Aerofly FS runs on PC, Mac, iPad and Nintendo Switch, but each uses a different edition. Learn which version to install and what transfers.
Yes. Aerofly FS can be played on Windows PC, Mac, iPad and Nintendo Switch, but the same edition is not available on every device. Aerofly FS 4 is the desktop simulator, Aerofly FS Global serves iPad, and Nintendo Switch uses the older Aerofly FS 2.
Which Aerofly FS version runs on each platform?
The correct edition depends on the device; Aerofly FS 4 itself does not run on all four platforms.
| Platform | Edition to use | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| Windows PC | Aerofly FS 4 | Full desktop edition with extensive controller support, graphics settings and VR capability. |
| Mac | Aerofly FS 4 | Native macOS edition; check the required macOS version, graphics hardware and controller compatibility. |
| iPad | Aerofly FS Global | Mobile edition designed for touch controls, with mobile-specific scenery, storage and feature limits. |
| Nintendo Switch | Aerofly FS 2 Flight Simulator | Older console edition with different aircraft, scenery and features from FS 4. |
Aerofly FS 4 also has a Linux desktop release. On Windows, Mac or Linux, install the native desktop simulator rather than attempting to run the iPad app through an emulator.
Does one Aerofly FS purchase work on every device?
No. Buying one Aerofly edition does not unlock the others, and aircraft or scenery entitlements should not be expected to transfer between desktop, mobile and Nintendo Switch.
Settings, saved flights and control profiles are also edition-specific. A mobile entitlement may cover compatible Apple devices using the same store account, but that is not cross-platform ownership between iPad, PC, Mac and Switch.
Which platform should you choose?
- Choose Windows PC for the widest hardware flexibility, detailed graphics settings, flight controls and VR. Our Aerofly FS 4 desktop VR setup instructions explain the additional headset and controller requirements.
- Choose Mac when you want the desktop FS 4 experience without Windows. Before buying, compare its requirements and limitations with other native flight simulators available for Mac.
- Choose iPad for portability, touch controls and flying with scenery stored on the device. Our comparison of mobile flight simulators covers Aerofly FS Global's strengths and mobile-specific compromises.
- Choose Nintendo Switch only if console portability matters more than having the latest Aerofly edition. It is Aerofly FS 2, not a Switch conversion of Aerofly FS 4 or FS Global.
What should you check before installing Aerofly FS?
- Confirm the edition name. A common mistake is searching for Aerofly FS 4 on iPad or Switch. Use FS Global on iPad and FS 2 Flight Simulator on Nintendo Switch.
- Check device compatibility. Older iPads and Macs may not meet the operating-system, memory or graphics requirements even though the platform itself is supported.
- Allow space for scenery. On iPad, scenery stored locally can consume substantial storage. Download the areas needed before travelling; scenery normally streamed from the internet is not dependable offline.
- Compare the included content. Aircraft and scenery vary between editions. Use our breakdown of the aircraft supplied with Aerofly FS 4 only for the desktop edition, not as a list for iPad or Switch.
- Verify controller support. Desktop yokes, pedals and HOTAS equipment are not automatically compatible with iPad or Nintendo Switch. Check support for the exact device and Aerofly edition before buying hardware.