Как программировать под ios на windows

Can you develop iOS apps on Windows?
Yes. You can create your own iOS apps on Windows.

However, experienced iOS app developers know that without using Xcode (an IDE), you cannot build or publish iOS apps. Importantly, Xcode only runs on macOS.

So, is it really possible to build an iOS app on Windows? If yes, then how? Don’t worry. To answer this, we have curated the best 5 ways to develop iOS apps using a Windows computer. Let’s understand the step by step process to windows iOS development.

Wondering how to use Xcode on windows or how to create iOS app on Windows? Since, without using Xcode (an IDE), you cannot build or publish iOS apps. This is because Xcode only runs on macOS with the iOS SDK. However, if you wish to develop iOS app on Windows, you need virtualization software.

Using a virtual machine such as VirtualBox and VMware, you get access to virtual Mac OS. Hence, developing iOS apps on Windows will be easier for you.

With a virtual machine, you are allowed to run Windows on Linux operating systems (Linux OS) and even Windows on a Mac operating system. One of the significant benefits of virtualization software is that it helps run multiple OS side-by-side, which is beneficial to build cross-platform apps.

Now, you require 2 things to run Mac OS on a virtual machine.

1. A copy of OS as a virtual image file or an installer
2. A virtual machine tool like VirtualBox or VMWare

Get a copy of macOS by downloading it from the App Store so that you can start the iOS development process. Also, look out for installers and search for virtual disk images with macOS pre-installed.

Not sure how to code iOS on Windows? Want to develop an app for iPhone on Windows? Here is the answer to the following steps that you need to follow.

1. Install VirtualBox or VMware and create a virtual machine on your computer
2. Install Mac OS in your virtual machine
3. Install Xcode on macOS (choose the desired outcome in “System Preferences”)
4. Start building iOS apps

Note: The system specs should be between 4-8 GB of RAM, an Intel i5/i7 compatible CPU, and a minimum of 10 GB free disk space. Also, while configuring macOS, enter a VALID Apple ID.

Once you install macOS and Xcode, you will have access to coding and iOS Simulator capabilities to build and test apps in a similar environment like Mac.

We will also discuss 5 more ways of iOS app development using a Windows computer in the next section. Let’s check how to make ios apps on Windows.

Best Ways to Develop iOS Apps on Windows

Apart from using virtual machines, there are other ways that you can use to build iOS apps on Windows PC. Let’s discuss all of them one by one.

1. Get a Mac in the Cloud

   You can rent a Mac in the cloud. MacinCloud and MacStadium are some of the providers that offer affordable rent-a-Mac products.

   Generally, prices start at $25/month and you have an option to choose from various Apple hardware options, like the brand new Mac Mini and Mac Pro.

   Connect with cloud-based Macs via a remote desktop connection. Windows offers a stock remote desktop client that you can use for iOS development on PC. So, once you are signed in, install Xcode and start the iOS app development process.

2. Create iOS Apps on Windows with Cross-Platform Tools

   Cross-platform tools, like Xamarin and PhoneGap (now Cordova), can code your apps and export them to iOS and Android by reducing your development time and cost in half. Hence, help you to build iOS App on Windows in an efficient manner.

   The cross-platform tool ecosystem is vast for developing iOS apps on PC. By using complete integrated development environments like Xamarin with C#, you can build cross-platform applications. Other Windows-based development tools like PhoneGap and Appcelerator with HTML5 let you build native apps. React Native will help you to write native apps with a Javascript wrapper.

   To conclude, cross-platform tools require you to know the fundamentals of programming languages, such as C#, HTML5, Swift, CSS, and JavaScript. It is essential for you to understand the iOS and Android ecosystems to code native apps. Also, you need to understand the iOS and Android ecosystems to code native apps and hybrid apps.

3. Build “Hackintosh” to Run Xcode

   To work on iOS app development on Windows PC, you need to build a Hackintosh. The term “Hackintosh” has come from one of the old names of Apple computers, Macintosh with the term ‘Hack’.

   Hackintosh is a PC that helps to run Mac OS. With Hackintosh, you can install OS(macOS) as the bootable operating system on your Windows PC. You also have a choice to develop a dual-boot system that can operate both Windows and macOS.

