15-09-2021

You can make an app for iOS even if you’re on a PC running Windows 10.

I wish I had known this when I first started because I delayed myself for 3 years before biting the bullet and buying a Mac.

Had I known about running Xcode on Windows or about the solutions below, I might’ve started building iPhone apps much earlier!

Rent a Mac

Before committing to buying a new Mac, you can actually “rent” one for development. You’ll remotely access the Mac and Xcode through your PC.

It’ll be like having the Mac desktop in a window on your Windows Desktop.

Xcode is the Mac app that developers use to create apps for Apple’s platforms, like iOS. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how you can download and install Xcode on your Mac. Here’s what we’ll get into. Xcode provides everything developers need to create great applications for Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Xcode has unified user interface design, coding, testing, and debugging all within a single window. The Xcode IDE analyzes the details of your project to identify mistakes in both syntax and logic, it can even help fix your code for you. Xcode 10 is available in the Mac App Store and includes SDKs for iOS 12, watchOS 5, macOS 10.14, and tvOS 12. Xcode 10 supports on-device debugging for iOS 8 and later, tvOS 9 and later, and watchOS 2 and later. Xcode 10 requires a Mac running macOS 10.13.6 or later.

The really nice thing about this option is that the cost is really low and it’s the fastest option to get up and running.

If you decide that app development isn’t for you, you just cancel your plan.

I'm getting conflicting info on xcode. I'm currently running mac os x 10.6.8 and have the xcode3.2.6andiossdk4.3.dmg installer. Wikipedia says version 4.2 is compatible with mac os x 10.6. Apple Xcode 9.4 for Mac Overview A professional integrated development environment, Apple Xcode 9.4 provides a wide range of powerful tools that and a reliable development environment. A straightforward user interface provides a more comfortable environment to the developers.

1. MacStadium
These guys were featured in the recent Apple keynote when they introduced the updated Mac Mini! They have the newest Macs available.

(Use coupon code “CODEWITHCHRIS” for 50% off your first month. If you do, please let me know in the comments below. I’ll get a small kick back at no extra expense to you so thank you for supporting my site!)

If you go down this route for iOS app development, make sure you get my Xcode cheatsheet with references and keyboard shortcuts for Windows users.

There are a couple other companies that provide this service:

2. MacInCloud
This is the most well known service out of the three. You won’t have to install Xcode because it comes preinstalled. You can also do pay-as-you-go so it’s a pretty low commitment. Some people complain that it’s slow but you can try it out for yourself since it’s only about a buck an hour!

3. XcodeClub
XcodeClub is run by Daniel who is a passionate developer himself. From the reviews I see, the service is fast and friendly. The pricing is less flexible than MacInCloud and you’ll have to commit to at least a month.

Virtualize MacOS

If you’re a little more technically savvy, you can use virtualization software and run a “virtual Mac” on your PC.

The services above are essentially doing the same thing on their servers and then they charge you a fee to access the virtual machine.

By setting it up yourself on your own PC, you essentially cut the middle man out of the equation.

Unfortunately it does take a little bit of technical know-how to get this up and running.

The two most popular pieces of software to do virtualization are VirtualBox and VMWare Workstation.

You can download them below and then use Google to find a guide on how to install the latest MacOS (Mojave) with either VirtualBox or VMWare Workstation.

After that, spin up your new virtual Mac and download Xcode. This is as close as you’ll get to running actual Xcode on Windows!

Mac Install Xcode

4. VirtualBox
VirtualBox is open source software which means that it’s free. That probably explains why it’s a lot more popular than VMWare Workstation when it comes to running MacOS on your Windows machine!

5. VMWare Workstation
Unfortunately you’ll have to pay for this piece of software and at the time of this writing, a license costs about half the price of a brand new Mac Mini which is perfectly suitable for iOS app development. I would recommend you try VirtualBox first or try to buy a used Mac Mini.

Build a “Hackintosh”

You can also build a “Hackintosh” which is a PC that has been customized to run MacOS.

