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Provenance is no longer merely “coming soon” to iPhone and iPad. It is listed in the U.S. Apple App Store as Provenance App, a free download with optional in-app purchases, published by Joseph Mattiello. Availability in other countries depends on each region’s App Store.
What happened to the App Store release?
The “coming soon” description reflects an earlier stage of development. On April 23, 2024, Provenance’s developer said there was no exact App Store ETA while the app was being adapted to Apple’s rules, including changes to beta wording and branding (developer update). By August 18, 2025, the project’s release notes said Provenance could be downloaded from the App Store for iOS and macOS Catalyst (release 3.1.0 notes); a later post reiterated App Store distribution (release 3.1.1 notes).
Apple’s U.S. listing is titled Provenance App, not “Provenance Emulator.” It identifies Joseph Mattiello as the developer and shows iPhone and iPad support. Check the listing in your own storefront for current availability, compatibility, and rating: Provenance App on the U.S. App Store.
What is Provenance?
Provenance is an open-source, multi-system emulator front end for Apple platforms. It brings a library interface and features such as importing games and managing saves together with individual emulator cores; it is not one universal emulator core. The distinction matters because support, setup, and performance can differ by system, core, game, device, and distribution build. The project’s code and documentation are on GitHub.
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- 7-Color RGB Light Ring & 600mAh Battery: The mobile game controller features a 7-color adjustable light ring on the joystick(ABXY button lights can be turned off, but their colors are not adjustable). The lighting is vibrant yet eye-friendly. The built-in 600mAh battery provides up to 6 hours of battery life in brightness mode — enough for a full day of gaming
Which systems does the App Store version list?
Apple’s listing names a wide range of supported systems. Grouped by family, they include:
- Nintendo: NES, Famicom Disk System, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Virtual Boy, Pokémon mini, GameCube, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo 3DS.
- Sega: SG-1000, Master System, Genesis, Game Gear, Sega CD, 32X, Saturn, and Dreamcast.
- Atari: Atari 2600, 5200, 7800, Jaguar, Lynx, and Atari 8-bit systems.
- Sony: PlayStation and PlayStation Portable (PSP).
- NEC and related systems: PC Engine, TurboGrafx-16, and PC-FX.
- Other systems: 3DO, CD-i, ColecoVision, Neo Geo, Neo Geo Pocket, Vectrex, WonderSwan, ZX Spectrum, and others named in the listing.
This is the listing’s system scope, not a promise that every game runs flawlessly. Performance can depend on a device’s processor and memory, the game and core, graphics settings, controller configuration, BIOS requirements, and whether a core relies on JIT. App Store and other builds may also differ.
What features can you expect?
Project documentation and release notes describe features including save states, fast-forward, controller support, customizable controller skins, game artwork and metadata, cheat codes, RetroAchievements, and video filters with CRT-style effects. ROM importing is supported through routes such as Files, AirDrop, Safari downloads, and WebDAV. See the project documentation and release notes for build-specific details.
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- MOBILE, CLOUD & REMOTE GAMING: Play supported mobile games like Zenless Zone Zero, or stream console and PC games through Xbox Game Pass, Steam Link, Moonlight, and remote play. Enjoy physical controls wherever you play.
- HALL EFFECT STICKS — PRECISE CONTROL: GameSir Hall Effect sensing sticks deliver smooth 360° control for accurate aiming, movement, and camera adjustments. Built for fast-paced mobile games and streamed console or PC titles.
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- CUSHIONED MEMBRANE CONTROLS — COMFORTABLE & QUIETER: Cushioned membrane buttons and triggers provide comfortable feedback for repeated inputs while keeping operation quieter. Ideal for extended sessions or gaming in shared spaces.
Not every feature is necessarily available on every platform or in every build. In particular, the project associates iCloud synchronization with Provenance Plus. The App Store listing and project materials should be checked for the current feature set of the version you install.
Is Provenance free?
The App Store app is listed as free with in-app purchases; Provenance Plus is optional, rather than a stated requirement for basic emulation. The project README lists Plus at $3.99 per month, $39.99 per year, or $99.99 lifetime, describing benefits such as iCloud sync, priority support, and TestFlight beta access (Provenance README). Those are project-listed prices, not guaranteed prices for every storefront or a promise that the options remain unchanged. Review the current purchase sheet in your region before paying.
How do you install Provenance and add games?
- Find the official listing: In the App Store, search for “Provenance App” and confirm the developer is Joseph Mattiello. The U.S. listing is a reference, but does not establish availability in every region.
- Install the app: Use the App Store build for the standard iPhone or iPad installation. Its system requirements are shown on the live listing.
- Import your game files: Use Files, AirDrop, Safari downloads, WebDAV, or another supported route documented by the project. Provenance does not present itself as a distributor of commercial games; expect to supply compatible files yourself.
- Add a BIOS if a system requires one: Requirements vary by core and system. Follow the project’s current documentation rather than assuming every game works without additional files.
- Configure controls and test: Use touch controls or a compatible Bluetooth controller, then adjust the game’s control mapping and available graphics or audio settings.
Game files and BIOS files are separate from the emulator. Rights to create or use game backups vary by jurisdiction and circumstances; downloading commercial ROMs from unauthorized sites can also expose you to copyright and malware risks. This is not jurisdiction-specific legal advice.