4. Work in React Native Environment

   React Native has several exceptional features, such as open-source, support for 3rd parties libraries, and even helps in using the same code on different platforms. No matter whether you want to develop web apps or hybrid apps, React Native is the best choice to develop iOS apps.

   With the help of React Native, an Android emulator, and Mac OS deployment machines, you can build an application for iOS devices on Windows PC. For checking the result, use the Expo simulator, which is available for both Android and iOS platforms.

5. Use Xamarin to Write iOS Apps on Windows

   Using Xamarin is a better choice when it comes to comparing it with Cloud Mac or other frameworks for hybrid app development. You get a cost-effective solution for iOS development on Windows.

   Xamarin uses C# to code apps. To create iPhone applications on Windows, it features like native platform integration for Android and iOS and Google emulator build, run and deploy the app to iOS device from Windows PC.

Now you know how to develop iOS app on Windows and if you also want to learn to do the same on Linux then refer our guide to develop iOS apps on Linux. Also, if you want to know which are the top IDEs for iOS and the cost to develop iOS apps? If yes, then read the FAQ section.

Conclusion

In this guide, we have shared the five best ways to build iOS apps on Windows computers. Don’t let the unavailability of Mac OS stop you from developing iOS apps.

These are the exact Xcodes alternatives that you are looking for. So, start to work on the iOS development in Windows using any of the options.

These are the easiest options to build iOS apps on windows. For those looking for professional assistance, consider connecting with top iOS app development companies who offer expert solutions to build high-quality, feature-rich applications tailored to iOS standards, ensuring a seamless user experience and optimized performance..

Let’s have a glimpse of the best iOS apps developed by our iOS team.

Get in touch with us to discuss your app idea with our app consultant. We will help you with everything from idea validation to app deployment.

Develop iOS apps on Windows

If you are going to build iOS apps on Windows, you should know that macOS is the only platform able to work with the iOS SDK. That means Xcode, the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that contains everything you need for building and publishing iOS applications, will run only on this platform.

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As long as you don’t have a Mac but still need to use macOS to write iOS apps, virtualization software is the simplest solution. Installed on your Windows PC, a virtual machine (VirtualBox, VMware, etc.) will provide you with the access to macOS, this way making it possible for you to develop iOS apps on Windows.

Here’s what you‘ll need to do to achieve this:

1. Install a virtualization app (e.g. VirtualBox) and create a virtual machine on your local computer.
2. Install and set up a macOS in your VM.
3. Install XCode on macOS.

Never forget when configuring a macOS to enter a VALID Apple ID. A valid Apple Account is required for your future Xcode download.

Select the desired outcome and settings in your “System Preferences” toward the end of your macOS configuration.

After that, installing XCode is simple:

1. Find the Apple Store application icon in the “Dock” and click it.
2. Once the app starts, type “Xcode” into the search field at the top-right corner
3. Click the “Install” button below the “Xcode” icon

   Note: users must provide valid Apple IDs if they didn’t during macOS configuration. Even if you did, re-enter the Apple ID anyway.

4. After Xcode is downloaded and installed, it’ll run on a Guest OS as though it was Xcode for Windows.

After macOS and Xcode installation is complete, coding and iOS Simulator capabilities are available. Allowing you to test apps with the same efficiency you would expect from a real Mac computer.

Lastly, remember using macOS on anything other than official Apple hardware is in violation of Apple’s EULA.

Once macOS and XCode are installed, you can start coding and using the iOS Simulator to test the apps as if you were using a real Mac machine.

Also, for convenience, you need to plan the iOS app development in detail.

If you are new to C++ Windows 10 development and want to compile code for the first time we recommend you try the free C++ Builder Community Edition for students, beginners, and startups. C++ Builder is the easiest and fastest C and C++ IDE for building simple or professional applications on the Windows, macOS, iOS & Android operating systems. It is also easy for beginners to learn with its wide range of samples, tutorials, help files, and LSP support for code. C++ Builder comes with Rapid Application Development Studio, also known as RAD Studio, and C++ Builder is one of the most professional IDE’s that work under RAD Studio. It is the most mature C/C++ IDE (it began as Borland TurboC in 1990 and was later renamed Borland C++ Builder). Under the Embarcadero brand, it comes with new versions, features, updates, and support. RAD Studio’s C++ Builder version comes with the award-winning VCL framework for high-performance native Windows apps and the powerful FireMonkey (FMX) framework for cross-platform UIs. More details about C++ Builder & RAD Studio for the beginners can be found in Official Wiki of Rad Studio.

