# TERMinator - BBS Terminal

> Retro BBS terminal client for iOS with ANSI art and ZMODEM. (iPhone/iPad app by Phil Whittemore.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/terminator-bbs-terminal/id6759012939 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Phil Whittemore](https://appshunter.io/developer/1876379185)
- Category: Utilities, Entertainment
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 8 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.0 · 117 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2026-02-13
- Data updated: 2026-09-01
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/terminator-bbs-terminal/id6759012939/reviews.md

## What is TERMinator?

TERMinator is a retro BBS terminal client for iOS. Connect to Bulletin Board Systems and SSH servers with    
  authentic CP437 ANSI art rendering, multiple classic fonts, and ZMODEM file transfers.                       
                                                                                                               
  Features:                                                                                                    
  - Telnet and SSH connections                                                                                 
  - Pixel-perfect CP437/ANSI art with Metal rendering                                                          
  - Multiple screen modes (80x25, 80x40, 80x50, 132x25, 132x50)                                                
  - Classic bitmap fonts including IBM VGA, Topaz, and more                                                    
  - ZMODEM file upload and download                                                                            
  - Scrollback history                                                                                         
  - Session logging                                                                                            
  - Phonebook with drag-to-reorder and thumbnails                                                              
  - Quick Connect buttons for favorite BBSes                                                                   
  - Zoom and pan controls                                                                                      
  - Clickable URL detection                                                                                    
  - Export/import BBS lists

## Key features

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

## Recent user reviews (3 of 3)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/terminator-bbs-terminal/id6759012939/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Download doesn’t start

*2026-03-09*

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

**Developer response:** 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...

### 5/5 — Solid Terminal

*2026-02-17*

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

### 5/5 — Best iPhone App for BBSing

*2026-02-17*

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 :).

**Developer response:** 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.

## Frequently asked questions about TERMinator

### 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.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.4.3 — 2026-08-27

Zero Day Attack – Room 404 fix

### 1.4.2 — 2026-08-25

Zero Day Attack — Content Update 3
Zero Day Attack per faction chat
Sixel fix for larger than 80x25
Sixel screen clearing for Mystic
Media player controls during BBS

### 1.4.1 — 2026-07-29

Zero Day Attack - Content Update 2
ZMODEM batch upload
Sixel fixes
Device linking fix
132x60 screen modes added                                       
Fixed BBS snapshot feature

### 1.4.0 — 2026-07-13

ZMODEM download fix.
Zero Day Attack (Game) updates

### 1.3.9 — 2026-07-09

Zero Day Attack Username fix

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## Related topics

[ssh terminator](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ssh-terminator) · [terminator](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/terminator) · [bbs](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bbs)

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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 2026-09-01.*