How to Develop iOS Apps on Windows in 2025

How to develop iOS apps on Windows? This can feel like hitting a brick wall. The moment you discover that Apple’s official development tool, Xcode, only works on macOS, frustration sets in. For many developers, startups, or companies with Windows-based teams, this raises a big question: “Do I have to buy a Mac just to build iOS apps?”

At AMELA Technology, we’ve faced this challenge countless times with our clients. Some tried workarounds, others leaned on cross-platform frameworks, and many came to us after wasting weeks looking for shortcuts. The reality is clear: yes, you can build iOS apps on Windows, but you need the right approach to bridge the gap with macOS. This blog breaks down those approaches, explains what works (and what doesn’t), and shares lessons from our own hands-on projects.

What is Xcode?

Xcode is Apple’s official IDE for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS app development. It integrates a developer’s code editor, UI designer, compiler, debugger, and performance tools.

For non-Apple developers, Xcode is vital and irritating. To be assembled, tested, and published to the App Store, every iOS app must travel through it. It’s frustrating since Apple only offers it on macOS, forcing Windows developers to find workarounds.

In our experience supporting clients with cross-platform development, we’ve seen teams spend weeks trying to piece together partial solutions using emulators, third-party IDEs, or remote build servers, only to realize they can’t skip Xcode when signing and deploying an app. To publish to Apple’s App Store, you need Xcode.

Key features of Xcode

• Swift and Objective-C support – Apple’s core languages, fully built-in.
• Interface Builder – drag-and-drop tool to design screens visually.
• Simulator – run your app on virtual iPhones, iPads, or even Apple Watches.
• Performance tools (Instruments) – track memory, CPU, and battery impact.
• Testing frameworks – unit tests, UI tests, automation, all included.
• App Store integration – manage certificates, sign your app, push directly to TestFlight or App Store.

What makes Xcode special isn’t just the features—it’s how tightly everything works together. You can design, code, test, and publish without ever leaving the IDE. For Apple development, that’s a game-changer.

Explore other iOS Mobile App Development Software Options besides XCode.

How to Develop iOS Apps on Windows?

Code iOS App on Windows is possible, but not straightforward. Apple’s official development tool, Xcode, only runs on macOS. That means Windows developers can’t install it directly, which is a dealbreaker if you want to compile, sign, and publish apps to the App Store.

So how do teams like ours at AMELA handle it? The reality is simple: you write and test most of your code on Windows using cross-platform frameworks or editors, but when it comes to building and deploying, you need access to macOS in some form. That could be a cloud Mac service, a CI/CD pipeline running on a Mac build server, or a remote connection to an actual Mac machine.

We’ve run into this many times while working with international clients. For example, when a European startup approached us to build their iOS app but their dev team was mostly on Windows, we designed a workflow where development happened on Windows machines, but the final build and App Store submission went through a Mac mini build server. This hybrid setup allowed the team to stay productive without breaking Apple’s rules.

The key point: Windows can be your daily driver for coding iOS apps, but macOS will always be part of the pipeline. The question is which approach—cloud, virtualization, or remote Mac—fits your workflow best. We’ll break down these options in the next section.

>>> Related: Top 5 Apple Development Tools

Different Ways to Build iOS Apps on Windows

If you’re on Windows and dreaming of launching an iOS app, you’re not alone. Many of our clients at AMELA start exactly there. The good news: it’s possible. The catch: you’ll always need macOS somewhere in the process because Apple requires it for final builds and App Store submission. Let’s break down the practical ways to get this done, with tips we’ve learned from coding and shipping real apps.

Virtualization (Running macOS on a Windows PC)

This means installing macOS inside a virtual machine (using VMware or VirtualBox). It lets you run macOS and Xcode “inside” your Windows computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Install a virtualization tool like VMware.

