The most common question asked by many developers is, “How to test iOS app on Windows? Given that Apple’s environment is meant to run only on macOS. Nonetheless, with modern cloud computing and emulation, testing iOS apps on Windows has never been easier.
If you’re a student, a freelancer, or a developer operating on a low budget, then you need to find a way to test iOS apps on Windows without a Mac.
The answer to how to test iOS app on Windows is solved in this guide as we’ll take a look at the easiest, most effective, free workaround for this that you’ll find.
From cloud-based Mac services to emulators and remote access, everything you need to facilitate iOS app testing is right here.
Why Do Developers Need to Test iOS Apps on Windows?
iOS development gets tricky for developers who work on Windows. Apple’s stringent ecosystem makes it so that Xcode, the official iOS development environment, is restricted to being available on macOS. But ways how to test iOS app on Windows are important for:
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- Cost Efficiency: Macs are expensive and not every developer can afford to spend a lot of money on a Mac.
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- Convenience: Most developers use Windows exclusively and don’t want to change their system.
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- Flexibility: With the help of remote access and virtual macOS machines, one can test iOS from any device.
The Best Solutions for How to Test iOS App on Windows
1. Use Cloud-Based macOS Services
One of the best methods how to test iOS app on Windows is via cloud-based Mac service. However, there’s a workaround as these platforms offer macOS remote access which enables you to run Xcode and test your app from a Windows computer.
Top Cloud-Based Mac Services:
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- MacInCloud – A pretty popular service that allows you to operate a real macOS machine over the Internet.
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- MacStadium – Dedicated Mac servers for developers.
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- AWS Mac-Instant – Amazon cloud service allows you macOS environments for testing.
Using these services, you can test iOS apps on Windows without getting a Mac.
2. Rent a Virtual Mac Machine
A more cost-effective option for how to test iOS app on Windows is renting a virtual Mac machine. Cloud-based services such as Rent a Mac enable remote macOS access, allowing developers to have their Xcode run the app seamlessly.
Rent A Mac service gives you a complete macOS environment without the actual ownership of a physical Mac.
3. Use iOS Emulators and Simulators
If you want a quick and easy way how to test iOS app on Windows, then using an iOS emulator could be a great option. Though these tools won’t give you the full macOS experience, they enable you to test basic app performance and UI elements.
List of Best iOS Emulators for Windows:
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- Smartface – A is a powerful emulator designed for developers.
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- Appetize.io – A web browser-based cloud simulator for running iOS apps.
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- Xamarin TestFlight – Perfect for beta testers for iOS applications.
Although they are less powerful than a real Mac, emulators are a good option for developers who are looking for info on how to test iOS app on Windows.
4. Remote Access to macOS Devices
Remote access to a macOS device can be a practical solution for developers considering how to test an iOS app on Windows but who like to have a more hands-on approach.
You can access a Mac from a remote location and test your iOS application just as if you were utilizing a physical Mac using applications like AnyDesk or Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).
This approach is good as it gives you access to the whole Apple environment without needing any costly hardware.
5. Dual Boot macOS on Windows
Dual-booting macOS on a Windows PC is a long-term solution for how to test iOS app on Windows long-term. This method, nevertheless, is not officially supported by Apple and also involves some technical know-how.
Installing a macOS virtual machine on Windows is not a cakewalk but it allows developers to experiment with full macOS without spending money on purchasing a Mac.
Challenges of How to Test iOS App on Windows
Several solutions exist for how to test iOS app on Windows but also there are many challenges that developers experience:
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- Limited Xcode Access: Though cloud services provide macOS access, performance can fluctuate.
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- Compatibility Issues: Real-time testing of most iOS features isn’t possible without a physical Mac.
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- Slow performance: A virtual machine or cloud service may not be as rapid as a real Mac.
You can still test an iOS app while running it on Windows if you have the proper tools.
Why Rent a Mac is the Best Solution for Testing iOS Apps on Windows
To answer the frequent question during the development phase regarding how to test iOS app on Windows, Rent a Mac is one of the most effective yet economical solutions that one can rely on. With Rentamac, you get:
Affordable Rates – Access to a macOS server as a solution to having a Mac.
Complete Xcode Compatibility – Build and test iOS apps in a real macOS environment.
Remote access at any time – Access your call center from anywhere, no hardware is required.
Rent a Mac to test iOS apps on Windows without the risk of getting the latest version of Xcode or the risk of performance compatibility issues.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways how to test iOS app on Windows, but finding the best one is a must to save your time, money, and nerves.
There are several options to explore, such as rent mac online, an iOS simulator, or even remotely accessing a macOS device.
For commercial purposes on how to test iOS app on Windows, Rent a Mac is a safer pick. Start testing today and get your iOS app off the ground!
FAQs
1. Can you test out iOS apps on Windows with no Mac?
Yes, using cloud-based services like Rent a Mac or iOS emulators makes it possible.
2. Which is the best emulator for testing iOS apps on Windows?
Smartface and Appetize.io are excellent options.
3. Is testing iOS apps on Windows as effective as using a Mac?
While it has differences, it is an excellent alternative for Windows developers.
4. Can I use Xcode on Windows?
Rent a Mac or other virtual Mac rental services give you Xcode without macOS, although macOS is required to work with Xcode.
5. How can I use iOS apps on Windows?
There are simulators and emulators, or you can also rent a Mac to test your iOS applications on Windows.