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- 【CONNECTION GUIDE】 ①Make sure the phone controller is NOT in charging before connected. ②Observe if the 4th LED on controller is flashing quickly (if flashing 1.2.3, it is incorrect), If not, press and hold the 'HOME' button to turn off the controller and then connect again: Open your bluetooth on mobile phone, then long press 'HOME' and the 4th light will flash quickly, then find corresponding Bluetooth name and connect.
- 【TIPS FOR IPHONE GAME CONTROLLER】 When the wireless phone controller encounters abnormal situations such as inability to connect/charge, joystick offset, you can try resetting it: poke the 'RESET' hole on the back of controller with a needle, and then restart the controller for iphone to solve most non quality problems
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App Store, TestFlight, and sideloaded builds: what is the difference?
| Route | Best suited to | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| App Store | Most users who want a standard iPhone or iPad install | May not include every experimental feature or core found in other builds. |
| TestFlight | Eligible beta testers, including users with access through the project’s Plus offering | It is pre-release software and is not the same as the stable App Store release. |
| GitHub releases or AltStore/sideloading | Advanced users seeking alternate builds or installation options | Requires more setup and can involve signing and maintenance. |
| Build from source | Developers and technically advanced users | Requires a development environment and ongoing maintenance. |
The project documents GitHub releases and advanced installation questions in its advanced FAQ. The developer warns against unofficial app stores and untrusted downloads, which may distribute modified apps or spyware (project page). A beta or sideloaded build should not be assumed to match the App Store version.
What if Provenance is not showing in your App Store?
- Search for Provenance App, the name used by the U.S. listing, rather than only “Provenance Emulator.”
- Check which country or region your Apple account uses. The available evidence confirms the U.S. storefront, not worldwide availability.
- If the app still does not appear, consult the project’s official site or GitHub for supported alternatives. Do not treat an unofficial IPA mirror as an official release.
How does Provenance compare with Delta?
The useful distinction is scope. Provenance is aimed at people who want a broad collection of systems—including Sega, Atari, Sony, NEC, and Nintendo—in one front end. Delta is commonly chosen by users seeking a more Nintendo-centered emulator experience. Provenance’s wider system list can mean more variation in setup and compatibility; a focused app may be simpler if you only want a subset of systems. Neither breadth nor simplicity guarantees that a particular game will run well, and current Delta pricing or compatibility should be checked against its own official listing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common problems and what to check
The app is installed, but no games appear
Confirm that compatible game files were imported and that the library has had time to scan them. Check the file format and placement, and whether the system needs a BIOS. Not every format or file is guaranteed to be recognized; consult the project’s current documentation.
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- Officially licensed by Xbox. Bluetooth connection. Supports Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- Officially supported by Apple. Compatible with Apple and Android devices. Stretchable design fits most phones (100–170mm in length).
- Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers - Upgraded. Robust and long-lasting. Offering higher precision and sensitivity.
- Tactile bumpers and D-pad, 2 Pro back paddle buttons, Xbox button, and wear-resistant metal joystick rings for more ways to play.
- Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 on mobile.
A game has graphical, audio, or performance problems
Compatibility can vary by core, game, and device. Check that the system and core are appropriate, verify any BIOS requirement, and try disabling demanding filters or changing available renderer settings. Updating the app may help if a later release addresses the issue.
A controller does not respond as expected
Check that the Bluetooth controller is paired to the device running Provenance and that the game’s mapping suits it. Some layouts are game-specific; restarting the app after pairing can also help. Compatibility may vary with unusual or generic peripherals.
A feature shown online is missing
The guide or video may refer to a beta, another platform, or a sideloaded build; the feature may also require Provenance Plus or have changed. Confirm the version and distribution route before treating an online feature list as a description of the App Store build.
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- 【Easy Setup – Power On & Play Instantly!】We recommend attaching the magnetic stickers to a phone case for all phones, rather than using a bare phone. ✅ For Apple MagSafe Models: Snap the magnetic ring onto your MagSafe phone case, power on, and start gaming! ✅ For Non‑MagSafe Models: First attach the included magnetic sticker to your phone case, then snap the magnetic ring onto it. Power on and game right away!
- 【Wide Compatibility – Android & iPhone】Compatible for Android devices, iPhones, and card-size phones (Android devices and iPhone 11/SE and earlier models; iPhone 12/13/14/15/16/17 with MagSafe). Works with all mainstream phones for smooth gaming. Fits iPhone Pro/Pro Max models but may feel top-heavy. Not compatible with foldable phones.
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- 【Born for Retro Emulators on Mobile】Designed for retro gaming fans, the M4 Controller works smoothly with top emulators such as Delta, RetroArch and PPSSPP on both iOS and Android.It supports classic games for platforms including Game Boy, NES, SNES,3DS, FC, SFC, SS, N64, GBA, GBC, NDS, and more.
Is Provenance the right iPhone emulator for you?
Provenance is a strong candidate if you want one Apple-platform library spanning many generations and manufacturers, and are comfortable importing game files and occasionally configuring system-specific requirements. A user who wants a simpler experience for a narrower set of consoles may prefer a more focused emulator. The central choice is breadth versus setup simplicity, not a universal ranking of one app over another.
Official project material also discusses Apple TV and macOS Catalyst, but that should not be read as proof that every platform has the same release status, feature set, or core availability. The confirmed App Store listing cited here is for iPhone and iPad; check the project’s release information for platform-specific status.
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