Apple’s New Open-Source Build System: Swift Build on Windows and macOS

 

Apple recently open-sourced Swift Build, a powerful build system used internally for Xcode and Swift Package Manager (SwiftPM). This new system aims to provide a unified and efficient build experience for developers across platforms. However, an important question arises: Can you use Windows to build and release iOS apps? This blog will explore the possibilities and limitations of using Swift Build on Windows.

What is Swift Build?

Swift Build is Apple’s latest effort to modernize and unify the build system across Swift development. It provides:

  • Seamless integration with the Swift compiler
  • Support for different product types (libraries, CLI tools, GUI apps)
  • Optimized parallel build process for better performance
  • Better dependency management with SwiftPM

Apple’s move to open-source this build system allows the community to contribute and improve it further. But does this mean we can build iOS apps on Windows?

Can You Use Swift Build on Windows for iOS Apps?

While Swift Build can compile and run Swift code on Windows, it has several limitations when it comes to iOS/macOS app development. Here’s what’s possible and what’s not:

✅ What You Can Do on Windows

  • Develop & Compile Swift Code
  • You can write Swift code, compile Swift packages, and test them on Windows.
  • Use Swift Package Manager (SwiftPM)
  • You can manage Swift dependencies and modularize your project.
  • Build Cross-Platform Apps
  • If your app is for Windows, Linux, or a server-side Swift application, you can build it fully on Windows.

❌ What You Cannot Do Without macOS

  • Build & Sign iOS/macOS Apps
  • Xcode and the iOS/macOS SDK are only available on macOS.
  • Archive & Submit to the App Store
  • You need Xcode and macOS to sign and distribute iOS/macOS apps.
  • Use Apple’s Code Signing & Simulator
  • Windows does not have the necessary tools for code signing and running iOS simulators.

Workarounds: Using Windows for iOS Development

If you are on Windows but still want to develop iOS apps, here are a few solutions:

1. Mac in the Cloud (Recommended)

Use a cloud-based Mac service such as:

  • MacStadium
  • AWS Mac EC2
  • Xcode Cloud

These allow you to remotely compile, build, and sign iOS apps from a Windows machine.

2. Dual Boot macOS (Hackintosh — Not Recommended)

  • Some developers try running macOS on non-Apple hardware.
  • This is complex, unreliable, and violates Apple’s terms of service.

3. Use a Mac Mini as a Build Server

  • Buy a Mac Mini and use it as a remote build server.
  • You can code on Windows and use SSH to connect to your Mac for building and signing.

Conclusion

While Swift Build enhances Swift development across multiple platforms, it does not eliminate the need for a Macwhen building and releasing iOS/macOS apps. If you are serious about iOS development, consider using a Mac Mini as a build server or a cloud-based Mac service to complete your workflow. 🚀

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