Have you ever thought about developing a mobile app for iOS on Windows?
The answer will probably be a big NO, however times have changed and let’s find out how to develop an iOS app on Windows.
The main problem that prevents you iOS app development on Windows it was Xcode, the integrated development environment (IDE) we use to design and develop an iOS app.
Xcode includes a fast compiler, interface builder, and other tools needed to upload your app to the app store.
Xcode now contains everything you need to create an iOS app.
The only problem is that it only supports Mac OS X (now called Mac OS).
Another problem is that you can’t buy any PC with Mac OS. because unlike Windows, Apple doesn’t allow you to license your operating system with other manufacturers.
When you buy OS X, you can get a license to run this operating system only on Apple hardware.
This limits you to developing apps that only run on a Mac.
The 8 Best Ways to Develop an iOS App on a Windows PC
1. Use Virtualbox and install Mac OS on your Windows PC
The fastest way to develop iOS apps on Windows is with the help of a virtual machine.
A virtual machine will create an environment in which any operating system can run as if it were running on the same hardware.
This functionality is called virtualization, because it allows you to run Windows on Linux and even Windows on OS X.
To run Mac OS in a virtual machine, you need two things:
• A copy of OS X as a virtual image file or an installer.
• A virtual machine tool like VirtualBox or VMWare.
You can purchase a duplicate of OS X by downloading it from the App Store.
You can also find installers from different sources on the Internet.
Please note that using the Mac OS on non-Apple hardware is against Apple’s End User License Agreement (EULA).
2. Rent a Mac in the cloud
A considerably simpler approach to getting OS X is to rent a Mac in the cloud, although it will be much more expensive.
Services like Mac-in-Cloud and Mac-Stadium offer affordable Mac rental products.
You can connect to those cloud-based Macs using a remote desktop connection (RDP).
Windows provides a standard remote desktop that you can use, just like most other Linux operating systems.
Once you’re signed in, you can install Xcode and its iOS app development services.
3. Create Your Own “Hackintosh”
Perhaps the most obvious choice for iOS app development services on a Windows PC is to install OS X on a Windows PC.
Apple enthusiasts have always enjoyed the integrated user experience, design, and interconnectivity offered by the tech giant.
A Hackintosh is a PC running the Mac OS. It’s the same as installing OS X in a virtual machine; Similarly, you can install OS X as a bootable operating system on your PC.
4. Build iOS Apps on Windows with Cross-Platform Tools
Cross-platform tools are awesome: you code your app once and export it to iOS and Android.
That could cut your app development time and cost in half.
Some cross-platform tools let you build iOS apps on a Windows PC or let you build the app if a Mac is within your network.
A frequently heard argument against cross-platform app development tools is that they offer restricted access and support for smartphone hardware, and are less “smart” than their counterparts.
Remember that any cross-platform tool will expect you to compose platform-specific code at a given time, especially if you need to code custom functions.
5. Code with the Swift Sandbox
Swift is an open source language, which means you can run it effectively on any hardware.
Swift is an open source language, which means you can run it effectively on any hardware.
Accordingly, you can also run it in your browser, if the language is ported to Chrome, Safari or Firefox.
You can learn and code with Swift without a Mac or XCode, using the Swift Sandbox.
Once you run code in the Swift Sandbox, it sends the code to a web server. The web server will compile the code and return a result.
Accordingly, you can also run it in your browser, if the language is ported to Chrome, Safari or Firefox.
6. Use Unity3D
A powerful IDE, Unity is essentially known as a game development engine that can be used on Android, iOS, Windows, and many other platforms.
But its rapid development and powerful features also make it a good choice for building non-game applications.
Unity’s “Cloud Build” feature supports iOS development on Windows in simple steps.
If you sign up as an Apple developer and join Unity’s cloud build, it’s easy to set up, create, and develop iOS projects.
With a free-to-use editor for development and distribution, it is possible to fully create an iOS app on Windows.
You only need a Mac to build the project!
7. With the Hybrid Framework, Xamarin
A cheaper option than Cloud Mac, hybrid frameworks provide a cost-effective solution or iOS development on Windows.
Xamarin is a trusted choice by most developers, who say it provides true native results.
Uses C# for coding. It is a feature-rich platform that allows you to create and compile iOS apps and deploy them to iOS devices from Windows.
The only thing you can’t do from Windows and requires a Mac is submitting to the app store.
8. In React Native Environment
React Native is a Javascript-based cross-platform tool that is widely used for iOS development on Windows.
It has several great features and an easy learning curve, making it a popular tool among developers.
Using the Android emulator and configuring Mac OS deployment machines, it is possible to develop an iOS app on Windows.
To see the result, you can use the Expo simulator, which is available on both Android and iOS.
Conclusion
If you wanted to start developing on iOS and the lack of availability of Mac OS was holding you back, then these alternatives are exactly what you need. needs. .
Although these can be a bit tricky if built directly on the Mac, they are proven alternatives by developers around the world.
In the end, iOS app development is all about getting familiar with Xcode.
Once you’re comfortable there, you can develop your app with the tools mentioned above, which will help you get started on the right track.
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