Swift is the only programming language for native iOS apps. It enables the user experience and specific visual rendering, which makes Apple devices popular.
Yet, the Swift programming language has limitations. It can only be used with Xcode and requires a macOS environment.
This may be challenging for teams working with other tool sets or those that can only access the Windows OS.
Luckily, Swift development on Windows is still possible. Cloud solutions, virtual machines, and cross-platform tools will help you code Swift without buying an expensive Mac.
In this article, we’ll show you how.
Can you program in Swift on Windows?
Because of Apple’s restrictions, Swift should officially be used with Xcode, Apple’s integrated development environment. Xcode doesn’t run on Windows natively and can be installed on another OS with limitations. So, to get flawless Swift development on Windows, you must seek workarounds.
Key methods for Swift development on Windows
If you want to develop Swift applications on Windows, here’s a short list of methods:
- Rent a Mac online: get the benefits of Mac computing on a time-share basis
- Installing macOS on a virtual machine: Install Swift development tools on a VM
Cross-platform development tools: develop hybrid apps compatible with Android and iOS.
Further, in this article, we pay more attention to each of the three methods one by one.
Swift coding with rent-a-Mac solutions
Mac rentals provide access to real Macs on a subscription basis, allowing you to rent a Mac online for a specific period.
The duration of the minimal subscription varies based on Mac rental providers.
Rent-a-Mac services give you high-speed access to the latest Mac devices, which are expensive if bought physically. This is an excellent option if you, for example, have to test an application for different versions of Macs.
This method is perfect for Swift coding on Windows because it’s the closest alternative to working on a physical Mac.
Thanks to the complete integration with Apple’s ecosystem, you can access the required Xcode version and other macOS development tools. It is also the only way to test iOS apps on Windows without compromising the functionality of testing software.
Your gains from Swift development on Windows on a rented Mac also include the following:
- You don’t have to buy a physical Mac; you can rent one for your task. This is perfect for short-term projects or as a temporary substitution for a real Mac.
- You get the computing power of the latest Macs, with excellent possibilities for developing an iOS app on Windows.
- The rent-a-Mac setup is super fast: After several clicks, you can start Swift coding from your Windows PC. This is perfect when you need to scale up quickly or find a quick substitution for a computer that has gone out of order.
Remote Macs are very powerful in sustaining different tasks, even those as complex as AI app development and training large language models.
Yet, you lose computing power if you share the device with others.
RentAMac.io offers dedicated Mac minis, granting you full administrative rights for the development period. You can install and delete apps and development tools freely and reserve all the computing power for yourself.
Installing macOS on a Virtual Machine (VM)
The second way is to use virtual machine tools like VMware or VirtualBox. These tools will help you build a virtual machine inside your computer and install macOS.
After setting up the virtual macOS on your Windows, you can start working with Xcode and the Swift programming language.
Also, although using a virtual machine is a great way to simulate iOS on Windows, it consumes a lot of processing power. You may experience performance issues, which are especially pronounced during app testing.
Some features of Xcode may be limited on a virtual machine, as you will still have to get Apple’s license for your VM to get all of the macOS functionality.
Using cross-platform development tools
Since Swift is the language for native iOS apps, cross-platform Swift development means developing hybrid apps for iOS cross-platform frameworks like React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin.
These tools allow you to build apps for both iOS and Android from a single codebase. Although the development process for hybrid apps is faster and cheaper, native apps built with the Swift programming language differ in feel and look.
For example, they can reproduce the specific features of Apple’s devices in their user interface, not to mention iOS graphics and animation rendering, which is different from hybrid apps.
Installing Swift on Windows
If you want to learn Swift coding essentials and get some basic hands-on experience with Swift apps, you can try installing Swift on Windows.
The Swift compiler is also available on Windows for installation and playing around with. This method is excellent for basic things, like learning the syntax or creating simple back-end applications. Yet it won’t allow you to test, debug, or deploy iOS applications. For those tasks, you always need Xcode and a macOS environment.
Why renting a Mac is the best option for Swift development on Windows
Among the available choices, renting a Mac is the best one for Swift development on Windows.
This option lets you avoid compatibility issues with cross-platform tools or slowdowns associated with Swift coding on a virtual machine.
Instead, you get the following benefits:
- Unlock instant access to Xcode and other Swift development software
- Get the benefit from Apple’s official testing and debugging tools
- Enjoy the straightforward deployment to the Apple App Store
- Get all the benefits of macOS at a tiny fraction of your cost when buying a Mac.
Summing up
Mac rental services like RentAMac.io are the optimum solution for professional developers and businesses wishing to try Swift development on Windows.
They offer a smooth development experience, total access to Apple’s resources and tools, and exclude performance issues.
Interested in checking out the benefits of Mac rentals for your project?
Rent a Mac to get instant access to the top-tier Apple devices and start right away!