This requires the most effort out of all the options presented so far but it can work for someone who wants a separate physical computer running MacOS.

6. Hackintosh.com
A great resource for all things Hackintosh. The first How-To section contains links to a number of great tutorials for building your own Hackintosh and installing High Sierra.

7. Hackintosh Subreddit
I love looking for Reddit communities on anything that I’m interested in because there are always interesting conversations happening. Reddit provides a way to have a dialogue with like minded individuals, to get help and to help others!

8. Hackintosh Articles on 9to5mac.com
I included this link because it contains up to date news and articles for Hackintosh builds.

Third Party Solutions

Lastly, there are many third party solutions that you can use to do iOS development on Windows.

You won’t be using Xcode in these solutions but you’ll be able to generate an app that can run on iOS devices.

Check out these great Xcode alternatives:

9. React Native
Use JavaScript to build native mobile apps.

10. Xamarin
Use C# to build a mobile app that you can deploy natively to Android, iOS and Windows.

11. Appcelerator
Build native mobile apps using JavaScript.

12. PhoneGap
Build hybrid cross-platform mobile apps using HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

Xcode is a complete developer toolset for creating apps for Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Xcode brings user interface design, coding, testing, debugging, and submitting to the App Store all into a unified workflow.

Downloading and updating Xcode

The current release of Xcode is available as a free download from the Mac App Store. The Mac App Store will notify you when an update is available or you can have macOS update automatically as it becomes available.

The latest beta version and previous versions of Xcode can be downloaded from the Downloads page. To download Xcode, simply sign in with your Apple ID.Apple Developer Program membership is not required.

Using Xcode

Apple Xcode For Mac

Get step-by-step guidance on how to use Xcode to build, test, and submit apps to the App Store.

Submitting apps to the App Store using Xcode

If you’re an Apple Developer Program member, Xcode provides an integrated workflow to prepare and submit apps to App Store. You should use the latest version of Xcode available on the Mac App Store to submit your apps, or when available, the latest GM seed release from the Downloads page.

Do not submit apps built using beta software, as beta versions of Xcode, Operating Systems, and SDKs are for development and testing only.

Apple Ilife For Mac

Learning about changes to Xcode

To learn about the latest features and capabilities in Xcode, see What’s New in Xcode. For update details in the latest released versions, including each beta release, see the Xcode Release Notes.

