How to Build iOS Apps on Windows: Step-by-Step Guide for Developers

Ever been in a situation where you wanted to build an iOS app but didn’t have access to a Mac? That’s probably why you’ve landed here, on this blog. Thankfully, this is a pretty common dilemma. It’s especially like this for developers who work mostly on Windows.

But here’s the thing—just because you’re on Windows doesn’t mean you’re stuck. It doesn’t mean you have a boulder blocking your way. In fact, there’s more than one way to work around this. You can still create that iOS app you’ve been dreaming about.

Take Innovin Labs as an example. They were faced with exactly this challenge. The team had a client who needed an iOS app, but their development environment was entirely Windows-based. No Mac, no Xcode. Yet, instead of letting the lack of macOS hardware stop them in their tracks, they came up with an innovative solution.

They used cross-platform tools like React Native and Expo Go to do most of the development on their Windows machines. When it was time to test iOS-specific features, they used cloud-based services for the final steps.

This approach not only helped Innovin Labs meet their clients’ needs. It even helped them do so without investing in expensive hardware. However, it also opened their eyes to a whole new way of app development. Hopefully, by the end of this blog, this will be you, too.

So, if you’re curious about iOS app development on Windows, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down their processes. We’ll show you how to do the same without needing a Mac. So, let’s jump in!

Why should you build iOS apps on Windows?

This is the big question that has led you here, although it goes counterintuitive. Because think about this: iOS app development has always been about macOS and Xcode. So, why should you go for Windows at all?

Well, for starters, not everybody can afford a Mac. Even in 2024, approximately 59% of developers worldwide said they were using Windows for personal use. 48% of them were also using it for professional work. This popularity means that most developers are familiar with the Windows system.

Many of them are more acquainted with Windows. These days, cross-platform development tools are better than ever. Some developers just don’t want to work with the strict guidelines of the Apple Ecosystem.

Keeping all this in mind, several developers have preferred using Windows for iOS development too. The best part is that many of them have been successful. They didn’t even have to invest in a new Mac device! Additionally, it helps them develop better problem-solving skills. The even better thing is that it’s a major flex on your resume, too.

What are the benefits of iOS app development on Windows?

Of course, nothing can initially top developing iOS apps using Xcode on a Mac. Yet, iOS app development on Windows can have its own benefits. If you take a broader view, especially when you want to build cross-platform applications, you might just prefer working with Windows.

Let’s go a bit deeper with learning about the benefits of iOS app development on Windows:

• Lower Hardware Costs: You get to avoid buying expensive Apple hardware. Naturally, Windows PCs are more budget-friendly and widely available.
• Cross-Platform Frameworks: Developers can use tools like React Native and Flutter to build iOS apps on Windows. They do this by using a shared codebase.
• Access to macOS Services: You can use services like MacStadium to build and test iOS apps. You can even deploy iOS apps from the cloud.
• Faster Development: Think of how you can test and refine on Android emulators or devices first. Later on, you can just finalize for iOS.
• Greater Flexibility and Control: You get to enjoy the customizability and wide tool support of Windows.
• Better Team Collaboration: This development enables teams with mixed OS setups to work together. They do so by effectively using Git and shared cloud services.
• Skill Building: This one is great for developers. They can gain expertise in virtual machines. This also includes cross-platform frameworks and cloud deployments.
• Enhanced Cross-Platform Testing: You can naturally build and debug for both iOS and Android. This way, you can catch platform-specific bugs early.

If you like challenges and want to take it on, iOS app development on Windows can be interesting. You can learn a lot.

What do you need for iOS app development on Windows?

Alright, so you’re on Windows and thinking, “Can I really build an iOS app without a Mac?” You know that it’s possible, but here’s what you should know: It takes a bit of extra setup. Yet, it’s still achievable and honestly, kind of exciting, too.

With the right tools and a sprinkle of cloud-powered magic, you can start iOS app development on Windows. So, let’s talk about what you actually need to get started:

Understanding the iOS Development Basics

If you’re someone who’s more familiar with Android app development, you have a lot to learn then. iOS development isn’t just about writing code. It’s more about understanding how Apple’s ecosystem works. Even if you’re not working on a Mac, learning this would help in knowing what’s happening behind the scenes.

Basically, the more you know and understand, the better it is for you. So, now let’s understand this. You have to know about the programming languages and how you’ll gather the things you need for iOS app development on Windows.

