Claude Code brings live iOS app testing into its Mac app

Anthropic's Claude Code Mac app now lets users on Pro, Max, and Team plans build, launch, and test iOS apps in an interactive simulator pane, available in Claude Desktop v1.24012.0 or later. The feature, which requires Xcode with the iOS platform installed, allows users to watch Claude run an app, interact with its interface, and iterate on changes while the simulator pane remains open alongside the conversation. Anthropic notes the feature is Mac-only because Apple's iOS Simulator runs only on macOS, and it is available only in local sessions, not cloud or SSH sessions.

Claude Code’s Mac app now lets users test iOS apps in an interactive simulator pane, provided they have Xcode with the iOS platform installed. Here are the details. Feature now available in public beta Claude users on the Pro, Max, and Team plans can now https://code.claude.com/docs/en/desktop-ios-simulator build, launch, and test iOS apps in an interactive simulator pane within Claude Code Desktop, as spotted by MacRumors https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/21/claude-code-ios-simulator/ . The feature, available in Claude Desktop v1.24012.0 or later, lets users watch Claude run an app, interact with its interface, and iterate on changes while the simulator pane remains open alongside the conversation. Users can also interact with the app directly in the simulator with taps and swipes, in addition to the usual shortcuts in Apple’s Simulator app. Anthropic adds that this is a Mac-only feature, “since Apple’s iOS Simulator runs only on macOS.” The company also explains that users need to have Xcode with the iOS platform installed. Here are Anthropic’s official instructions to run an iOS app in the simulator: Open your iOS project:In Claude Code Desktop, open theCodetab and start a session with your app’s project as the project folder . Any project that builds an app for the iOS Simulator works.Ask Claude to run or test the app:Phrase the task around running or verifying the app. For example: Build the app and run it in the simulator to check the onboarding flow. Watch the app in the simulator pane:When the app launches in a simulator, the iOS Simulator pane opens next to the conversation. The first time Claude uses a device, the desktop app asks you to allow it; see Grant Claude access to a device . Claude installs the app, taps through it, and reads the screen to verify its own changes while you watch. Anthropic explains that “the simulator pane drives the simulator directly, so it doesn’t need computer use and never takes over your screen or hides your other windows.” From the CLI, however, “Claude reaches the iOS Simulator through computer use instead, which controls the simulator on your screen the same way you would with a mouse.” Importantly, the feature is available only in local sessions, as cloud and SSH sessions cannot access the simulators on the user’s Mac. To learn more about the feature, including how sessions manage devices, how to grant Claude access to a device, and more, follow this link https://code.claude.com/docs/en/desktop-ios-simulator . Worth checking out on Amazon Apple Watch Series 11 https://amzn.to/46VomDB AirPods Pro 3 https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Cancellation-Translation-Headphones-High-Fidelity/dp/B0FQFB8FMG?tag=marcmendes-20 MacBook Neo https://amzn.to/47vJmkn AirTag 2nd Generation – 4 Pack https://amzn.to/4sewc3a Logitech MX Master 4 https://amzn.to/3KmIQN7 Wireless CarPlay adapter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F6T6N2B1?tag=marcmendes-20 Geoffrey Cain – ‘Steve Jobs in Exile’ https://amzn.to/4v3CS5Q David Pogue – ’Apple: The First 50 Years’ https://amzn.to/46Y3nQj FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More. https://9to5mac.com/about/ affiliate our homepage http://9to5mac.com/ for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on exclusive stories https://9to5mac.com/feature/exclusive/ , reviews https://9to5mac.com/guides/review/ , how-tos https://9to5mac.com/guides/how-to/ , and subscribe to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/9to5mac