The phrase refers to a pre-configured disk image, specifically designed to run Apple’s mobile operating system within a virtual machine environment created by VMware Workstation 16. Such images streamline the process of setting up a functional iOS environment on non-Apple hardware, sidestepping the usual restrictions imposed by Apple’s licensing and hardware requirements. For example, a developer might use this to test an application on various iOS versions without needing multiple physical devices.
The availability of these images is beneficial for software developers targeting the iOS platform, enabling efficient cross-platform testing and development workflows. They offer a cost-effective solution for individuals or organizations seeking to explore or develop for iOS without investing in dedicated Apple hardware. Historically, running iOS on non-Apple hardware has involved complex workarounds or emulators, which often suffered from performance limitations or compatibility issues. These images represent a more direct and relatively efficient approach to achieving this goal.