Xcode MCP

Xcode MCP is an MCP server that bridges Apple development environments with AI assistants such as Claude Desktop. It connects directly to Xcode, command-line developer tools, and the iOS Simulator on macOS, serving iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS developers who want to inspect and manage project lifecycles using natural language commands. The server enables AI clients to create new projects from native templates, inspect and update workspace configurations, add source files to target groups, and execute builds or tests with structured error reporting. In addition to core compilation workflows, it provides operations for dependency management through both Swift Package Manager and CocoaPods, allowing assistants to add, remove, and resolve dependencies. It also exposes controls for local iOS simulators, enabling agents to boot devices, install builds, capture screenshots, and record execution sessions. Development teams and individual engineers use this integration to automate repetitive development tasks, query project architectures, and inspect build failures directly within their AI interfaces.

Category: Developer Tools & Code Intelligence

Tags: apple, build, ios, macos, xcode

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How to install and configure Xcode MCP

1. Verify prerequisites: macOS with Xcode 14.0+, Node.js 16+, and npm. 2. Clone the repository and install dependencies: bash git clone https://github.com/r-huijts/xcode-mcp-server.git cd xcode-mcp-server npm install npm run build 3. Create your configuration file: bash echo "PROJECTS_BASE_DIR=/path/to/your/projects" > .env 4. Add the server to Claude Desktop by editing ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json: json { "mcpServers": { "xcode": { "command": "node", "args": ["/path/to/xcode-mcp-server/dist/index.js"] } } } 5. Restart Claude Desktop.

What you can do with Xcode MCP

• Create new Xcode projects from iOS, macOS, watchOS, or tvOS templates and automatically configure active workspace settings through AI prompts. - Execute project builds and test suites with automated diagnostic analysis to inspect compiler errors and test failure reports directly. - Manage third-party dependencies by initializing, adding, updating, or removing packages via Swift Package Manager and CocoaPods. - Control local iOS Simulators by booting devices, installing applications, taking screenshots, recording test videos, and reading device states. - Perform project-wide code searches and file manipulation including adding files to specific targets and encoding binary assets.

Key facts

• https://github.com/r-huijts/xcode-mcp-server
• Developer Tools & Code Intelligence, DevOps, CI/CD & Version Control
• apple, build, ios, macos, xcode

Part of MCP Servers

How do I install Xcode MCP?

Clone the repository from GitHub, run npm install followed by npm run build, and configure your base project directory in a .env file. You can then register the built JavaScript entry file in your MCP client configuration or use the automated setup.sh script provided in the repository.

What can Xcode MCP do?

Xcode MCP lets AI assistants interact with Apple development tools. It supports creating projects from templates, adding files to targets, compiling code, executing test plans, and archiving apps. It also manages Swift Package Manager and CocoaPods dependencies, controls iOS simulators, and executes command-line tasks via xcrun.

Which MCP clients work with Xcode MCP?

Xcode MCP works with Claude Desktop on macOS by adding the server configuration to claude_desktop_config.json. It also supports any client implementing the Model Context Protocol that can launch local stdio processes or communicate over standard HTTP when running the server.

What are the system requirements for Xcode MCP?

Running Xcode MCP requires macOS with Xcode 14.0 or higher installed, along with Node.js version 16 or newer and npm. Swift 5.5 or higher is necessary for Swift Package Manager workflows, and Ruby with CocoaPods is required if you plan to manage CocoaPods dependencies.