XcodeBuildMCP
An MCP server and CLI from Sentry for building, running and testing Xcode iOS and macOS projects from an AI agent
Install
claude mcp add XcodeBuildMCP -- npx -y xcodebuildmcp@latest mcpRuns the server via npx without a global install.
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
XcodeBuildMCP gives the agent tools for Xcode projects: building for simulator and device, preparing and running tests, capturing logs and debugging. One package works in two modes: xcodebuildmcp mcp starts the MCP server, and the other commands expose the same tools directly in the terminal. A per-workspace background daemon handles stateful work such as log capture. The init command installs two optional skills that teach the agent to use the MCP server or the CLI.
Who it is for. For iOS and macOS developers who use Claude Code, Cursor or Codex.
Good fit when
- You want the agent to build the project and see compiler errors
- You need to run the app in a simulator and run tests from the agent
- You want one tool usable from both terminal and agent
Not a fit when
- You are not on macOS
- The project does not use Xcode, such as a pure Swift package on Linux
Example request
Build the app for the iPhone simulator, run the tests and fix the failing onesLimitations
It works only on macOS 14.5+ with Xcode 16+; the npm install needs Node.js 18+. Device tools require code signing to be configured. The server sends internal error telemetry to Sentry, which can be disabled. xcodebuild runs with Swift macro validation skipped.
How to disable. Run claude mcp remove XcodeBuildMCP or delete the server block from the MCP config, then npm uninstall -g xcodebuildmcp or brew uninstall xcodebuildmcp.
MCP
- Transport
- stdio
- Authentication
- not required
| Environment variables | |
|---|---|
| XCODEBUILDMCP_SENTRY_DISABLED | Controls sending error telemetry to Sentry |
Security check
- Runs xcodebuild, simulators and apps on the machine
- Sends error telemetry to Sentry
README in short
The README covers installation via Homebrew or npm, macOS, Xcode and Node.js requirements, and running the server via npx. It describes the two skills and installing them with init, build quirks and telemetry. It gives CLI examples for simulator builds and tests. Client setup lives on xcodebuildmcp.com. MIT licensed.
FAQ
Did the project have a different owner?
Yes, it was originally maintained by Cameron Cooke and now belongs to Sentry.
How do I update?
With xcodebuildmcp upgrade --yes; check for a new version with upgrade --check.
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