Programming Language

Swift is the main language you’ll want to get cozy and comfy with. It’s Apple’s modern, beginner-friendly programming language. This was created specifically for building apps across all Apple platforms.

Objective-C is still used here and there. However, you’ll find it to be more popular in older codebases. These days, Swift is the star of the show. The best part? It’s not that hard to learn. This is especially true if you’ve experimented in other modern programming languages. This includes Kotlin or Java for Android.

Swift UI/UIKit

The user interface of any app determines a lot. Sure, a lot of it is about aesthetics and the feel of the product. Yet, it’s also about the functionality. When designing your app’s interface, you’ll come across two main options: UIKit and SwiftUI.

UIKit is the OG framework for Apple. Generally, it’s super powerful. However, it is a bit more complex, with lots of boilerplate code. On the other hand, you have SwiftUI. It is the newer and

shinier option. This one uses a declarative style. This makes it much easier to read and write. SwiftUI is your less intimidating best friend if you’re starting from scratch.

Simulator or Device

Now here’s the tricky part: testing your iOS app. Now, with Windows, how would you do that? Apple’s Simulator mimics an iPhone or iPad. However, it only runs on macOS, not Windows. So, what do you do?

If you have access to a Mac in the cloud, you can use the Simulator there. For this, you’ll need MacStadium. Alternatively, you can connect an actual iPhone and test your app using certain tools. Think of Expo if you’re using React Native. You can even build it remotely via cloud CI/CD services.

Collect Tools & Platforms

Making iOS development possible on Windows isn’t served on a plate. You’ll have to explore and conquer. You’ll have to gather some important aspects to begin. So, here’s your go-to starter pack:

You’ll need cross-platform frameworks like React Native or Xamarin. Then, you’ll have to find an Xcode alternative. These are meant to help you with building and testing your app before launching it. You’ll even need a Code editor like VS Code or Android Studio. Finally, you’ll add GitHub for version control and integrate with CI/CD tools.

Once you gather your toolkit, you’ll be surprised how smoothly things start to click together. Even without a Mac under your fingertips, everything will be smooth.

Discovering Xcode Alternatives

So, here’s the straightforward thing… Xcode is Apple’s official IDE for iOS development. Yet, here’s a big catch: it only runs on macOS. So, if you’re on Windows, you’ll need to get creative. But don’t worry, because this doesn’t mean you’re stuck! Plenty of workarounds and powerful alternatives let you build, test, and even publish iOS apps without touching Xcode.

These alternatives can go a long way if you find the right one. Whether you’re using cross-platform frameworks or cloud-based Mac environments, you’ve got options. Let’s take a look at the alternatives that can help you here:

Visual Studio

So, you’re a .NET developer. Maybe you just enjoy Microsoft’s ecosystem. In this case, Visual Studio with Xamarin can be very powerful. Xamarin lets you build native iOS apps. It uses C# and .NET. It integrates pretty smoothly with Visual Studio.

You can share most of your codebase between iOS and Android, which is a huge win. The only thing is—you’ll still need access to a Mac (real or cloud-based) to compile iOS builds. However, the interface and tooling are all Windows-friendly, making it a comfy option for developers who are already at home in Visual Studio.

React Native

React Native is a favorite for many cross-platform developers—and for good reason. You can build beautiful, high-performing apps using JavaScript (or TypeScript, if that’s your vibe). It’s backed by Meta or Facebook.

It has a strong community, tons of libraries, and solid support for both iOS and Android. On Windows, you can do most of your development and testing for Android locally, and use tools like Expo, EAS Build, or Mac in Cloud to handle the iOS side. It’s flexible, fast, and ideal for teams that want one codebase for both platforms.

Flutter

Flutter, by Google, is another cross-platform gem. It is awesome and works beautifully on Windows. It uses Dart as its programming language. It’s also known for its hot reload feature and rich UI capabilities. If you want to build cross-platform applications, Flutter is great.

With Flutter, you can create apps that feel super native, both in performance and appearance. While you’ll need a Mac for iOS builds, Flutter makes it easy to structure your app on Windows, and you can use cloud CI/CD services to handle the rest. It’s also perfect if design and visual consistency are your top priorities.

Unity

If your app is game-related or needs a lot of real-time graphics, Unity is the way to go. It’s widely used for iOS game development, and it works seamlessly on Windows. You can build, test, and polish your game in Unity and then export it for iOS again.

