Boy Advance emulators built specifically for iPhone, created by developer Riley Testut before he went on to build the more broadly capable Delta Emulator. Some users still prefer it specifically for GBA, since it's a focused, single-system app rather than a multi-console one.
Like other console emulators on iOS, it's installed via sideloading rather than the App Store. It supports on-screen touch controls, Bluetooth controllers, save states, and fast-forward, covering the basics well for Game Boy Advance libraries specifically.
One practical note: since Testut's own development attention moved to Delta years ago, there's no single actively maintained official GBA4iOS download today — most current copies circulate through third-party archives and mirrors. Delta (linked below) is the actively maintained continuation from the same developer and the safer bet if you want ongoing updates.
GBA4iOS installs on a standard, non-jailbroken iPhone or iPad through sideloading.
Save your progress at almost any point and pick up exactly where you left off.
Connect a Bluetooth MFi controller alongside the on-screen touch controls.
Free Apple ID signatures need re-signing roughly every week — a normal part of sideloaded apps, not specific to GBA4iOS.
Set up AltStore or Sideloadly on a Mac or PC, or use an EU alternative marketplace directly on-device where available.
Get the .ipa for GBA4iOS from its official or trusted source.
Your sideloading tool uses your Apple ID to generate the signing certificate the app needs.
Connect your iPhone or iPad and let the tool push the signed app over.
Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management, then trust the profile before opening GBA4iOS.
Development attention has largely shifted to Delta Emulator by the same original developer, though GBA4iOS remains usable for GBA-specific emulation.
GBA4iOS focuses on Game Boy Advance only, while Delta expanded to cover NES, SNES, N64, DS and more in one app.
No. GBA4iOS installs through sideloading on a standard, non-jailbroken iPhone or iPad.
You'll need your own legally owned or backed-up GBA ROM files — the app doesn't include games.
Follow the steps above and you'll be set up in a few minutes.
Get Delta (Active Successor)