TERMinator - BBS Terminal

TERMinator - BBS Terminal

by Phil Whittemore

8 ratings
3 reviews
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • February 13, 2026
  • July 13, 2026

Features

TERMinator - BBS Terminal screenshot #1 for iPhone
TERMinator - BBS Terminal screenshot #2 for iPhone
iphone
ipad
🖼️Get Icon
Icons↘︎

About

Connect to Bulletin Board Systems and SSH servers with a retro terminal client. Experience authentic CP437 ANSI art rendering, classic fonts, and ZMODEM file transfers. Manage your connections with a phonebook and quick connect options.

Telnet and SSH connections
CP437/ANSI art rendering
Classic bitmap fonts
ZMODEM file transfer
Scrollback history
Phonebook management
Show original description

What's New in TERMinator

1.4.0

July 13, 2026

ZMODEM download fix. Zero Day Attack (Game) updates

User reviews

Download doesn’t start

I have tried to download files from a bbs but it never starts. It just hangs up forever waiting for the transfer to start.

Response from developer

We were able to finally get the fixes pushed through the Apple review process. So this update should fix your concerns. If not our email address is in the App and we will tackle it...

Solid Terminal

Good program for logging into BBSs and other online systems. Telnet and SSH both worked smoothly.

Best iPhone App for BBSing

Seriously awesome. Thank you for making this. Love accessing my Silfen Path BBS with it.

I think it’d be really cool if you expand it in the future where it can also become a qwk reader / responder. Imagine, we download file via a modem, app detects it is message file and we can open it, read messages, reply, and next time we connect we can upload back the replies. Heck automate it (what keys are needed to auto execute on login to get to qwk file) and it can auto pull new message in the background and alert you when they arrive :).
Show more

Response from developer

That is a pretty good suggestion. I think QWK support would be easy to implement. I'm not sure if SysOps would want it to be automated like that however, but doing it via manual intervention is probably fine.

FAQ

What is TERMinator?

TERMinator is a free utility app for iOS that functions as a retro BBS terminal client. It allows users to connect to Bulletin Board Systems and SSH servers, rendering authentic CP437 ANSI art and supporting ZMODEM file transfers.

What devices does TERMinator support?

TERMinator is designed for both iPhone and iPad devices, offering a classic terminal experience on Apple's mobile platforms.

Is TERMinator free to use?

Yes, TERMinator is completely free to download and use. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements within the application.

How often is TERMinator updated?

The latest version of TERMinator, 1.2.1, was released on March 13, 2026, indicating recent development activity. Users can expect ongoing support and potential updates.

What is the age rating for TERMinator?

TERMinator has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users, including younger individuals interested in retro computing.

Can I transfer files with TERMinator?

Yes, TERMinator supports ZMODEM file uploads and downloads, a classic protocol for transferring files over serial connections, which is essential for interacting with BBS systems.

Does TERMinator have ads?

No, TERMinator is ad-free. The application does not display any advertisements, providing an uninterrupted user experience.

What screen modes does TERMinator offer?

TERMinator supports multiple screen modes to enhance the retro experience, including 80x25, 80x40, 80x50, 132x25, and 132x50 resolutions.