Since Apple started allowing emulators in 2024, PPSSPP is available on the App Store for iPhone and iPad. No jailbreak, no sideloading, no computer needed. Here’s how to set it up and add your games.
1. Install PPSSPP
Search PPSSPP in the App Store. There’s a free version and PPSSPP Gold, which is the same emulator and supports the developer. Make sure the developer is listed as Henrik Rydgård, PPSSPP’s creator, to avoid copycat apps.
2. Add your games with the Files app
- Open PPSSPP once, then close it. This creates its folder.
- Get your PSP game file (
.isoor.cso) onto the iPhone: download it in Safari, AirDrop it from a Mac, or save it from iCloud Drive / Google Drive. - If it’s a
.zip, tap it in the Files app to extract it. (For .rar or .7z you need an unzip app.) - In Files, long-press the ISO → Move → On My iPhone → PPSSPP. Put it in a subfolder like
PPSSPP/Gamesif you like. - Open PPSSPP, go to the Games tab and browse to the folder. Tap the game to play.
Apple doesn’t allow App Store apps to use JIT, a technique emulators use to run fast. PPSSPP on iPhone uses a different method instead. Recent iPhones still run most PSP games at full speed, but very heavy games may need lower settings than on a similar Android phone.
3. Best settings on iPhone
- Backend: Vulkan (through MoltenVK) is usually the fastest; try OpenGL if a game shows glitches.
- Rendering resolution: 2x on older iPhones, 3x–4x on recent Pro models. Lower it if FPS drops.
- Texture upscaling and post-processing: off if a game is slow.
- Show FPS counter: on, while you tune.
The settings work the same as on Android; see our full PPSSPP settings guide and lag fixes.
4. Use a controller
iPhones support PS5, PS4 and Xbox controllers natively. Hold the pairing buttons on the controller (PS + Create on PlayStation, or the pair button on Xbox) and connect in Settings → Bluetooth. PPSSPP maps them automatically; change anything in Settings → Controls → Control mapping. Our mapping guide explains every option.
5. Saves and moving from Android
Your saves are in Files → On My iPhone → PPSSPP → PSP → SAVEDATA. You can copy saves from an Android phone into this folder and continue there. See how to transfer PPSSPP saves.
Problems
- PPSSPP folder not in Files: open PPSSPP once, then look under On My iPhone (not iCloud Drive).
- Game not in the list: it’s still zipped or in the wrong folder. Browse to it from the Games tab.
- Game is slow: lower the resolution to 1x–2x and turn off effects.
Want PS2 games too? Read our ARMSX2 guide for Android and iPhone.
FAQ
Is PPSSPP on the iPhone App Store?
Yes. PPSSPP and PPSSPP Gold are on the App Store for iPhone and iPad, with no jailbreak needed.
Where do I put PSP games on iPhone?
Move the ISO or CSO into Files > On My iPhone > PPSSPP, then open it from PPSSPP’s Games tab.
Why is PPSSPP slower on iPhone than Android?
App Store apps can’t use JIT, so PPSSPP uses a slower method on iPhone. Most games still run at full speed on recent iPhones.
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