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Here are the features of the C++ Builder CE version;

• Build Windows and iOS C++ Applications 10x Faster with Less Code.
• C++Builder Community Edition provides you with an integrated toolchain and professional-level developer tools from Day 1
• Featuring Clang-enhanced compiler, Dinkumware standard library, MSBuild/CMake/Ninja support, and popular libraries like Boost and Eigen.
• Develop Windows and iOS applications with a single codebase and responsive UI
• Enjoy the award winning Visual Designer using the C++Builder VCL and FireMonkey frameworks for maximum productivity
• Built-in Debugging Tools that allow you to debug on any device
• Build database apps with local/embedded capabilities
• Hundreds of included components to enhance your app and reduce development cycles
• Direct access to InterBase, SQLite, MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, DB2, SQL Anywhere, Advantage DB, Firebird, Access, Informix, MongoDB, and more.
• Licensed for use until your individual revenue from C++Builder applications or company revenue reaches $5,000 US or your development team expands to more than 5 developers

Here are the steps to develop iOS apps on Windows 10,

Step 1. Download the free C++ Builder / C++ Builder Community edition to develop iOS apps on Windows 10

C++ Builder CE is the easiest and fastest Windows 10 development C & C++ IDE tool to develop simple or professional applications on iOS. It is also easy for beginners to learn with its wide range of samples, tutorials, help files and LSP support. C++ Builder comes with Rapid Application Development Studio, also knowns as RAD Studio, and C++ Builder is one of the most professional IDEs that work under RAD Studio.

You can download the free C++ Builder Community Edition here: https://www.embarcadero.com/products/cbuilder/starter.Professional developers can use the Professional, Architect or Enterprise versions of C++ Builder. Please visit https://www.embarcadero.com/products/cbuilder.

Step 2. Install RAD Studio / C++ Builder with iOS Platform Support

Run RAD Studio Installer and during installation be sure that C++ Builder iOS Enterprise is checked as below. See Additional Options tab, select Samples and Help or any other options needed, then press Apply.

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If you forget to install iOS support don’t worry, RAD Studio / C++ Builder allows you to install these packages from the IDE. Just run RAD Studio / C++ Builder go to Tools -> Manage Platforms … then check C++ Builder iOS Enterprise option. See Additional Options tab, select Samples and Help or any other options needed, then press Apply. This will Install the latest iOS development packages for the C++ Builder.

Step 3. Create a new C++ project to develop iOS apps on Windows 10

If you download C++ Builder Community Edition (or RAD Studio CE version) or any Professional, Architect, Enterprise versions of C++ Builder. Install it on your windows computer and run RAD Studio or C++ Builder.

1. Choose File->New-> “Multi Device Application- C++ Builder” menu

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2. Select Blank Application to develop application with a blank form UI. You can add many UI components on it later.

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3. Save all Unit File and Project file to a folder by using File -> Save Project As .. menu. For example: Folder name can be MyIOSApp and Unit file name MyIOSApp_Unit1.cpp and the project name MyIOSProject_Project1

Step 4. Change your platform to iOS

On the right side there is Project window which lists platforms for this project. Multi-Device projects can be compiled for Windows, iOS or Android, the default is Windows 32-bit. To see these OS platforms, click the > icon on the left of Target Platforms section. This will show platforms, then double click to activate iOS Device 64-bit. After this all compilations will be done for the iOS platform. Anytime, you can back to Windows or Android and you can compile your project for that platform too.

Step 5. Add your UI items on your form design

In C++ Builder, you can add your UI elements (also called as components) by dragging them from your Palette Window. There are many visual and non visual components for the C++ Builder. For example,

1. Add Button (TButton) and Memo (TMemo) components to your Form (TForm) design by dragging these components from your Palette Window.
2. You can set Style selector to iOS and View selector to an iOS Device.
3. Double Click to Button1 on your Form Design. This will create OnClick() event of this Button which is Button1Click() event, a method runs when clicked. Here is a form example that we create as an iOS application.

