iSH Shell

Name: iSH Shell
Rating: 4.7 (1224 reviews)
Author: Theodore Dubois

By: Theodore Dubois App

Linux in your pocket

Overview

Version:

1.3.2

Last updated: 2023-05-21

Features & Capabilities

iSH Shell brings a Linux-like shell to iOS, letting you run common Unix tools on the go. It provides a familiar command line for editing files, moving them around, and running utilities.

As an open-source project, you can explore the GitHub repository, customize your setup, and build a portable development environment directly on your iPhone or iPad.

User Growth & Download Statistics

App Open Source Programming Developer Tools

By:

Theodore Dubois

Rating:

4.70

(1,224) 2 new ratings

Version:

1.3.2 Last updated: 2023-05-21

Version code:

857239371

Creation date:

2020-10-22

Compatible devices:

Size:

5.79MB

URLs:

Website ,Privacy policy

Full description:

Source:

Apple Apps Store

Data ingested on:

2026-07-21

Compare stats and ranking:

Ranking

# 53,530 ▼ 55

Other rankings

#2 in console keyword 16 #4 in term keyword 13 #16 in cmd+m (mac) keyword 17 #51 in developer tools keyword 60 ▼ 17

For Developers

Monetize with App Pass Boost with Extension Booster

Contact the developer

Chrome-Stats does not own this Apple app. Please use these information below to contact the Apple app developer.

Developed by:

Theodore Dubois

Apple Apps Store

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ish-shell/id1436902243

Website:

https://ish.app

User Reviews

iSH Shell provides a lightweight, Alpine-based local Linux-like environment on iOS, enabling on-device development with a fast, open-source CLI. Reviewers praise its portability, clean UI, and ability to install and run Linux tools without remote servers. The main drawbacks are font blurriness on some devices and limited graphical/Xorg support, which can hinder attempts to run desktop-like environments. For developers needing a portable Linux shell on iPhone/iPad, iSH offers a powerful, no-frills solution with caveats around readability and GUI capabilities.

Pros

Provides a local Linux-like environment (Alpine Linux) on iOS with package management (apk) and access to a wide range of command-line tools.
Lightweight and fast with a clean, minimal footprint that feels nimble on mobile devices.
Intuitive UI and on-screen controls that make navigating the terminal easier.
Excellent for mobile development and offline work, effectively enabling a portable CLI on iPad/iPhone.
Open-source and minimal with no intrusive in-app purchases; easy to customize (e.g., install openssh/ffmpeg as needed).

Cons

Font rendering is blurry on startup or during use, reducing readability.
Limited/unstable support for graphical environments (Xorg/X11) and related features, with some users desiring better Xorg/VNC compatibility.

Recent reviews

I’m using this with an iPad mini 6 and a Logitech Keys-To-Go. I have wanted linux on my iPad for the longest time. It’s great! For anyone who is reading this review and is not the developers, if your external keyboard isn’t working, just turn off full keyboard access. Anyway, that sums up my review!