Minimum requirements and supported SDKs

Xcode VersionMinimum OS RequiredSDKArchitectureOSSimulatorSwift
Xcode 12.3 betamacOS Catalina 10.15.4 (Intel-based Mac)
macOS Big Sur 11.0
(Apple silicon Mac)
iOS 14.3
macOS 11.1
tvOS 14.3
watchOS 7.3
DriverKit 20.0
x86_64
armv7
armv7s
arm64
arm64e
iOS 9.0-14.3
iPadOS 13.0-14.3
macOS 10.9-11.0
tvOS 9.0-14.3
watchOS 2.0-7.2
iOS 10.3.1-14.3
tvOS 10.2-14.3
watchOS 3.2-7.2
Swift 4
Swift 4.2
Swift 5.3
Xcode 12.2macOS Catalina 10.15.4 (Intel-based Mac)
macOS Big Sur 11.0
(Apple silicon Mac)
iOS 14.2
macOS 11
tvOS 14.2
watchOS 7.1
DriverKit 20.0
x86_64
armv7
armv7s
arm64
arm64e
iOS 9.0-14.2
iPadOS 13.0-14.2
macOS 10.9-11.0
tvOS 9.0-14.2
watchOS 2.0-7.1
iOS 10.3.1-14.2
tvOS 10.2-14.2
watchOS 3.2-7.1
Swift 4
Swift 4.2
Swift 5.3
Xcode 12.1macOS Catalina 10.15.4 (Intel-based Mac)
macOS Big Sur 11.0
(Apple silicon Mac)
iOS 14.1
macOS 10.15.6
tvOS 14.0
watchOS 7.0
DriverKit 20.0
x86_64
armv7
armv7s
arm64
arm64e
iOS 9.0-14.1
iPadOS 13.0-14.1
macOS 10.9-11.0
tvOS 9.0-14.0
watchOS 2.0-7.0
iOS 10.3.1-14.1
tvOS 10.2-14.0
watchOS 2.0-7.0
Swift 4
Swift 4.2
Swift 5.3
Xcode 12macOS Catalina 10.15.4 (Intel-based Mac)
iOS 14
macOS 10.15.6
tvOS 14
watchOS 7.0
DriverKit 20.0
x86_64
armv7
armv7s
arm64
arm64e
iOS 9.0-14.0
iPadOS 13.0-14.0
macOS 10.6-10.15.6
tvOS 9.0-14.0
watchOS 2.0-7.0
iOS 10.3.1-14.0
tvOS 10.2-14.0
watchOS 3.2-7.0
Swift 4
Swift 4.2
Swift 5.3
Xcode 11.7macOS Catalina 10.15.2iOS 13.7
macOS 10.15.6
tvOS 13.4
watchOS 6.2
DriverKit 19.0
x86_64
armv7
armv7s
arm64
arm64e
iOS 8.0-13.7
iPadOS 13.0-13.7
macOS 10.6-10.15.6
tvOS 9.0-13.4
watchOS 2.0-6.2
iOS 10.3.1-13.7
tvOS 10.2-13.4
watchOS 3.2-6.2
Swift 4
Swift 4.2
Swift 5.2
Xcode 11.6macOS Catalina 10.15.2iOS 13.6
macOS 10.15.6
tvOS 13.4
watchOS 6.2
DriverKit 19.0
x86_64
armv7
armv7s
arm64
arm64e
iOS 8.0-13.6
iPadOS 13.0-13.6
macOS 10.6-10.5.6
tvOS 9.0-13.4
watchOS 2.0-6.2
iOS 10.3.1-13.6
tvOS 10.2-13.4
watchOS 3.2-6.2
Swift 4
Swift 4.2
Swift 5.2
Xcode 11.5macOS Catalina 10.15.2iOS 13.5
macOS 10.15.4
tvOS 13.4
watchOS 6.2
DriverKit 19.0
x86_64
armv7
armv7s
arm64
arm64e
iOS 8.0-13.5
iPadOS 13.0-13.5
macOS 10.6-10.15.4
tvOS 9.0-13.4
watchOS 2.0-6.2
iOS 10.3.1-13.5
tvOS 10.2-13.4
watchOS 3.2-6.2
Swift 4
Swift 4.2
Swift 5.2
Xcode 11.4.xmacOS Catalina 10.15.2iOS 13.4
macOS 10.15.4
tvOS 13.4
watchOS 6.2
DriverKit 19.0
x86_64
armv7
armv7s
arm64
arm64e
iOS 8.0-13.4.x
iPadOS 13.0-13.4.x
macOS 10.6-10.15.4
tvOS 9.0-13.4
watchOS 2.0-6.2
iOS 10.3.1-13.4.x
tvOS 10.2-13.4
watchOS 3.2-6.2
Swift 4
Swift 4.2
Swift 5.2
Xcode 11.3.xmacOS Mojave 10.14.4iOS 13.3
macOS 10.15.2
tvOS 13.3
watchOS 6.1.1
DriverKit 19.0
x86_64
armv7
armv7s
arm64
arm64e
iOS 8.0-13.3
iPadOS 13.0-13.3
macOS 10.6-10.15.2
tvOS 9.0-13.3
watchOS 2.0-6.1.1
iOS 10.3.1-13.3
tvOS 10.2-13.3
watchOS 3.2-6.1.1
Swift 4
Swift 4.2
Swift 5.1
Xcode 11.2.xmacOS Mojave 10.14.4 iOS 13.2
macOS 10.15.1
tvOS 13.2
watchOS 6.1
DriverKit 19.0
x86_64
armv7
armv7s
arm64
arm64e
iOS 8.0-13.2.x
iPadOS 13.0-13.2.x
macOS 10.6-10.15.1
tvOS 9.0-13.2
watchOS 2.0-6.1
iOS 10.3.1-13.2.x
tvOS 10.2-13.2
watchOS 3.2-6.1
Swift 4
Swift 4.2
Swift 5.1
Xcode 11.1macOS Mojave 10.14.4 iOS 13.1
macOS 10.15
tvOS 13
watchOS 6.0
DriverKit 19.0
x86_64
armv7
armv7s
arm64
arm64e
iOS 8.0-13.1
iPadOS 13.0-13.1
macOS 10.6-10.15
tvOS 9.0-13.0
watchOS 2.0-6.0
iOS 10.3.1-13.1
tvOS 10.2-13.0
watchOS 3.2-6.0
Swift 4
Swift 4.2
Swift 5.1
Xcode 11macOS Mojave 10.14.4iOS 13
macOS 10.15
tvOS 13
watchOS 6.0
DriverKit 19.0
x86_64
armv7
armv7s
arm64
arm64e
iOS 8.0-13.0
iPadOS 13.0-13.0
macOS 10.6-10.15
tvOS 9.0-13.0
watchOS 2.0-6.0
iOS 10.3.1-13.0
tvOS 10.2-13.0
watchOS 3.2-6.0
Swift 4
Swift 4.2
Swift 5.1
Xcode 10.3macOS Mojave 10.14.3iOS 12.4
macOS 10.14.6
tvOS 12.4
watchOS 5.3
x86_64
armv7
armv7s
arm64
arm64e
iOS 8.0-12.4
macOS 10.6-10.14.6
tvOS 9.0-12.4
watchOS 2.0-5.3
iOS 10.3.1-12.4
tvOS 10.2-12.4
watchOS 3.2-5.3
Swift 4
Swift 4.2
Swift 5
Xcode 10.2xmacOS Mojave 10.14.3iOS 12.2
macOS 10.14.4
tvOS 12.2
watchOS 5.2
x86_64
armv7
armv7s
arm64
arm64e
iOS 8.0-12.2
macOS 10.6-10.14.4
tvOS 9.0-12.2
watchOS 2.0-5.2
iOS 8.1-12.2
tvOS 9.0-12.2
watchOS 2.0-5.2
Swift 4
Swift 4.2
Swift 5

