# SDK85 — 8085 machine code programming

> Emulator for Intel's 8085 System Design Kit for machine code programming. (iPhone/iPad app by Juergen Schuck.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sdk85/id6443719532 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Juergen Schuck](https://appshunter.io/developer/1616701349)
- Category: Developer Tools, Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 17.0 · 12 MB
- Languages: American English, German (Germany)
- Released: 2025-10-03
- Data updated: 2026-09-04
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sdk85/id6443719532/reviews.md

## What is SDK85?

An emulator of the SDK-85 System Design Kit issued by Intel in the mid-seventies. The kit featured an 8085 micro processor, some basic IO chips, and a UI comprised of a hexpad and a six-digit seven-segment display. There was also a ROM plugged onto the board which contained a monitor program to enter and execute machine code on the 8085. The app emulates an 8085 and executes the monitor (shippment granted by Intel as long as the app is free and educational).

The original kit leveraged the serial IO pins of the 8085 to connect a TTY as a somewhat more comfortable alternative to the hexpad/ display UI used by the monitor on startup. A wipe-left gesture shifts in a simple terminal and the monitor switches to TTY mode.

To use the app one needs to get a copy of the original SDK-85 System Design Kit User‘s Manual (ask Google) and work it thru. Some knowledge of the 8085 and its instruction set is helpful as well, and being a boomer nerd who loved to program micro computers when young (and still does) is key.

Intel designed the monitor to run in a loop that keeps the CPU constantly busy (on a single thread). To prevent the battery from draining the app suspends executing after 15 seconds indicated by a slightly blurred display. Tapping the centered play-pause button resumes the monitor or any other program in execution. Timeout and a few other options can be changed in the app‘s entry in Settings.

## Key features

- 8085 microprocessor emulation
- Hexpad and seven-segment display UI
- Monitor program for code entry/execution
- TTY mode for serial terminal input
- Code execution suspension to save battery
- Play/pause button for resuming execution


## Frequently asked questions about SDK85

### What is SDK85?

SDK85 is an application that emulates the Intel SDK-85 System Design Kit. It allows users to enter and execute 8085 machine code, replicating the experience of the original hardware.

### How do I use SDK85?

To use SDK85, you will need a copy of the original SDK-85 System Design Kit User's Manual. Some familiarity with the 8085 instruction set is also recommended for effective programming.

### Does SDK85 have ads?

No, SDK85 does not contain advertisements. The developer has ensured the app is free and educational, adhering to Intel's licensing terms.

### What devices does SDK85 support?

SDK85 is available for both iPhone and iPad devices, making it accessible to a wide range of Apple users interested in retro programming.

### How often is SDK85 updated?

The latest version of SDK85 is 1.7.3, last updated on November 5, 2025. Updates typically address performance and feature enhancements for the emulator.

### Why does SDK85 suspend execution?

SDK85 suspends execution after 15 seconds to prevent excessive battery drain, as the original monitor program keeps the CPU constantly busy. This is indicated by a slightly blurred display.

### Can I resume program execution in SDK85?

Yes, you can resume the monitor or any other program execution by tapping the centered play-pause button. This allows you to continue where you left off without interruption.

### What is the user rating for SDK85?

SDK85 has a user rating of 4.0 stars, based on one provided rating. This indicates a generally positive reception from its users.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.7.3 — 2025-11-05

*** Fixed in 1.7.3 ***

- Allow user program load at any address

### 1.7.0 — 2025-10-10

*** Fixed in 1.7.0 ***

- Play key click sounds on TTY view.

- Missing subtitles on PCB hexboard.

- App crashes on HALT instruction in SINGLE STEP command.

- Unknown characters (tofu) on TTY with DEC Modern Font.

### 1.6.4 — 2025-10-03

No release notes.

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## Related topics

[z80](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/z80) · [archive intel](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/archive-intel) · [dec opcodes](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/dec-opcodes)

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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 2026-09-04.*