2. Create a macOS virtual machine.

3. Install Xcode inside that VM.

What to notice: While this method to develop iOS Apps On Windows works, it comes with two major drawbacks. Apple’s license only allows macOS to run on Apple hardware, so technically you’re outside of compliance. And performance is usually disappointing. In our own tests, larger builds took three to four times longer compared to running on a real Mac. That makes virtualization fine for tinkering or learning, but not something we’d ever recommend for professional client work.

Cloud Mac (run Xcode from your Windows PC)

Think of this as renting a Mac in the cloud. Providers give you remote access to a real macOS machine. You log in from your Windows PC, open Xcode, and work as if you had a Mac on your desk.

Tools we use: MacStadium or BrowserStack (for the Mac), XcodeClub, Homebrew, CocoaPods, fastlane.

Step-by-step

1. Rent the Mac: Create an account (e.g., MacStadium) → pick a Mac mini with the latest macOS.

2. First-time Xcode setup (on the remote Mac):

• Install Xcode from the App Store.
• Install Xcode CLI tools: xcode-select –install
• Accept the license: sudo xcodebuild -license accept
• Install helpers:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
brew install cocoapods fastlane

3. Code signing basics:

• Create your Bundle ID in Apple Developer/
• Add your Apple Distribution certificate (Xcode → Settings → Accounts → Manage Certificates → “+”).
• Create/download a Provisioning Profile (App Store or Ad-Hoc).

4. Get your code onto the Mac: git clone your repo.

• For RN: cd ios && pod install
• For Flutter: flutter pub get then (later on the Mac) flutter build ipa

5. Build & test:

Open *.xcworkspace, set Team/Signing, pick a simulator or device, Run.

6. Archive & ship: Product → Archive → Distribute → App Store Connect → Upload (or use fastlane gym + pilot).

Watch-outs (from experience): Your App Store submission can be rejected if Xcode is behind the required iOS SDK. Always match Xcode version to your iOS deployment target before release.

On-prem Mac build server (remote into a Mac mini)

A physical Mac in your office you can reach from Windows – cheap long-term, fully under your control.

Tools we use: macOS + Xcode on a Mac mini, Chrome Remote Desktop / Microsoft RDP / AnyDesk, SSH, fastlane.

Step-by-step

1. Prepare the Mac mini: Update macOS, install Xcode + CLI tools, accept license.

2. Enable access: System Settings → Screen Sharing (or Remote Management) and Remote Login (SSH).

3. Developer accounts: Sign into Xcode with the Apple Developer team account. Add certificates & profiles.

4. Clone project: git clone … and install dependencies (CocoaPods, SwiftPM packages, etc.).

5. Build:

• Manual: open Xcode, Archive, upload to TestFlight.
• Or script: set up fastlane and run fastlane beta to build & upload.

Watch-outs: Keep the Mac online and patched; keychains holding signing certs should be login-unlocked for automated jobs. Use a dedicated Apple ID with 2FA and an App Store Connect API key for CI uploads.

CI/CD (automatic iOS builds from Windows pushes)

Develop on Windows; every push triggers a macOS build in the cloud.

Tools we use: GitHub Actions / Bitrise / Codemagic, fastlane (optional), App Store Connect API key.

Step-by-step (GitHub Actions example)

1. Repo & secrets: Add to your repo:

• APP_STORE_CONNECT_API_KEY (JSON),
• SIGNING_CERT.p12 + P12_PASSWORD,
• PROVISIONING_PROFILE.mobileprovision.

2. Fastlane (optional but nice):

• Gemfile with fastlane
• Fastfile with lanes gym (build) and pilot (upload)