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Step 6. Add your C++ codes to develop iOS apps on Windows 10

Note that you can easily switch between UI Form Design and Code Area by using use F12 key. Or you can also use tabs below the IDE. You can easily switch between .cpp, or .h header codes and Design.

If you did 3rd part of Step 4, now, you can modify inside of Button1Click() as given example below,

This example above is a modern “Hello World” example for iOS which runs with C++ Builder. Modern applications have a GUI. Note that VCL projects are Windows only. FireMonkey projects are Multi Device (multi-platform) applications that you can compile and run on Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android.

Step 7. Install PA Server to develop iOS apps on Windows 10

The Platform Assistant server (named paserver) is a command-line application that can be installed on Windows, macOS, and Linux. You install the Platform Assistant on a remote system, in the same network as your development system, to let RAD Studio interact with that remote system, so that you can develop cross-platform (multi-device) applications for macOS, iOS, Linux, or Win64 (this last from a Win32 development system). The Platform Assistant allows you to develop multi-device applications and to debug applications remotely.

The Platform Assistant needs to be running and connected to the IDE in order for you to do the following:

• Run and debug multi-device applications remotely (Win64, macOS, iOS, Linux).
• Deploy multi-device applications (Win64, macOS, iOS, Linux).
• Add to RAD Studio a local copy of a macOS or iOS SDK, which is a prerequisite for developing Delphi or C++ applications for macOS, iOS or iOS Simulator (Delphi only).

Installing PA Server on Mac:

Here is the latest official link that explains how to install PA Server on a Mac device,

https://docwiki.embarcadero.com/RADStudio/Alexandria/en/Installing_the_Platform_Assistant_on_a_Mac

Running PA Server on Mac:

Here is the latest official link that explains how to run PA Server on Mac device,

https://docwiki.embarcadero.com/RADStudio/Alexandria/en/Running_the_Platform_Assistant_on_a_Mac

Installing the PAServer Manager on a Mac:

Here is the latest official link that explains how to install PA Server Manager on Mac device,

https://docwiki.embarcadero.com/RADStudio/Alexandria/en/Installing_the_PAServer_Manager_on_a_Mac

Acquiring Permission to Support Debugging on a Mac:

Here is the latest official link that explains how to acquire permissions to support debugging on a Mac device,

https://docwiki.embarcadero.com/RADStudio/Alexandria/en/Acquiring_Permission_to_Support_Debugging_on_a_Mac

More about PA Server:

If you need to know more about PA Server for different Operating Systems please check this official page

https://docwiki.embarcadero.com/RADStudio/Alexandria/en/PAServer,_the_Platform_Assistant_Server_Application

Step 8. Create a connection profile and compile your C++ project

If you installed PA Server successfully press F9 to run click Run with Debugging.

In the first time, it will as for the Connection Profile name for the PA Server. Give a name and then Enter your remote machine IP and passwords as below,

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For the general usage;

1. Run project by hitting F9 or click Run with Debugging
2. If there is error, please check your lines
3. If all is fine then save all project

If you are a beginner “Hello World” examples are good to understand features of that programming language. It is good to understand how to edit text, how to write in its format, how to compile and link, how to debug and execute, and how to deploy or release the finished program. If you still have problem during these steps or you want to learn more about iOS development follow this official link.

Learn how you can develop iOS;;App C++ with Windows 11 application development tools in the next article.

The latest posts along with more examples and tutorials can be found here on the Embarcadero Blog with this dynamic search https://blogs.embarcadero.com/?s=C%2B%2B and in LearnCPlusPlus.org.

iOS apps require Apple hardware and software tools to build native iOS apps and can only be developed on MacOS. So, the question is – what if organizations want to develop iOS apps on Windows because they don’t have access to Mac?

The only option Apple allows for iOS app development on Windows is XCode, which is only accessible on MacOS and Apple hardware and software.

This blog will answer this question by explaining how iOS app development on Windows is difficult since XCode can only work on MacOS. We will also explain the available alternatives and workarounds to make the development successful when having a Mac is not feasible.