You’ll just need a Mac involved at the final stage for building and submission. Unity’s strength lies in its visual development environment. It delivers a robust asset store and support for 2D, 3D, AR, and VR. So, naturally, if you’re developing something immersive or playful, this is your way to go. However, it may get a bit tricky to find a Mac.

Virtual Machines and Emulators

Alright, let’s talk virtual machines and emulators. These are the clever tricks that let you sneak into the Apple ecosystem. The best part? You’ll get to do it without owning a Mac. Since Xcode only runs on macOS, developers on Windows often turn to virtual machines and emulators. They help them simulate the macOS environment to test their apps.

Think of it like creating a mini MacOS inside your Windows PC. While it’s not always the smoothest ride and there are some limitations, it can get the job done. Let’s break down how these tools work and what you should know:

VirtualBox

VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtual machine software. This was originally developed by Oracle. It allows you to run a guest operating system. In our case, MacOS, but on your Windows machine. You can create a fully functional macOS environment inside VirtualBox. It can be done with the right macOS image and some tweaks. The good news? It’s free!

The not-so-good news is that it can be a bit slow. It might require quite a bit of setup and troubleshooting. This also happens if you’re new to virtual machines. Still, for experimenting around, VirtualBox can be a great place to start.

VMWare

VMware Workstation is another popular virtual machine software. This one is generally known to be more powerful and stable than VirtualBox. But the thing here is that it isn’t free. However, there’s a trial version. With the help of macOS unlockers and some knowledge, you can run macOS smoothly on VMware.

From a performance perspective, VMware often runs faster. It even handles graphics better. This makes it ideal if you’re planning to spend more time developing or testing. But again, it does require some patience to set up. It also isn’t officially supported by Apple.

Hackintosh

Alright, now we’re getting a little rebellious. A Hackintosh is when you install macOS directly on non-Apple hardware. So, basically, you’re turning your PC into a Mac. This isn’t a virtual environment; it’s your Windows machine actually running macOS as its operating system.

It can offer better performance than virtual machines, but it’s also the trickiest to pull off, with lots of compatibility issues. You’ll be met with driver drama and updates that could break your setup. Plus, Apple does not officially support it, so it sits in a bit of a legal gray zone. That said, many devs have used it successfully for years.

MacInCloud

If you’re not ready to get your hands dirty with VM setups or Hackintosh tinkering, MacInCloud might be your best friend. It’s a cloud-based service that gives you remote access to a real Mac over the internet.

You log in, open Xcode, build and test your apps, and that’s it—no installations, no bootloaders, no patching. It’s a paid service, but it’s reliable, accessible from anywhere, and fully legal. Great for when you need to test your app on a real Mac or submit it to the App Store without investing in Apple hardware.

How to start with iOS app development on Windows

Now that you’ve read this far, grab that strong cup of coffee. What’s coming next isn’t smooth. Honestly, starting iOS app development on Windows might seem a little unconventional. However, it is totally possible with the right tools and mindset, as we have learned above.

Thanks to cross-platform frameworks and cloud services, you can set up a development environment that works just fine on Windows. Let’s go through how to get things started step by step, without the tech overwhelm.

Step 1: Choose a Cross-Platform Framework

First things first now. You will need to decide how you want to build your app. Since you’re on Windows, the easiest path is to use a cross-platform framework. These let you write your code once and deploy it on both iOS and Android.

Here are a few solid picks:

• React Native: Great if you’re comfortable with JavaScript. It’s fast, flexible, and has a huge community.
• Flutter: Uses a modern programming language called Dart. It is perfect for beautiful and high-performance UIs.
• Xamarin: Now, if you’re coming from a C# or .NET background, this one is genuinely perfect for you.

Pick one that matches your comfort zone or the app’s requirements. No wrong choices here—just different flavors!

Step 2: Access MacOS One Way or the Other

Here’s the part you can definitely not skip. iOS apps can only be compiled and submitted to the App Store using Xcode, which runs on macOS. So, no matter how much you run away, you’ll find yourself at a crossroads.

So then, what are your options?

• MacInCloud or MacStadium – Rent a Mac in the cloud and access it remotely.
• Virtual Machine – Run macOS on Windows using something like VMware or VirtualBox (a little techy, but doable).
• Hackintosh – Install macOS directly on your PC (not for the faint-hearted).

You don’t need to use these every day. However, you’re going to need one when you need to test, build, or publish your iOS app development on Windows.

