# iAltairHD — Vintage computing on your iPad

> Simulates a vintage MITS Altair 8800 computer with classic operating systems and software. (iPhone/iPad app by Peter Schorn.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ialtairhd/id413875670 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Peter Schorn](https://appshunter.io/developer/291182088)
- Category: Education
- Price: $5.99
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 7 App Store ratings · 10 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.4 · 26 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2011-02-22
- Data updated: 2026-06-06
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ialtairhd/id413875670/reviews.md

## What is iAltairHD?

iAltairHD pretends to be a MITS Altair 8800 computer and gives you a glimpse how old operating systems like CP/M 2 have felt. It is fully loaded with software but please note that the system is completely self contained and this means that you cannot remotely add any code.

If you want to play a classic text based adventure game such as Zork, talk to Eliza, play Startrek, do a little bit of WordStar or create a little program in Basic or TurboPascal, iAltairHD is for you.

The iAltairHD computer supports
- 8080, Z80 and 8086 CPU
- Basic VT100 terminal emulation for full screen editors and games
- CPU speed throttling for classic terminal games
- Dropbox integration for disk backup

The following software is included:
- Altair Basic (4k and 8k) and Altair DOS
- CP/M 2 with Basic, Pascal MT+, Prolog, TurboPascal, WordStar, VEDIT screen editor, Multiplan, dBASE II, a collection of classic Basic games and text based adventures
- CP/M 3 with the possibility to exchange data between CP/M 2 and CP/M 3
- CP/M 86 with VEDIT and Pascal MT+ 86
- MS-DOS 1.25 with Basic-86 and Perfect Writer

## Key features

- 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)

## Recent user reviews (10 of 10)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ialtairhd/id413875670/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Brilliant

*2023-01-21, version 1.20*

A very comprehensive suite of programs, and very intuitive

### 5/5 — Excellent tribute to computer history

*2021-05-29*

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 :-)

### 5/5 — Faithful recreation - perfect for students

*2018-02-27*

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.

### 1/5 — Don't buy this

*2014-11-23*

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

### 3/5 — Pretty cool but needs the switches interface

*2014-04-22*

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!

### 5/5 — Altair computer

*2014-01-10*

Great emulator

### 5/5 — Superb emulation.

*2013-10-10, version 1.7*

This app does exactly what it says it does, in that it accurately emulates the old Altair 8800 machine.  In addition, it also has versions of CPM and early MS DOS that show you how computer use has changed.

The interface is slightly clunky, but works well with the feel of the retro nature of the emulation.  There are plenty of applications on the disks contained within the emulator to keep you entertained for hours and the level of control with in the app is impressive.

Good quality app and well worth the price.

### 5/5 — Very cool

*2012-12-28*

This is an awesome app that deserves more attention.  It is like having a pc in your tablet!  It does need some refinement but still is a great tool for,an enthusiast.

### 5/5 — Absolutely amazing!

*2012-02-12*

Now this app isn't for everyone, but for a geek like me it's absolutely amazing.

Everything works just as it should, even having to use _ when you make a mas__istake.

I love it, an easy 5 stars!

### 4/5 — Altair resurrected

*2011-04-16, version 1.0*

Very good emulator, would love to see state LEDs on a front panel. Would be more complete with reference manuals.

## Frequently asked questions about iAltairHD

### 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.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.23 — 2026-01-07

• 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.

### 1.22 — 2024-03-15

• Increased paste buffer size

### 1.21 — 2023-03-10

• Improved layout for 12.9-inch iPad

### 1.20 — 2022-06-08

• Small technology refresh

### 1.19 — 2021-12-05

• Improved contrast in dark mode

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## More apps by Peter Schorn

- [iAltair](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ialtair/id291182085)
- [Bonus Hunter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bonus-hunter/id300144823)
- [Sequember Train To Remember](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sequember-train-to-remember/id301427614)
- [MindCalc Arithmetic Trainer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindcalc-arithmetic-trainer/id306974064)
- [Better Brain Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/better-brain-lite/id307920888)
- [Better Brain](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/better-brain/id307922453)

All apps by Peter Schorn: https://appshunter.io/developer/291182088

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-06.*