The Relation Between XCode and iOS App on Windows

Xcode is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) designed exclusively to work on MacOS. As an IDE, it acts as an end-to-end delivery platform for developing apps and services for the products built on AppleOS.

In other words, it’s an application that allows you to write Swift code (iOS apps’ programming language) to create an app for iOS. It also enables you to run it on iPhone, iPad, and iOS device simulators.

What is XCode?

Apple introduced XCode initially to develop applications for iOS, iPadOS, MacOS, TVOS, and WatchOS. It includes a source code editing system, a compiler, and a build system. In addition, it includes interface builders, Apple device simulators, and asset management tools.

Xcode also offers debugging tools and an iOS simulator, making it easier to test applications across various platforms and devices.

Here’s an overview of its essential features and components:

• The code editor offers syntax highlighting and controls for code folding.
• Interface builder serves as a graphical tool for app user interfaces.
• Source control enables integration with Git to manage code changes.
• Simulators allow app testing on virtual devices without requiring any physical device.
• The debugger allows finding and fixing code bugs.
• Performance analysis tools help optimize app performance.

So, the two main questions that might arise here are:

1. If XCode can’t run on Windows, how can it help build iOS apps on Windows?
2. If XCode can build iOS apps on Windows, will it impact the performance?

Let’s attempt to answer these questions:

XCode goes beyond the AppleOS products. While using it on Windows poses constraints for organizations under budget, it’s not impossible to overcome them. The latest stable version of XCode 14.3, allows building universal binary files to ease the transitions from 32-bit/64-bit Power PC (Apple) to Intel x86 (Windows) and from 32-bit to 64-bit Intel.

Since it allows the OS to automatically choose the appropriate architecture at runtime, building an iOS app with XCode for Windows is feasible if Mac hardware and software are inaccessible.

However, since XCode is built only for MacOS, using it to build apps for other platforms and OS like Windows may not provide the same level of performance.

Hence, building apps on non-apple development setups will require some workarounds because installing XCode on Windows is not recommended. Moreover, running MacOS on Windows is against Apple guidelines and the End-user License Agreement (EULA).

In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into different ways that you can develop iOS apps on Windows using alternatives to XCode.

6 Ways to Develop iOS Apps on Windows

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Building and publishing iOS apps on Windows isn’t possible without using XCode IDE. Why? XCode can only run on MacOS with iOS Software Development Kit (SDK).

Also, Apple doesn’t allow its OS to work on any hardware other than its own, like the iPad or iMac. However, there are following alternative ways to carry out some workarounds:

Alternatives to XCode on Windows

Since XCode relies heavily on Apple’s tools and frameworks, some features and integrations are not available on Windows, which can create discrepancies when building an architecture.

However, it doesn’t mean organizations and developers need to own an Apple machine when they already have Windows. Here are some alternatives to XCode that they can implement:

Why is iOS Development on Windows Difficult?

Since there is no XCode version for Windows, developers might need help to develop iOS apps on Windows. While it’s possible to install a MacOS on non-Apple hardware through the options and alternatives mentioned in the sections, it wouldn’t deliver the same performance. Here’s why:

How Moon Technolabs can Overcome Difficulty?

Owning a Mac is a costly investment for many small businesses and startups with smaller teams and budgets. However, it should be a smooth process on their way to building iOS apps with cross-platform tools available.

Since Windows hardware is comparatively cheaper than Apple’s, users can initiate a workaround by installing XCode. However, XCode is only available for iOS hardware and can create performance issues when run on a different OS.

The ideal option is to use cross-platform languages like Flutter, React Native, or Xamarin. If you are looking for guidance and assistance in building an iOS app that can run on multiple platforms, contact us to learn more about our iOS app development services.

Conclusion

From the ways mentioned earlier to develop iOS apps on Windows, building a sustainable iOS product requires some technical knowledge. The easiest way is either to create a virtual Mac environment or rent a cloud-based Mac to install MacOS parallel to the existing OS.

However, it should be noted that these workarounds may not produce the same performance and aren’t ideal for complex projects. For the best user experience, a better approach would be to use a single codebase to develop multiple apps and reduce development times.