3. Workflow

name: iOS Build
on: [push]
jobs:
  build:
    runs-on: macos-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
      - name: Xcode Select
        run: sudo xcode-select -s /Applications/Xcode.app
      - name: Setup Ruby
        uses: ruby/setup-ruby@v1
        with: { ruby-version: '3.2' }
      - name: Install fastlane
        run: gem install fastlane
      - name: Install Pods
        run: |
          cd ios
          pod install
      - name: Import certs
        run: |
          security create-keychain -p "" build.keychain
          security import <(echo "$SIGNING_CERT_BASE64" | base64 --decode) -k build.keychain -P "$P12_PASSWORD" -A mkdir -p ~/Library/MobileDevice/Provisioning\ Profiles echo "$PROVISION_PROFILE_BASE64" | base64 --decode > ~/Library/MobileDevice/Provisioning\ Profiles/profile.mobileprovision
      - name: Build & Upload with fastlane
        env:
          APP_STORE_CONNECT_API_KEY: ${{ secrets.APP_STORE_CONNECT_API_KEY }}
        run: bundle exec fastlane beta

4. Result: A signed .ipa goes straight to TestFlight after each push.

Watch-outs: Certificates/profiles are the #1 cause of broken pipelines. Store them encrypted, rotate when staff changes, and prefer App Store Connect API keys over passwords.

Cross-platform dev on Windows, build iOS on Mac only at the end

This is the path we use most often for clients with Windows-based teams that want to develop iOS Apps On Windows. Frameworks like Flutter (Dart), React Native (JavaScript), or Xamarin (C#) let you build most of your app on Windows. You can test Android builds locally, then hand off iOS builds to a Mac only when needed.

A. Flutter

Windows side

• Install Flutter SDK; run flutter doctor until green.
• Build features; test on Android emulator: flutter run.
• Keep iOS code healthy (platform channels, assets, bundle IDs in ios/Runner).

Mac side (build time)

• flutter pub get → cd ios && pod install
• Open Runner.xcworkspace in Xcode; set Signing (Team/Bundle ID).
• Release: flutter build ipa –release
• Upload via Xcode Organizer or fastlane pilot.

B. React Native (bare)

Windows side

• npx react-native init or use your existing app.
• Develop & test on Android; unit/UI tests via Jest/Detox (Android).

Mac side (build time)

• cd ios && pod install
• Open *.xcworkspace, set Signing.
• Archive in Xcode; upload to TestFlight (or use fastlane).

C. React Native (Expo + EAS Cloud Builds)

Windows side

• npm i -g eas-cli → eas login
• eas build:configure → choose iOS.
• eas build -p ios –profile production (build happens on Expo’s macOS runners).

Watch-outs: For Flutter/RN, you still need Apple signing assets. Also, some native iOS features need additional setup (entitlements, URL schemes, Push/Background modes).

>>> Related: React Native App Development: A Comprehensive Guide

.NET MAUI / Xamarin with “Pair to Mac”

If your team is in C#/.NET, you can code on Windows and pair to a Mac for the iOS bits.

Tools: Visual Studio 2022 on Windows (iOS workload), a Mac with Xcode on the network.

Step-by-step

• Install Visual Studio with .NET MAUI workloads (Windows).
• On the Mac: install Xcode, enable Remote Login, same Apple signing setup.
• In Visual Studio (Windows): Pair to Mac → select the Mac.
• Build/deploy the iOS app to a simulator/device via the paired Mac.

Watch-outs: Ensure the Mac and Windows machines are on a reliable network; keep Xcode and VS workloads in sync to avoid cryptic toolchain errors.

Challenges of iOS App Development on Windows

The idea to develop iOS apps on Windows isn’t impossible, but it comes with a fair share of hurdles. Over the years at AMELA Technology, we’ve seen teams run into the same pain points again and again. Knowing these challenges upfront helps you plan better and avoid wasted effort.

1. Lack of Native Xcode Support

The biggest blocker is that Xcode only runs on macOS. Since Apple requires apps to be compiled, signed, and submitted via Xcode, Windows developers can’t escape this step. Workarounds exist (cloud Macs, CI/CD, cross-platform frameworks), but you’ll always need access to macOS somewhere in the process.

2. Performance Limitations with Workarounds

Virtualization and remote access are common strategies, but they rarely match the performance of a real Mac. In our tests, builds in virtual machines ran 3–4x slower, and UI tools like Interface Builder felt laggy. For teams on tight deadlines, this performance gap quickly becomes a bottleneck.

