How to Develop iOS Apps on Windows

Building iOS apps on Windows might sound complex since Apple keeps iOS development exclusive to Mac (Xcode only works on macOS). But with the right tools and a bit of creativity, you can develop iOS apps on Windows, too. This guide shows you working methods to make iOS development possible on the Windows platform. Let's walk through how to develop iOS apps on Windows using cross-platform options, cloud-based Mac services, and virtualization.

Ios App Development Outlook 2025

Methods to Develop iOS Apps on Windows

Method 1: Virtualization

Virtualization lets you run macOS on a Windows PC. It is the process that enables a virtual environment where Xcode can operate as if on a Mac. With virtualization, you can run different OS on the Windows platform. VirtualBox and VMware Workstation (paid) are popular options for this. With these tools, you can run Xcode and develop iOS apps on Windows. Here's a quick guide on how you can set up a virtual machine.

Virtualization For Ios Development On Windows

How to set up a virtual machine

Prerequisites

• Windows PC with 8GB RAM (16GB recommended), multi-core CPU with virtualization support (Intel VT-x or AMD-V enabled in BIOS).
• A macOS .iso or .dmg file. You can get the file from Apple's developer portal or a macOS recovery image.
• VMware Workstation Player (free for non-commercial use) or VirtualBox (free).
• At least 100GB free disk space for the VM and Xcode.
• Apple Developer Account(optional), for signing apps and testing on devices.
• Ensure your PC supports Intel VT-x or AMD-V for smooth virtualization.

Install VMware Workstation Player or VirtualBox. Now you have to download a macOS installer from the Mac App Store on a Mac (if available) or use a recovery image from Apple's support site. Alternatively, you can also get a pre-built macOS .iso from a trusted source.

Apple's EULA prohibits running macOS on non-Apple hardware, so virtualization may breach terms of service. For personal projects, this is often overlooked, but commercial developers should consult legal advice or opt for cloud-based solutions.

If you have a .dmg file, convert it to .iso using tools like dmg2img or an online converter. After this step, you will need to tweak of VirtualBox for MacOS.

Method 2: Use Cloud-Based Mac Services

You can rent the Mac in the cloud as an alternative to virtualization. Services like MacStadium, MacinCloud, and XcodeClub provide remote access to macOS systems pre-installed with Xcode, accessible via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) from your Windows PC.

2.1. MacinCloud

It is the most recognized tool for cloud-based Mac access. It offers flexible pricing, ideal for those who are just starting out. It gives access to a wealth of iOS development tools such as Xcode, Visual Studio, Xamarin, Flutter, Ionic, and Cordova. You can use eGPU for graphic-intensive tasks. It is widely praised for ease of use to beginners.

Many users reported lag in RDP connection and slow simulator performance. Support can be slow, sometimes taking days to respond. Overall, this is an excellent tool for building iOS on Windows

2.2. MacStadium

It is popular in enterprise development, offering dedicated hardware such as Mac Minis, Mac Pros, and iMac Pros. It supports fast cloning. It supports Jenkins and GitHub Actions for automated builds. You will find the pre-installed Xcode. Many users find it a costlier option.

Plus, features like Orka may make users feel overwhelmed. For affordability, MacinCloud’s pay-as-you-go plan (~$1/hour) or XcodeClub’s budget-friendly plans (~$25/month) are better options. If you want a simpler option, then XCodeClub is a great option.

2.3. XcodeClub

XcodeClub, while praised for its performance and customer service, has a smaller footprint, with fewer mentions and a niche following, often highlighted for its affordability and responsiveness. It is a lightweight and simple-to-use platform for iOS development.

Talking about its features, with all the plans, it gives you admin rights. This means you can install any SDK or software. Moreover, TeamViewer-Based RDP is an excellent option to start, monitor, or shut down virtual Macs. Tools like Xcode Flutter are supported by XCodeClub.

For iOS development on Windows, MacinCloud is the most accessible entry point but struggles with performance and restrictions. XcodeClub excels in speed, affordability, and flexibility, which is ideal for solo developers needing control. MacStadium is best for teams or enterprise-grade stability but comes at a premium. Test each service’s trial to match your needs, especially if simulator performance or admin access is critical.

Method 3: Use Cross-Platform Frameworks

3.1. React Native

React Native, backed by Meta, is one of the most popular frameworks for building iOS apps. Big names like Pinterest, Walmart, and Shopify use it because it's fast and efficient. Since it's based on JavaScript and React, web developers can easily pick it up to build apps that feel native. It provides a strong ecosystem for building cross-platform apps.

Quick development, tons of third-party libraries, and the ability to use one codebase for both iOS and Android are benefits of using it. You also get features like hot reloading for instant updates, and you don't need a Mac to get started.

If you're on Windows, here's how to begin:

• Install Node.js, the React Native CLI, and Expo CLI.
• Then, create your app using npx react-native init MyApp, and use the Expo Go app to test it on iOS.
• It's a great way to build quality iOS apps while using your web development skills.
• Language: JavaScript
• Features: Uses React for native-like UI/UX, supports third-party libraries, and integrates with Expo for testing.
• Setup: Install Node.js, React Native CLI, and Expo on Windows. Use Expo Go to test on iOS devices.
• Use Case: Ideal for web developers transitioning to mobile apps.

3.2. Flutter

Flutter, backed by Google, is another popular framework for building iOS apps on Windows. It powers millions of apps worldwide, including Google Ads, eBay, Alibaba, SpaceX, and many others. It's built with Dart, a language that is used to create great UIs.

Flutter is rich in features with a huge widget library and hot reload. You can build pixel-perfect UIs and use the same code for both iOS and Android. Perfect one, if you care about both speed and design. It also performs well and supports tools like Codemagic, which lets you build and test iOS apps in the cloud. Windows users can use Flutter to build iOS apps.

If you're using Windows, here's how to get started:

• Install the Flutter SDK and Visual Studio Code,
• Run flutter create my_app, and use flutter run or Codemagic for testing your app on iOS.
• Flutter makes it easy to build sleek, efficient apps that feel right at home on any device.
• Language: Dart
• Features: Offers a rich widget library for visually appealing UIs and supports hot reload for real-time testing.
• Setup: Install Flutter SDK and Visual Studio Code. Use Codemagic for cloud-based iOS builds.
• Use Case: Great for developers wanting fast, beautiful apps across platforms.