Most of us wonder about running Xcode on Windows to build iPhone applications, and one needs to give a thought to ‘Renting a Mac’ instead of buying one as that will proffer them leverage freedom of remote access and of course with Xcode for Windows. 

This actually gives a vibe of having the Mac desktop on a Windows desktop, and one of the prominent benefits of this option is that it is affordable and has the fastest option for running it. 

What is Xcode and why does one need it to build MacOS? 

As we all know the major software tool which can help one to build an iOS app is XCode which is an integrated development environment (IDE) for Mac OS. 

This allows the creation of applications not only for iPhone and iPad although for Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch. Besides this, Xcode offers an interface builder, an asset management toolkit, a code editor, and a simulator for iOS devices. This eternally gives an ability to the test application which one you are developing with no requirement to leave Xcode. 

Xcode simply provides graphical tools for analyzing application performance consisting of those for diagnosing CPU usage alongside the utilization of drives be it HDD, SDD, and much more. 

Renting Mac cloud instance can work like Miracle

One other method to develop ios in windows machines is to rent a virtual cloud instance that runs immensely on MacOS. One can avoid simply the expense of an Apple computer but renting a Mac does require a stable and fastest internet connection in order to access the virtual machine effectively. 

Virtual Machine seamlessly runs on the Mac operating system from multiple sources consisting MacStadium, XcodeClub, and ManInCloud. One can simply rent a Mac with some quick work or save money by seeking a more long-term arrangement with the respective providers. 

We’ve narrowed down a few of identical ways to develop iOS in Windows that consist of running Xcode on Windows. 

MacInCloud 

MacInCloud is one of the renowned running Xcode in Windows out there, and one needs to install Xcode as if it comes preinstalled. One can also implement pay-as-you-go that is literally committed. Most people complain about it and it’s pretty much one can try it for oneself to do in MacInCloud. 

Additionally, the rented devices have Xcode and related SDKs installed to make it easy for developers to get an easy kick-started. And the cost varies depending on the feature you choose, selecting the subscription could be canceled at any given time. One can test drive ManInCloud without making a noticeable investment, and this is by far a great way to get the functionality of Mac without the expense of making a purchase of Mac. 

MacStadium

MacStadium were simply fantastic guys who had been featured in the recent Apple keynote at the time they introduced the updated Mac Mini, and have the newest Macs available. 

One needs to go down the route of ios development windows to make sure of getting the Xcode to cheat sheet alongside the references and keyboard shortcuts for Windows customers. 

What is the way to access a rented Mac:

Step 1: One needs to sign in to the remote machine via VNC client or the native Windows RDP option. 

Step 2: Do enter the IP address of the rented Mac in the connectivity tool.

Step 3: Perform Logging in to the virtual machine with the given user credentials.

Step 4: One can now be at the Mac login screen and will again be prompted to enter an authorized password to gain access to the desktop. 

XcodeClub

XcodeClub is run via Daniel guy who is literally a passionate developer himself, and considering the received reviews showcases the service is fast and friendly enough. On top of this, the pricing is comparatively flexible compared to MacInCloud and one will have to commit to one of the months. 

Virtualize MacOS Xcode for Windows 10

One needs to get a little more technical savvy, and one could utilize virtualization software in order to run a ‘Virtual Mac’ on an individual’s PC.

All of these above mentioned are part of essential services doing the same thing on the service listing and can charge the fee to access the virtual machine. While setting up a PC one essentially needs to cut the middle-man thread simply out of the equations. 

Some of the most renowned pieces of software in order to do virtualization are VirtualBox alongside VMware workstations in it. One can download all of the below and can possibly utilize Google to find a genuine guide on ‘How to Install the latest MacOS either with VMware workstation or VirtualBox’. 

Post that, one needs to spin up a new virtual Mac and download Xcode, and it’s close as one will get this running Xcode on windows with ease.  

VirtualBox

VirtualBox is also known as an open source which means it’s FREE! And this probably explains why it is being used more widely than VMware workstations whilst the time comes to run a MacOS on the Windows Machine to develop iOS in Windows. 

VMware Workstation

Coming to VMware Workstation is unfortunately one where one needs to pay for this piece of software and at the time of this writing, a license costs simply about half of the price of a brand new Mac Mini that is perfectly suitable for iOS app development with less hassle. This would recommend a VirtualBox initially or try to buy a used Mac Mini. 

Create a ‘HACKINTOSH’ with Xcode on windows 

One can create and build a ‘Hackintosh’ that is a PC that has been simply customized in order to run MacOS on Windows. 

Hackintosh.com

Hackintosh is a combination of great resources for all such things, and the extreme initial is the How To Section combines the links to a number of influencing tutorials for building their own Hackintosh whilst installing the high sierra. 

Hackintosh Articles on 9to5mac.com

This Hackintosh article on 9to5mac.com simply includes up-to-date news and articles for Hackintosh builds. 

Hackintosh Subreddit

Reddit communities are a sign of genuinity in anything which is quite interesting because there are always interesting interactions happening. On the contrary, Reddit offers a route to have a dialogue with like-minded individuals to get the best help or assistance to help each other. 

Third-Party solutions to running Xcode on windows 

In the end, there are many third-party solutions that one can use to implement Windows iOS development and one couldn’t be able to do solutions without being able to generate an application that can run on iOS devices with ease. 

One couldn’t be utilizing Xcode in solutions perhaps one is able to generate an application that can run on iOS devices. Below listed are some of the great Xcode alternatives for iOS developed on Windows. 

Appcelerator

Appelerator is used to build native mobile apps using JavaScript in it. It is an open-source framework that lets you build applications from a single JavaScript code base and such creations are built simply as well as completely native cross-platform mobile apps. 

React Native

React Native utilizes JavaScript to build native mobile applications.  Also known as an alternative to Xcode for Windows, one can create native applications that are for both iOS and Android using the JavaScript library of user interfaces. 

This forms the foundation of the development tool via which users can employ JavaScript to build applications for the iOS or Android platforms. React Native is free and offers many online tutorials to get going in the best route. 

Xamarin

Xamarin uses C# to create and build a mobile application that can easily deploy on Android, iOS, and Windows platforms. This third party is an open-source mobile application that gives a way to develop cross-platform applications which can be deployed natively on iOS via C#. 

Xamarin is simply a versatile framework, Microsoft developers used a .NET compatible tool for cross-platform development on Windows mode, and users targeted multiple OS platforms which can be considered as the flexibility of Xamarin on the Apple-centric Xcode. 

PhoneGap

This third-party solution is used to build hybrid cross-platform mobile applications using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. 

In Nutshell, one can develop iOS in Windows with the use of Xcodes for Windows, and in order to share an iOS device one has to have a guest operating system on a Windows PC/laptop and steps are as follows:

Step 1: One needs to connect the iPhone to the host of the PC physically

Step 2: Download the USB network gate and install it seamlessly

Step 3:  Where in the system interface, one can share iPhone via clicking the share button next to the iPhone’s name in the local USB devices tab

Step 4: One needs to install the application on the guest Operating systems

Step 5: Do connect the iPhone by clicking the connect button in the remote devices tab. 

All of these above-mentioned are the simplest steps to execute as it was physically attached to the Mac.