Legend

Minimum OS Required: The version of macOS required to install this version of Xcode.

SDK: The version of SDKs included in this version of Xcode.

Architecture: The architectures supported for development by this version of Xcode.

OS: The iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS versions supported by this version of Xcode for developing, installing, and debugging applications.

Simulator: Versions of iOS, tvOS, and watchOS simulators supported for development by this version of Xcode.

Swift: Version of Swift supported for development by this version of Xcode.

Providing feedback and reporting bugs

Xcode For Windows 10 Download

Your feedback goes a long way towards making Xcode even better. With Feedback Assistant, you can report issues or request enhancements to APIs and tools. Include detailed information about issues, including the system and developer tools version information, and any relevant crash logs or console messages. To ask questions and find answers by Apple engineers and other developers, visit the Apple Developer Forums.

Xcode Apple Mach-o Linker (id) Error

Invalid private key and certificate pairing

Apple Xcode For Mac

Xcode

If you received an error message saying, 'Xcode could not find a valid private-key/certificate pair for this profile in your keychain.' This error message indicates that the Keychain Access application on your Mac is missing either the public or private key for the certificate you are using to sign your app.

This often happens when you are trying to sign and build your app from a different Mac than the one you originally used to request your code signing certificate. It can also happen if your certificate has expired or has been revoked. Ensure that your app’s provisioning profile contains a valid code signing certificate, and that the Keychain Access application on your Mac contains that certificate, the private key originally used to generate that certificate, and the WWDR Intermediate Certificate.

For instructions on how to resolve this and other code signing errors, review the Code Signing Support page.

Apple security updates

For information on the security content of Xcode updates, visit the Apple security updates page.