For years, retro enthusiasts have been searching for a terminal app that supports PETSCII on modern devices. Now, with MuffinTerm, Commodore fans can connect to classic bulletin board systems from their iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Created by Molly Black, MuffinTerm delivers an authentic BBS experience without ads, subscriptions, or unwanted extras.

A Terminal with Personality

MuffinTerm isn’t just another terminal app. It focuses on authenticity, giving users the same look and feel of logging into a Commodore 64 BBS. The app supports both PETSCII and ANSI, with ATASCII planned in the future. That means it can connect to a wide range of systems, from C64 boards to ANSI-heavy PC BBS setups.

The program even includes a built-in BBS directory. This makes finding active boards simple, letting users jump straight into the retro scene without hunting down addresses. With MuffinTerm, getting connected feels like calling a board in the 1980s—but without tying up the family phone line.

 

Visuals That Feel Familiar

A big part of the BBS experience comes from the screen itself, and MuffinTerm captures that look faithfully. Features like CRT curvature, scanlines, warm tint, and VIC-II luma bars recreate the visuals of original hardware. These touches make logging in feel like an experience rather than just text scrolling across a display.

The app even simulates modem speeds ranging from 110 baud to 56,000 baud. This means you can slow things down for an old-school feel or connect at full speed when you’re short on time.

Functionality That Goes Beyond Basics

MuffinTerm balances authenticity with modern convenience. It supports file transfers using X, Y, and Zmodem protocols, so sharing files is quick and reliable.

Another standout feature is support for the Hayes AT command set. That’s the same command structure used by vintage modems, making MuffinTerm operate like the real hardware. For instance, you can connect to Oasis BBS at oasisbbs.hopto.org:6400 using those familiar AT commands many users remember.

A Free Community Tool

One of the best aspects of MuffinTerm is its accessibility. It’s completely free, with no ads, no in-app purchases, and no tracking. Molly Black has built it as a community resource—something welcoming for both old-school sysops and curious newcomers.

MuffinTerm is already available on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS via the App Store. Installing it is quick, and once it’s running, you’re only seconds away from connecting to active boards and chatting with other enthusiasts.

At the moment, there are no plans to port MuffinTerm to other platforms, however the squeaky wheel gets the oil. If something’s busted or you’ve got an idea for a new feature, send them a request at: [email protected].

Final Thoughts

For Commodore fans, PETSCII graphics aren’t just a visual quirk—they’re part of the culture. MuffinTerm Brings PETSCII Terminal support to Apple devices in a way that keeps those details alive. Whether you’re reconnecting with the BBS scene or discovering it for the first time, MuffinTerm makes the experience possible again.

By blending accurate visuals, wide protocol support, and a straightforward design, MuffinTerm makes calling into a BBS fun, nostalgic, and practical all at once.