Retroactive vs PlayCover
Side-by-side comparison for macOS
Retroactive
6.0Run Apple apps on incompatible OS versions
PlayCover
8.0Sideload iOS apps and games
| Metric | Retroactive | PlayCover |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Utilities | Utilities |
| AI Score | 6.0 | 8.0 |
| 30-day Installs | 10 | 400 |
| 90-day Installs | 20 | 1.2K |
| 365-day Installs | 86 | 3.4K |
| Version | 2.1 | 3.1.0 |
| Auto-updates | No | Yes |
| Deprecated | Yes | No |
| GitHub Stars | 2.3K | 10.9K |
| GitHub Forks | 130 | 897 |
| Open Issues | - | 510 |
| License | — | GPL-3.0 |
| Language | Swift | Swift |
| Last GitHub Commit | 1y ago | 2mo ago |
| First Seen | Nov 2, 2020 | Aug 15, 2022 |
Reviews
Retroactive
Retroactive allows users to run older Apple applications like Aperture, iPhoto, and iTunes on newer macOS versions where they would otherwise not function. It is particularly useful for users who rely on legacy software that Apple no longer supports natively.
Enables the execution of Apple apps on macOS versions they were not originally designed for.
Pros
- + Works with older versions of Apple apps that are no longer supported
- + Supports multiple macOS versions
- + Free and open-source
Cons
- - Discontinued, with no active development
- - No auto-update feature
- - Low recent installs
PlayCover
PlayCover is a community-driven macOS app that enables users to sideload and run iOS apps and games on their Mac. It's particularly useful for gamers and developers who want to test or play iOS content without an iPhone. The app supports Apple Silicon Macs and offers controller functionality.
Runs iOS apps and games on macOS, primarily on Apple Silicon Macs, with support for game controllers.
Pros
- + Open-source and community-driven, fostering continuous improvement.
- + Active development and responsive issue resolution.
- + Supports Apple Silicon Macs and game controllers.
- + Frequent updates keep the app current and functional.
Cons
- - Occasional stability issues, especially with certain apps and macOS versions.
- - Requires technical proficiency for setup and troubleshooting.