Guide Xcode iOS Emulator: how to be Apple Developer and make iOS Apps?

[exi]

If you dream about creating apps for iPhone or iPad, then you really can't do it without Xcode. But why exactly Xcode? Let's figure out how to install it and how iOS development works.

What is Xcode iOS simulator and why developer needs it?​

Xcode it's like a workshop for developers who developing apps for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and even Apple TV. Install it for free from Mac App Store and whole world of tools will open for you to bring ideas to life. Here you can write code in Swift or Objective-C languages, but the main treasure — iOS and iPad Simulator.

But Xcode — not only the code and simulators.

• Here there are SDKs for different iOS and iPadOS versions — so your app works on new and old devices too.
• Analysis tools — for example, you can find bottlenecks in performance.
• Command Line Tools — for those who like working through terminal.
• Project templates — to start development faster.

How to run iPhone emulator in Xcode Emulator on Mac​

Here's how to launch simulator:

1. Open project in Xcode 16.
2. In top panel choose device from list next to Play button.
3. Click on Build and Run button and Xcode will build app and automatically start simulator.
4. Now you can use debugger to test apps!
5. If you need to add other device, go to File > New > Simulator menu or use command line tools through xcrun simctl list.

How to run Xcode Emulator on Windows​

To use this program on regular PC you will need to follow this instruction.

Installation and setup of VirtualBox​

1. Download
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   .
2. Create new virtual machine. Create virtual hard disk with 50 GB.
3. Additional settings. In System > Motherboard section disable Floppy and enable EFI.
4. Download patch for VirtualBox. Take
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   and run it through PowerShell or WSL.

Installing macOS​

1. Connect ISO/VMDK image to virtual machine. In VirtualBox settings: Storage > Optical Drive > choose downloaded image.
2. Start VM. If error appears "This version of Mac OS X is not supported", go to VM settings > System > Processor > uncheck Enable nested VT-x/AMD-V.
3. Follow macOS installation steps. Choose language > Disk Utility > format virtual disk to APFS. Close utility > start installation. After reboot disconnect ISO image.

Installing Xcode​

1. Update macOS to latest version.
2. Install Xcode. Download it through App Store.
3. Wait for download.

FAQ about Xcode Simulator​

What if I hate Swift?​

Xcode is made for Swift and Objective-C. But if you really want, you can connect other languages through workarounds. However for native apps Swift — your best friend. It's modern, concise and native for Apple ecosystem. Try it — maybe you'll like it?

Why Apple won't release Xcode for Windows?​

Xcode — is the tool for developing for their hardware, and they want you to buy Mac.

Why Xcode needs so much storage?​

Yes, Xcode is heavy. But it's not just code editor. It has built-in SDKs for iOS versions, debugging tools, simulator runtimes, Swift and Apple SDKs and even whole compiler. I recommend regularly cleaning cache through Xcode > Preferences > Locations menu.

Conclusion​

Xcode allows to quickly test ideas, fix bugs and see how app will work on different Apple devices. Yes, simulator won't replace real iPhone, but it saves hours of time and nerves. If you have questions about installation or setup, ask them in comments!