How to Install Xcode on Windows and build your own iOS or MacOS apps
Apr 27, 2015 When making apps for an Apple device (phone, watch, computer) you need to use Xcode. A free piece of software created by Apple that allows you to design and code up apps. Xcode only works on Apple's operating system OS X. So if you have a Mac, then you can. Update from 09/2017. It is possible to develop iOS (and Android at the same time) application using React Native + Expo without owning a mac. You will also be able to run your iOS application within iOS Expo app while developing it. (You can even publish it for other people to. Aug 02, 2016 The good news is that you can develop and test your apps on your iOS device without a paid Apple Developer account. This is particularly great for developers who want to try out, or are just starting to develop, using a framework like Ionic, since it saves the cost but gets you a lot of the features of having a full Apple Developer account.
If you really want to make Apps for iOSand MacOS Without paying any single penny on Apple hardware (MacBook or iMac) then you are at right place.
Here, In this article, we have answers to all your queries.
You must have heard about this myth that if you really want to build apps for iOS or macOS then you must own a MacBook or an iMac which is certainly not true.
You can make iOS apps without using Macbook or iMac. Yes! it is possible.
The reason they say this is because of Xcode (an IDE which is only available for MacOS ).
This software is only meant for Mac machines but now with the help of certain tools, you can operate Xcode in windows as well.
Now the question arises How to use Xcode on windows? There are many ways to do that.
We will tell you about the most efficient ways by which you will be able to achieve your iOS development goal.
Different Ways to use Xcode in Windows.
1. Virtual Machine (Vmware Workstation)
The first and foremost way to use Xcode in your windows machine is the use of a virtual machine.
It is a software which is capable of running different OS (operating system) in the existing OS.
In simple words, you will be able to use and control macOs and that can be of any version by just by installing it on Vmware.
Vmware is a virtual machine software. It basically fools your computer to believe that its Apple iMac or MacBook so that Xcode can be run on it.
Now the harsh reality.
Download Ios Apps On Mac
Everything offers some pros and cons.
Vmware also has some pros and cons with it.
Yes, you will be able to enjoy macOS free of cost but it won’t be as responsive and fast as a real MacBook or iMac.
Even if you have the strongest hardware you may face some issues like lag or heating issues.
So we won’t strongly recommend it to you but if you just want to have a taste of it then of course you can go for this option.
2. Rent a Mac
The second option in this list is renting a Mac online.
![Can I Develop Ios Apps Without Mac Can I Develop Ios Apps Without Mac](/uploads/1/2/6/3/126368359/253905864.jpg)
This service is widely used by many developers who can’t afford to purchase Apple’s expensive MacBook or iMac.
You can even remotely access a mac by sitting in any part of the globe.
The best thing about this option is that the cost is really low and it’s the fastest option to get up and running.
Now there are many companies that offer this fantastic service.
Some of them are:
This is the most well-known service for renting a mac online. We personally witnessed it a few months back and was very satisfied with their plans and quality service. As We said this before that it will be a bit slow but do very justice with its price.
You can get more information by visiting their website or by clicking the name above.
This is another service offered to use macOS X remotely. After MacinCloud this is the second best choice to opt for. But here too the issues will be the same related to speed and smoothness.
Our third option in this category is XcodeClub. This service is run by a dedicated developer himself and if we see the reviews many people are liking it. If you can’t go with the choices above then I recommend you to give this a try. So now you can work without Xcode for Windows, if your machine is not resource-rich. You can head-over to this cloud solution.
Building a Hackintosh
What is Hackintosh
Hackintosh is basically a pc which is capable of running MacOS as smooth as real iMac and MacBook. Yes, it is possible. In this option, you don’t need to use any virtual machine ( VMware ) or any online mac renting service. This requires the most effort out of all the options above presented. However, it can work for someone who wants a separate physical computer running MacOS. Now you can use Xcode on Windows to modify an operating system. You only need few things such as bootable USB-drive etc. In order to learn more about building Hackintosh, you can visit many websites on the Internet or just YouTube it. There are numerous step-by-step guides to follow.
Third Party Solutions
Last but not the least option you have, is the use of the third party solutions. But again as we said earlier you have to compromise some features either its speed or something else. Here 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 if you are not satisfied with Xcode
ReactNative helps you to create real and exciting mobile apps using JavaScript only. This is supported by both ios and Android platforms. React Native acts as a framework that builds a hierarchy of UI (User Interface) components to build the JavaScript code. With React Native Framework, you can render UI for both iOS and Android platforms. Also, this framework is open source. The big advantage of React Native is that its components have counterpart rights which allows you to reuse the components for building both Android and iOS app. You won’t need Xcode for Windows to run this application.
Xamarin is a software company founded in 2011. Recently in 2016, Microsoft acquired it. Xamarin provides developers with tools to develop cross-platform mobile applications. As per Xamarin stats, more than 15000 companies rely on their tools and the list includes many big names out there.
This allows you to built hybrid cross-platform mobile apps using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It’s an open-source cross-platform Mobile Application development framework by Nitobi Software (now Adobe) which allows web developers to build mobile apps. Despite the fact that you’re utilizing HTML/CSS and JavaScript to create applications, recollect that it’s not a customary desktop program environment and the client encounter example is fundamentally extraordinary.
Appcelerator is an open source framework that allows the creation of native mobile apps on platforms of iOS and Android. It focuses on streamlining development whilst using powerful native components from JavaScript code. The biggest benefit of Appcelerator for developers is the ease of cross-platform development. From a single code base, a developer can produce an app that will run on virtually every tablet and phone in the market.
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Conclusion
So these were some ways to develop iOS and macOS apps for Windows. To do that you will need Xcode for Windows or any alternative for developing Mac, iOS apps . Tell us what method do you like and want to follow, would love to hear that.
[EDIT]I'm really surprised that this exact question was answered in other threads, but they did NOT appear in my searches OR in the list of suggestions until after I posted this...So I'm sorry if this is a duplicate.[/EDIT]
I'm about to purchase my first-ever Mac, and the choice has been narrowed down to a Macbook Pro or a Macbook Air.
The reason I'm doing this is to help me get started developing apps for iOS. I'm not particularly interested in the other apps available for the Mac platform per se, just looking at it from a development perspective.
So my question is, can I use the development tools (Xcode, etc) on these platforms as a developer, or do I have to purchase an iMac in order to be able to get started?
I do realise there will be significant penalties for developing on a laptop as opposed to a desktop, but I have severe physical disabilities, and I need to move away from a fixed sitting position.
I have been registered as a developer, but I've been unable to source a reliable second-hand platform that isn't some kind of dodgy FrankenMac, so I decided to bite the bullet and go with a legitmate, new, platform.
Can I Develop Ios Apps Without A Mac
Any suggestions, comments or ideas will be most welcome.
Cheers,
PC Pete
Message was edited by: PC Pete
iPad 2 Wi-Fi, iOS 5.0.1
Can You Develop Ios Apps Without A Mac
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