Would you like to develop software for Mac OS X or iOS? While it’s easy to develop apps for Linux and Windows on any platform, developing software for Mac requires a toolset called XCode, designed and built by Apple specifically for Mac OS X.
- While building and testing your app seems easy, you still need a Mac to build the app file for iOS devices. An easy fix for this can be from buying a Mac, borrowing a friend’s Mac, running a virtual machine on your current computer, or looking at services like MacinCloud which gives you the ability to rent a Mac and running it through your.
- If you only spin up the Mac for the final part of the build, then you will be able to stretch a Pay-as-you-Go plan really far. With Appmethod you can preview the function of your app on Windows or Android and get most of the development done and debugged without ever needing to connect to MacInCould.
XCode is an incredibly powerful piece of software. Not only is it a complete toolset for developing Mac apps; it’s also an interface builder, testing application, and asset management toolkit.
You do not need to own an iPhone or Mac to build iOS apps- We have app previewers for Android, iPhone, iPad. While you build app on PC, your app can watch it on any phone Support That Matters We pride in ourselves in providing excellent support for all our customers. Whats a good software without an awesome support?
In this simple guide, you’ll learn how to use XCode on Windows – something that’s normally impossible. All you’ll need is a Windows PC, a copy of Mac OS X, an Apple account, and an Internet connection.
Is this your first time using XCode? Learn how to program software for Mac and iOS with our 1 Hour XCode Introduction.
Installing a virtual PC application with Mac OS X
Since XCode only runs on Mac OS X, you’ll need to be able to simulate an installation of Mac OS X on Windows. This is surprisingly easy to do with virtualization software like VMWare or open source alternative VirtualBox.
For the purpose of this guide, we’ll be using VirtualBox. If you use a different virtual computer application, the process is much the same. Since VirtualBox is open source and free to use, it’s worth downloading it if you don’t already have a copy installed.
Have you never used VirtualBox before? Learn how to use this powerful virtual PC application by enrolling in our course, QuickStart! – Virtual Box. In addition to Mac OS X, VirtualBox can also be used to run Linux and other operating systems.
Running a virtual computer is quite a demanding process, and you’ll need to have a fairly powerful PC for it to operate successfully. You’ll also need a PC with hardware similar to that of a standard, Apple-constructed iMac, MacBook, or Mac Pro.
To successfully emulate a Mac using a Windows PC, you’ll need the following:
- A Dual Core Intel processor
- At least 2GB of RAM (4GB+ recommended)
- Hardware Virtualization
Is your PC too weak to emulate a Mac properly? Learn how to build a powerful PC for gaming, app development, and more with our Learn How to Build a Computer course.
You’ll also need an installation disc for Mac OS X. You can purchase this online from the Apple Store or, if you already own a MacBook, iMac, or Mac Pro, you can use the install disc you received with your computer.
Once you’ve installed VirtualBox, open the application and choose to install Mac OS X Server 64 Bit. Provide the virtual computer with at least 2GB of RAM (if you have more than 8GB of RAM, choose 4GB+) and more than 30GB of hard disk space.
VirtualBox will automatically configure the operating system, but you’ll still need to make a few changes manually. Open the Settings menu and carry out the following changes:
- On the System tab, uncheck Enable EFI
- On the Processor tab, select at least two CPUs
- On the Display tab, increase the video memory to at least 128MB
Installing Mac OS X and booting your virtual machine
Finally, you’ll need to download a Hackboot boot loader to install OS X. You can find a Hackboot install file by searching Google – in this case, you’ll need Hackboot 1 and Hackboot 2, as well as your OS X disc, to complete the installation.
Select your Hackboot 1 disc image, and then start the virtual machine. Your virtual machine will boot, and you’ll see an OS X screen. Using the menu at the bottom of the screen, launch the disc drive that contains your OS X installation disc.
From here, you’ll need to follow the installation instructions for Mac OS X. It takes several minutes to install the operating system. Once the process is finished, you’ll need to switch off your virtual machine and change your boot disc.
Reopen VirtualBox and, leaving all of your other settings the same, switch your boot disc from Hackboot 1 to Hackboot 2. You’ll boot into a screen with two icons. Select Mac OS X and press Enter to initiate the Mac OS X boot sequence.
During the Mac OS X configuration sequence, you’ll need to enter your Apple ID. This is necessary for downloading the XCode toolset later, so make sure you enter a valid Apple account when you configure your operating system.
Installing XCode on your Mac OS X virtual machine
Once you’ve configured your Mac OS X virtual machine, installing XCode is relatively easy. Before you install XCode, you’ll want to configure your virtual machine to your preferred resolution and settings using the System Preferences menu.
Is this your first time using Mac OS X? If you’re a PC user, finding your way around in the new interface can be a challenge. Mac how to clear and apps badges. Enroll in Using Mac OS X for Windows Users to learn the basics of the OS X interface, from the Dock to features like Spotlight.
From here, installing XCode is simple. Open the App Store application from the dock and type XCode into the search bar. You might need to reenter your account details, or enter them for the first time if you didn’t do so during Mac OS X configuration.
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Navigate to the XCode app and click Install Now to download it. If you don’t have an Apple account, you’ll need to create one in order to download the XCode toolset for your virtual machine.
XCode is quite a large application, and downloading it could take anywhere from a minute to several hours, depending on your Internet connection speed. Once your download is finished, open Applications and click XCode to launch the installer.
Once the installation process is complete, you’ll be able to use XCode within your virtual machine to program apps for Mac OS or iOS. You can also download other Mac apps to use on your virtual machine, although they may not run smoothly. Usb video capture mac software free.
Developing iOS Apps and more using XCode
Cubase 7 mac free download. XCode is an incredibly powerful toolkit for app development. It’s also refreshingly easy to use, especially for developers accustomed to cumbersome and complicated programming software for PC.
Learn more about how to use XCode by reading our iOS programming tutorial. It’s a great overview of the XCode interface, the programming characteristics of iOS, and much more.
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.
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.
1. MacStadium
These guys were featured in the recent Apple keynote when they introduced the updated Mac Mini! They have the newest Macs available.
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: Mac anti sleep app.
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!
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.
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. Death ray manta download mac.
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!
![How to build an ios app without a mac download How to build an ios app without a mac download](/uploads/1/3/4/2/134247987/975384826.png)
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!
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.
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.
How To Build An Ios App Without A Macbook
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.
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!
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.
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: Change apps the open at login mac.
9. React Native
Use JavaScript to build native mobile apps.
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.
Use C# to build a mobile app that you can deploy natively to Android, iOS and Windows.
![How to build an ios app without a mac os How to build an ios app without a mac os](/uploads/1/3/4/2/134247987/927573954.png)
11. Appcelerator
Build native mobile apps using JavaScript.
Build native mobile apps using JavaScript.
12. PhoneGap
Build hybrid cross-platform mobile apps using HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
Build hybrid cross-platform mobile apps using HTML, CSS and JavaScript.