Step 3: Set Up Your Development Environment

Setting up your development environment is essential. This is what helps you along the way. Choose what you’re familiar with. Once you’ve chosen your framework and figured out your macOS plan, it’s time to set up your tools on Windows.

Here’s what you’ll usually need:

• A code editor (like VS Code or Android Studio)
• The framework’s SDK (React Native CLI, Flutter SDK, etc.)
• A good Android emulator (for initial testing and previewing)
• js, Git, and other dependencies depending on the framework

This is the part where your machine starts looking like a proper dev workstation. This is where it starts. Make sure you take your sweet time designing the intuitive user interface, too!

Step 4: Begin with the iOS Build & Testing

Once your app is shaping up, you’ll eventually need to test and build it for iOS. You can’t do it so perfectly when working solely from Windows. You will eventually need a Mac, as we’ve mentioned. Yet, here’s how you can go about it:

• Use Expo for React Native because it makes testing on iOS easier. This will help even if you don’t have a Mac.
• Consider Cloud CI/CD tools like Codemagic or App Center. These can automate builds and even publish directly to the App Store.
• Here, even a Remote Mac access can work. Open Xcode on your cloud Mac, load your project, and hit build.

This is usually the step where you go “Whoa, it’s actually happening!” We’ve been there. It is an exciting moment!

Step 5: Get an Apple Developer Account

Last but definitely not least, you’ll need to join the Apple Developer Program. Of course, this is if you want to publish your app or test it on a real iPhone. Which you will eventually have to. You’re not just developing your iOS app from Windows as a joke, are you?

• The cost for enrolling in this program is $99 a year.
• You get access to TestFlight and App Store Connect.
• You’ll even get beta software and all the goodies you’ll need for the real app launch.

Even if you’re not launching right away, having the account set up early makes things easier down the line.

What is the average cost to build an iOS app?

Now, you’re probably wondering the average cost to build an iOS app. Well, we have created an estimate. This will work if you’re planning to build a basic app that doesn’t have many complexities. Let’s see:

• Cloud-Based macOS Access: If you’re using a service like MacInCloud or MacStadium, you’re looking at around $20 to $50/month; this can add up to about $100–$200 for small projects.
• Apple Developer Account: This one is mandatory and will cost you $99 a year.
• Design Costs: No code development platforms like Figma can help you create prototypes independently. So, if you hire a designer, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $2,000.
• Development Costs: Now, this one can be so confusing when you’re the developer yourself. If you don’t use premium tools, your costs should be around $300-$500.
• Testing & QA Costs: If you’re doing it yourself with friends and test devices, it’s free! But with professionals, it is around $200 to $1,000.
• Marketing & Launch Costs: Launching isn’t that straightforward. You may need some marketing for the buzz here. So, you should expect $300 to $1,500.

Estimated Average Cost Breakdown:

Now, of course, our average cost to build an iOS app is just an estimation. It genuinely comes down to how you manage things. Yet, our experienced iOS app developers would say that this isn’t something you should expect to be cheap.

This way, your iOS app could cost anywhere between $2,000 and $10,000+. Sounds like a lot? Well, you’re a developer, you know it! And this estimation is just for starters. iOS app development on Windows can be fun. Yet, the more features and polish you want, the more your budget will grow.

Why should you follow Linkitsoft’s method for iOS development on Windows?

Guidance can come from anywhere. Yet, you need a trusted and reliable source. Linkitsoft holds this credible position because of its years of experience. App development has been one of our strongest suits. We have tried and tested a lot of things to know what’s right and what could be better.

Our experienced iOS app developers know the ifs and whats of an iOS app’s development process. They know how tricky things get. iOS app development on Windows can be successful once you get the hang of it.

You should keep in mind that this won’t work for complex projects. Some apps demand the specific features of Xcode. There might be a few benefits of iOS app development on Windows, but there are also limitations.

Wrapping it up

iOS apps work differently from Android apps. This is just natural due to the distinct operating system needs. Each platform has its own guidelines and specifications. This is why, whether you’re building on Mac or Windows, you need to just make sure you follow them.

As a developer, you need to have enough experience in app development to build iOS apps with Windows. Without it, this isn’t something you could take on as a beginner. Developing iOS apps with Windows can be a challenge that many are not ready to face.

For the best user experience, you might need to take a better approach. It would probably be using a single codebase to develop multiple apps. This would reduce development times and even help with managing the budget.

If you need help with your app development and want us to take the wheel. Our experienced iOS app developers would love that. Just give us a call. Linkitsoft is here to help!