🔴 MUST READ FOR UPSCROLLED USERS
How to temporarily use @realUpScrolled on desktop:
I keep getting asked this, so here’s the straight answer - UpScrolled are working on a web version, but for now, just because an app is only on iOS or Android does not mean you’re locked out on desktop.
There are ways to use it on Windows and macOS without building anything, coding anything, or waiting for a desktop version. Some options are cleaner than others, some are a little hacky, but they work, and regular users can do all of this.
Option 1: Android Emulator (This is probably the most practical)
This is the option that works for the most people, on the most machines, with the least friction. An Android emulator is just software that runs a virtual Android phone on your computer. You install it, open it, and suddenly you have a phone running inside a desktop window. You install the app like you normally would and use it with your mouse and keyboard.
This works on Windows and macOS, including Intel Macs and Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3). It doesn’t require developer access, it doesn’t require modifying the app, and it doesn’t care how the app was built. The UI still looks like a phone screen, you’re not magically getting a desktop layout, but everything functions exactly as it would on your phone.
If the app exists on Android, this is the most reliable way to use it on desktop. Not elegant, but effective and importantly free.
Option 2: Apple Macbooks running silicon chips (M Series) If you’re on a newer Mac with an M series chip, Apple sometimes lets you run iPhone or iPad apps directly on macOS. No emulator, no extra software. You just open the Mac App Store, search for the app, and check the "iPhone & iPad Apps" section.
If the developer hasn’t disabled it, you can install it like a normal Mac app and run it in a window. Performance is great because it’s native. This is the cleanest experience when it works. See below. I have UpScrolled iOS/iPad app running on my Macbook.
The catch is that it’s inconsistent. Some apps allow it, some don’t. Developers can turn it off whenever they want. And even when it works, the UI can feel awkward because it was never designed for a mouse - so keep this in mind, but it does work.
Option 3: iPad Version on macOS (Also only available on the M series)
Sometimes the iPhone version won’t run on macOS, but the iPad version will. If the app has a proper iPad layout, it can actually feel better on desktop than the phone version. Same deal as above, same limitations, same "this might disappear tomorrow" risk, but again, worth checking if you’re already on an M series Mac. Nice and easy to install like any other app.
What I'd actually recommend depending on your setup
If you’re on Windows, use an Android emulator. That’s it.
If you’re on macOS with an Intel chip, same answer - Android emulator.
If you’re on macOS with M1, M2, or M3, check the Mac App Store first to see if the iOS or iPad version runs natively, and if it doesn’t, fall back to an Android emulator.
