iPad Air M2: For years, Apple’s tightly controlled iOS and iPadOS ecosystem made sideloading and app emulation nearly impossible without jailbreaking. But now, thanks to new European Union regulations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the game has changed. A clever developer has managed to run Windows 11 ARM on an M2-powered iPad Air—and it’s all done without a jailbreak.
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iPad Air M2: How the EU’s DMA Lets M2 iPad Air Run Windows 11 ARM via UTM Emulation
The Magic Behind the Hack: UTM, AltStore & EU Rules
The breakthrough comes from NTDev, a developer known for pushing the limits of what’s technically possible. Using an app called UTM, which emulates Windows on iOS by translating its code to ARM instructions on the fly, NTDev successfully booted Windows 11 ARM on an iPad Air with Apple’s M2 chip.
But here’s the twist: this is only possible because of the EU’s DMA regulations, which now allow sideloading of third-party app stores like AltStore Classic on iOS and iPadOS. With this freedom, users can install apps that Apple would normally block—including those with Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation support, like UTM.
To get JIT running on the iPad, NTDev used StikDebug, a helper app available through AltStore. This enables the necessary backend for Windows 11 to run more fluidly—even without root access or jailbreaking.
Stripping Down Windows with Tiny11
Running a full-fledged desktop OS on a mobile device isn’t easy, but NTDev made it work smoother using Tiny11, a lightweight version of Windows 11 that ditches unnecessary bloatware and reduces the usual hefty system requirements. The result? A more responsive experience, even with the limited RAM and storage of the iPad.
While it’s not quite ready to replace your laptop, NTDev says Windows on iPad Air “runs quite decently.” The demo video he posted shows the system booting, navigating the desktop, and launching apps—slow, sure, but incredibly impressive for something once thought impossible on Apple hardware.
Why This Matters
This development is a prime example of how regulatory changes can open up innovation. Before the DMA, Apple’s restrictions effectively made alternative operating systems a no-go. Now, with sideloading permitted in the EU, hobbyists and power users have far more control over their devices.
And it’s not just about the iPad. This move could open the door for broader cross-platform experimentation, from gaming emulators to Linux distros—all running on Apple silicon devices with impressive performance.
A Glimpse Into the Future?
With Apple likely to resist further opening its ecosystem globally, this experiment may remain an EU-exclusive trick—at least for now. But it’s a taste of what’s possible when software freedom meets powerful hardware. It also raises big questions: Could we one day dual-boot desktops on iPads? Will Apple face pressure to allow similar freedoms outside the EU?
One thing’s clear: the iPad is no longer just a tablet. With the right tools, and the right laws, it can be a playground for developers—and a glimpse at a more open tech future.
FAQs
Can I run Windows 11 on an M2 iPad Air?
Yes, using UTM emulation and AltStore, it’s now possible to run Windows 11 ARM on an M2 iPad Air.
Do I need to jailbreak my iPad?
No, thanks to EU regulations, sideloading is allowed without jailbreaking.
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