3. Dependency on Internet Connection

Most cloud-based solutions require a stable, high-speed internet connection. When your connection drops, so does your productivity. One of our startup clients learned this the hard way: their cloud Mac froze mid-build during a release sprint, delaying their TestFlight submission by hours.

4. Code Signing and Certificates

Apple’s provisioning profiles and signing certificates are notoriously tricky. On Windows setups, managing these securely can be harder since you’re often transferring files between systems or CI/CD pipelines. We’ve seen projects stall for days because a misplaced certificate broke the build pipeline.

5. Limited Testing Accuracy

Simulators can only take you so far. While Windows-based workflows let you test logic and UI layouts, real-world testing still requires an iPhone or iPad. Many bugs—like performance on low-battery, camera permissions, or background tasks—only show up on actual devices. Teams relying too heavily on simulators risk missing critical issues.

6. Higher Setup and Maintenance Effort

Unlike native macOS development, where everything is baked into Xcode, Windows-based workflows often stitch together multiple tools: remote access, cross-platform frameworks, CI/CD services, and cloud Macs. Keeping these synced and updated takes more setup and ongoing maintenance.

>>> Related: iOS App Development Comprehensive Guide

Our Take on iOS Apps Development on Windows

From AMELA’s experience with iOS/Iphone app development on Windows, here’s the sweet spot:

• Startups usually do best with cross-platform frameworks + a rented Mac for builds.
  Enterprises prefer CI/CD pipelines for consistency and scale.
• Hobbyists might try virtualization, but for professional work, it’s not worth the lag.

The main thing to remember: Windows is fine for coding, but macOS is non-negotiable for building and publishing. The method you choose depends on your budget, team size, and how polished your workflow needs to be.

FAQs

Do I need a Mac to develop iOS apps?

Yes and no. You can do most of the coding on Windows using frameworks like Flutter or React Native. But for the final steps—compiling, code signing, and publishing—you’ll need access to macOS. That can be through a physical Mac, a cloud Mac, or a CI/CD pipeline with macOS runners.

Can I install Xcode on Windows directly?

No. Apple only allows Xcode to run on macOS. Any website or tool claiming otherwise is either outdated or unreliable. The realistic options are cloud Macs, virtualization, or remote access to a Mac.

Which is the best method for Windows developers?

It depends on your team. Startups usually do well with cross-platform frameworks and a rented Mac. Larger teams benefit more from CI/CD pipelines that handle iOS builds automatically. Hobbyists can try virtualization for learning, but it’s not suitable for production apps.

Do I need an Apple Developer Account?

Yes. To publish apps on the App Store, you need an Apple Developer account, which costs $99/year. Without it, you can’t sign or distribute your iOS builds.

Can I test iOS apps without a Mac?

You can test logic and UI with simulators or Android builds, but nothing beats a real iPhone or iPad. Some bugs only show up on real devices (camera, push notifications, battery impact), so we always recommend testing on actual hardware before release.

What about using Flutter or React Native? Do I still need Xcode?

Yes. Even with cross-platform frameworks, the final iOS build and submission to the App Store require Xcode. Frameworks reduce day-to-day reliance on macOS, but they don’t replace it.

Conclusion

Choosing the right workflow is the key to develop iOS Apps On Windows successfully. Cloud Macs let you “rent” Apple hardware, virtualization works for practice, cross-platform frameworks keep teams productive on Windows, and CI/CD pipelines make builds seamless at scale. What they all share in common is one truth: macOS will always play a role in publishing to the App Store.

From our experience at AMELA Technology, the best results come from designing a workflow that fits the project. If your team is building an iOS app on Windows and you’re unsure which approach makes sense, let’s talk. At AMELA Technology, we’ve helped startups and enterprises worldwide set up the right development workflows and deliver apps that scale.

Editor: AMELA Technology