iAltairHD

iAltairHD

Vintage computing on your iPad

7 ratings
10 reviews
$5.99

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • February 22, 2011
  • January 7, 2026
iAltairHD screenshot #1 for iPad
iAltairHD screenshot #2 for iPad
iAltairHD screenshot #3 for iPad
iAltairHD screenshot #4 for iPad
iAltairHD screenshot #5 for iPad
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About

Experience vintage computing with a simulated MITS Altair 8800. Explore classic operating systems like CP/M and MS-DOS, and run beloved software such as WordStar and Zork. This self-contained system offers a nostalgic look at early computing.

MITS Altair 8800 simulation
CP/M 2, CP/M 3, CP/M 86, and MS-DOS 1.25 support
Includes WordStar, Zork, Eliza, and Basic
VT100 terminal emulation
Dropbox integration for backups
Multiple CPU support (8080, Z80, 8086)
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What's New in iAltairHD

1.23

January 7, 2026

• Changed the backup destination from DropBox to iCloud. IMPORTANT: If you have made a backup and still need it, you should restore the backup prior to upgrading. Alternatively, you upgrade, create a new backup and replace the file backup_ijkl in the iAltairHD folder in your iCloud drive with the one from DropBox.

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User reviews

Brilliant

A very comprehensive suite of programs, and very intuitive

Excellent tribute to computer history

Thank you so much for making this app—it’s so neat to be able to be actually using a simulated Altair, CPM, early Microsoft BASIC and MS-DOS—all parts of home computing history! I can now actually show my children what computing was like when I was a kid :-)

Faithful recreation - perfect for students

A must-have App for computer students and computer history buffs.

Faithfully recreates a number of models and operating systems along with common software used at the time. For me it was a nostalgic trip.

The interface was pretty intuitive. The only thing I would change is to add the ability to hide the UI when using an external keyboard, like the Apple Keyboard cover. That would give the App a true “full-screen” experience.
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Don't buy this

It doesn't do anything it just looks like a basic system

Pretty cool but needs the switches interface

I like how this app has emulation of older operating systems! But it's missing something. You know how if you just had the altair by itself, its a bunch of switches and LEDs and you could put your own data and programs in binary? It needs that interface. If it had that, I guarantee I would rate this app at 5 stars. Other than that, its pretty cool!
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FAQ

What is iAltairHD?

iAltairHD simulates the MITS Altair 8800 vintage computer, allowing you to run classic operating systems like CP/M and MS-DOS. It comes pre-loaded with software such as WordStar, Zork, and various Basic programs.

What operating systems can I run on iAltairHD?

You can run CP/M 2, CP/M 3, CP/M 86, and MS-DOS 1.25. The system is fully self-contained, meaning you cannot remotely add new code or software.

What kind of classic software is included with iAltairHD?

iAltairHD includes popular vintage software like WordStar for word processing, Zork for text-based adventure gaming, Eliza for conversational interaction, and various programming environments such as Basic and TurboPascal.

Does iAltairHD support external storage or backups?

Yes, iAltairHD features Dropbox integration, which allows for disk backup. This helps you preserve your work and data within the simulated environment.

What devices is iAltairHD compatible with?

iAltairHD is designed specifically for iPads. It is not available on other Apple devices like iPhones or Macs.

How often is iAltairHD updated?

The latest version, 1.23, was last updated on January 7, 2026. While the last update date is in the future, this indicates ongoing development and support for the application.

What is the age rating for iAltairHD?

iAltairHD has an age rating of 4+. This suggests it is suitable for a wide range of users, including younger individuals interested in educational or historical computing experiences.

How does iAltairHD compare to other vintage computing emulators?

iAltairHD focuses specifically on the MITS Altair 8800 and its associated operating systems like CP/M. Its strength lies in its comprehensive software bundle and authentic simulation of this particular vintage machine.