Supertuxkart iOS version finally released

Recently, while updating the BIOS, I accidentally selected the wrong boot USB drive, and my personal mini PC's operating system was incorrectly formatted. By the time I realized it, it was too late. I felt utterly devastated and heartbroken. A grown man can't cry; it's already happened. All I could do was reinstall Arch + LabWC, etc. 😅

Installing games was also part of the process. I played SuperTuxKart this weekend; it's relaxing and casual. I was surprised to find it supports iOS.

SuperTuxKart (hereinafter referred to as STK) 1.5 was officially released at the end of October 2025. Checking the Github records, 1.4 was released in November 2022—almost three years of waiting. Even more surprisingly, STK was released on the Android platform 10 years ago, but iOS support wasn't officially added until the end of last month. The official explanation is as follows:

Licensing concerns previously stopped us from releasing STK on the Apple App Store. Because of Apple’s monopoly on software distribution to their mobile devices – which has recently been the object of litigation in the USA, the EU, and the UK, although with an unfortunate focus on fees over the freedom of end-users to truly own their device – it was not possible to offer a different way to install the game.

Due to licensing restrictions, STK could not be released on the Apple App Store.

This means that multiplayer online gaming is now possible. For example, during holidays, multiplayer entertainment at home is possible. Previously, because iOS wasn't supported, iPhones and iPads couldn't play, given the large number of iOS devices.

1. Installation

Installation is very simple; just search for "supertuxkart" on the Apple App Store to download it. It's free and ad-free.

2. Online Play

Within a home LAN, taking starting a service on a PC and having iPhones and iPads join as an example:

PC: Open the game -> Online -> Local Network -> Create Server

Screenshots of the process are as follows:

When creating a server, you can set the maximum number of players, up to 8, and you can also add up to 6 PC players.

This is a small game; don't expect large-scale battles. 8 players is enough for two dorm rooms, or even a small family for entertainment.

iPhone: Open the game -> Online -> Local Network -> Find Server

(Screenshot showing the server search process only):

If you can't find it, try refreshing in the upper right corner, or check/uncheck "Private Server" in the lower left corner. I was able to find it during my tests.

iPad Similar Operation to iPhone

Chat Interface:

As shown in the image above, in the match lobby, the left side is the chat room: you can chat simply and send emoticons. The right side displays player and network latency information—simple, clear, and straightforward 😊.

Of course, you can also set up a server on an iPhone, iPad, or other devices. Generally, a computer with better performance and a larger screen is easier to set up.

3. Game Interface

PC Game Match Interface

iPhone Interface

iPad Interface

Personally, I think the iPad experience is the best. It has a built-in virtual steering wheel, making using items and checking the rearview mirror very intuitive and convenient—the most hassle-free. The iPhone screen is too small, and typing on the computer keyboard is a bit difficult.

Furthermore, STK can also be played on the Switch and can connect a controller 🎮, but unfortunately, I haven't had the hardware tested.

Finally, I've always believed that this game is a great case study for anyone wanting to learn game development.

The source code repository https://github.com/supertuxkart/stk-code has everything and is very helpful for understanding how games work.