Have you ever thought of developing an iOS mobile app for Windows?
The answer will most likely be a big NO, but times have changed and let’s find out how to develop an iOS app for Windows.
Reading: How to create an ios app using windows
The main problem you Holding back iOS app development in Windows 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 necessary tools to upload your app to the App Store.
Now Xcode includes everything you need to create an iOS application.
The only problem is that it is only compatible with Mac OS X (now called Mac OS).
Another problem is that you cannot buy a PC with Mac OS on it because unlike Windows, Apple doesn’t let you license its operating system from other manufacturers.
When you buy an OS X, you can purchase a license to run that operating system on Apple hardware only.
This limits you to developing apps that only run on a Mac.
Top 8 Ways to Development an iOS App on 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 creates an environment in which any operating system can run as if it were itself 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 one virtual machine, you need two Things:
• A copy of OS X as a virtual image file or installer.
• A virtual machine tool such as VirtualBox or VMWare.
You can acquire a duplicate of OS X by downloading it from the App Store.
You can also find installers from various sources on the Internet.
Remember that using Mac OS on non-Apple hardware violates Apple’s End User License Agreement (EULA).
2. Rent a Mac in the cloud
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A much easier way to get 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 Rent-a-Mac products.
You can connect to these cloud-based Macs using a remote desktop connection (RDP).
Windows provides a default remote desktop that you can use, just like most Linux operating systems .
Once you are signed in, you can install Xcode and your iOS app development services.
3. Build Your Own “Hackintosh”
Perhaps the most obvious choice for iOS app development services on a Windows PC is actually installing 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 Mac OS. It is the same as installing OS X in a virtual machine, also 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 amazing: you code your application once and export it to iOS and Android.
This could cut your application development time and cost in half.
Some cross-platform tools allow you to build iOS applications on a Windows PC or compile the application if you have a Mac on your network.
A common argument against cross-platform app development tools is that they offer limited access and support for smartphone hardware and are less “smart” than their counterparts.
Remember that any cross-platform tool will expect you to create platform-specific code at some point, especially if you need to code custom functions.
5. Code with a Swift sandbox
Swift is an open-source language, which means you can effectively run it on any hardware.
Swift is an open source language, which means you can run it effectively on any hardware.
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Accordingly, you can also run it in your browser – if the language is ported to Chrome, Safari or Firefox.
With Swift Sandbox, you can learn and code with Swift without needing a Mac or XCode.
Once you run code in Swift Sandbox, the code is sent to a web server. The web server compiles the code and returns a result.
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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 non-gaming app development.
Unity’s “Cloud Build” feature supports iOS development on Windows in simple steps.
By registering as an Apple developer and joining the Unity Cloud Build, it’s easy to set up, build, and build iOS projects.
With a free editor for development and distribution, it is possible to create an iOS app entirely in Windows.
You only need a Mac to compile the project!
7. With the Hybrid Framework, Xamarin
A cheaper option than Cloud Mac, Hybrid Frameworks offer a cost-effective solution for iOS development on Windows.
Xamarin is a trusted choice by most developers who claim it delivers true native output.
It uses C# for coding. It is a feature-rich platform that allows you to build and compile iOS apps and deploy them to iOS devices from Windows.
The only thing you can’t do from Windows and need a Mac is submitting to the App Store.
8. In React Native Environment
React Native is a cross-platform tool based on Javascript and widely used for iOS development on Windows.
It has several exceptional features and an easy learning curve, making it a popular tool among developers.
Using the Android emulator and setting up Mac OS deployment machines, it is possible to develop an iOS application in Windows.
To view the output, you can use Expo Simulator, available for both Android and iOS.
Conclusion
If you wanted to start building on iOS and the unavailability of a Mac operating system prevented you from doing so, then these alternatives are just that , what you need .
Although these might be a bit complicated if built directly on the Mac, they are tried and tested alternatives by developers worldwide.
Ultimately, developing iOS applications is all about becoming familiar with Xcode.
Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can start developing your app using the tools above to help you get started in the right direction.
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