A PDF file is not a computer program, it does not execute on the CPU but contains instructions for an interpreter to process to generate the page. That is different to executables (which run directly on a CPU). You can’t natively run iPad apps on a Mac computer without using an emulator, though that will change with a new generation of Macs, set to come out by the end of 2020. Most data files are little more than scripts, that are interpreted by a host program. But you're not right on how programs load data files data is not always a program. But then I think it's too broad to ban all executable code since it covers emulation too.

That executed code could be further sandboxed to prevent viruses or malware. Had I known about running Xcode on Windows or about the solutions below, I mightve started building iPhone apps much earlier Rent a Mac. You can now relive your favorite games without.

I understand why Apple rejects executable code - it could allow app stores within an app for example unless prevented by further guidelines (not saying that's necessarily a bad thing, but thats's likely their angle). These emulators bring back your favorite childhood Nintendo video games right to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Isn't programs as data and data as programs the basic principle of computing?

For example, PDF files are themselves computer programs which instruct and iPad how to render a PDF visually. In reality, executing code in an emulator is what programs do. I think Apple's guideline rejecting executing code is needs to be eliminated - an emulator is an emulator.

Mac emulator for ipad pro