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Theoretically, is it possible to run iOS on a device that doesn't ship with it? I know that Apple signed iOS so it only runs on Apple devices, but is there any hack that could potentially change that?

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Theoretically? Sure, but it'd be a challenge, and I don't think anyone's done it.

However, you can sort of get it running on a Mac if you have Xcode: Xcode menu > Open Developer Tool > iOS Simulator. This will load a simulator for the iPhone with Photos, Contacts, Settings, Game Center, Maps, Newsstand, Passbook, and Safari. No way to install apps (other than making them yourself in Xcode).

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Okay thanks. BTW is xcode pricy? free how much? developer account? – user37621 Dec 31 '12 at 19:34
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XCode is free. A developer account is $99/year. – Jason Dec 31 '12 at 20:47
@DumbProducts A L said something you might have missed that is very important: there is no way to install apps that you haven't made yourself. – timothymh Dec 31 '12 at 22:47
@Jason (BTW I have an iPod touch running iOS 6 but this is just for fun. :)) You don't need a developer account to run the simulator, right? – user37621 Dec 31 '12 at 23:28
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right, the developer account is only need to deploy to an actual device – Jason Dec 31 '12 at 23:35
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