How to Make an iOS App on Windows

Developing an iOS app on a Windows machine is possible through several alternative methods, as Apple's Xcode IDE is exclusive to macOS. Here are the most effective professional approaches:

• Cross-Platform Frameworks: Tools such as Flutter, React Native, and Xamarin enable you to write code once and deploy it to both iOS and Android platforms. These frameworks can be used in Windows environments, but iOS builds still require a macOS system for compilation.
• Cloud-Based macOS Services: Services like MacStadium, MacInCloud, or CodeMagic provide remote access to genuine macOS machines, allowing you to run Xcode and build iOS apps without owning a Mac.
• Virtual Machines: Some developers use macOS virtual machines on Windows through VirtualBox or VMware, though this may violate Apple’s licensing agreement and is not recommended for production workflows.
• CI/CD Integration: Platforms like GitHub Actions, Bitrise, or App Center allow you to integrate a continuous integration pipeline that connects your Windows development environment to a remote macOS agent for building and testing iOS apps.

While much of the coding and UI development can be done on Windows, iOS app compilation and App Store submission must ultimately occur on macOS. Integrating with a remote macOS solution is therefore essential for completing the development workflow.