POM2 review
A free, open-source Apple II emulator with broad model coverage and developer tools.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
POM2 emulates the Apple II family, from the original Apple ][ through the //c Plus, with NTSC and PAL profiles. It is aimed at people who want to run Apple II software across desktop and browser environments, as well as developers working with 6502/65C02 programs. The desktop application supports Linux, macOS, and Windows; a WebAssembly build runs in a browser. POM2 is free, open source, and distributed under the GPL-3.0 license.
Its standout strength is the combination of model coverage and development tools. POM2 loads .dsk, .do, .d13, .po, .nib, .woz, .moof, .2mg, and .hdv images, and supports expansion-card emulation for sound, storage, and networking cards. The debugger includes bank-aware breakpoints, symbols, and source correspondence, alongside a 6502/65C02 assembler, memory viewer, and CPU profiling. Rewind, snapshots, and resumable sessions add ways to preserve or revisit a session. That breadth suits users who need more than a straightforward way to launch disk images.
Platform flexibility extends the same focus across Linux, macOS, Windows, and the browser, while joystick, keyboard joystick, and gamepad options support different input preferences. Support is through community and documentation. POM2 is a strong fit for cross-platform Apple II enthusiasts and developers who value its debugger, profiling, expansion cards, and disk-format range. Its scope is specifically the Apple II family, and its extensive development tools may be unnecessary for someone who only wants a simple emulator for occasional play; that user should compare options centered on a more limited, casual-use experience.
POM2 pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Emulates Apple ][ through //c Plus, including PAL profiles
- Loads nine disk-image formats, including .woz and .hdv
- Combines bank-aware debugging, profiling, rewind, and snapshots
- Where it doesn't
- Focused on Apple II family systems rather than other platforms
- Development tools may be more than casual play requires
- Support is through community and documentation
POM2 fact sheet, pricing and score →
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