Apple allows you to test applications on a virtual iOS device that runs on screen. The iOS Simulator is essentially like having an iPad or iPhone built in to your Mac. When your app is tested with the iOS Simulator or on a real iPhone/iPad (see details in section below), the Xcode IDE lets you submit your app to Apple along with all the packaged items such as images direct to Apple. The IDE also works with Live Issues which analyses your code as you write it and quickly alerts you to errors. It achieves this by integrating the Interface Builder which allows you to design your apps within the Xcode IDE. It has all the tools that you need to get your app created as quickly and smoothly as possible. This is the application you use to create your apps. IDE means Integrated Development Environment. You might ask… what is the Xcode IDE or what is an iOS Simulator… Let me explain quickly.

The Xcode IDE and iOS Simulator is also included as well as the tools and frameworks for building the apps. Xcode has all the tools that you need to start developing on the Mac which includes the Xcode toolset for Mac as well as the iPhone and iPad (iPod touch included). Paying to join the developers program also gives you the ability to release apps on to the app store. However, if you want to start developing apps and testing on a device, you’ll need to signup for a developer account which costs about £60/year. Testing apps in Xcode loads up an iPad or iPhone simulator on the desktop. The current version of Xcode mentioned above is enough to get you going with designing apps for an iPhone running iOS 6 (as well as older versions). You can also download Xcode from the Mac App Store which will be available in the dock on your system.

At the moment there are two versions available which are Xcode 4.5.2 which is designed for those running a Mac with OS X 10.7.4 or later.Įach of the above mentioned downloads are available at ( exact URL) although to download Xcode, you need to register for a free account. Xcode is the software required to create iOS apps (and Mac apps as well).

Download xcode without app store