iOS Simulator Skill
A skill with scripts for building iOS apps and driving the simulator through the accessibility tree, with compact output for agents
- 1,302 ★ on the repository
- Last commit
- MIT
Extended access
Why this level
- Runs scripts and builds and controls simulators on the machine
Install
- Works in
Manual install
/plugin marketplace add conorluddy/ios-simulator-skill
/plugin install ios-simulator-skill@conorluddyAccess and checks
How we reviewExtended accessThe tool runs code or makes network calls and only reads external data.
- Runs scripts and builds and controls simulators on the machine
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
The skill gives the agent Python and shell scripts on top of xcodebuild, xcrun simctl and idb. Builds and tests parse xcresult bundles with progressive error disclosure so logs do not flood context. UI navigation relies on the accessibility tree: the agent gets a short element list, finds a button or field by text, type or id, and taps or types without screenshot analysis. Scripts also cover gestures, keyboard, logs, accessibility checks, visual diffs and simulator lifecycle.
Who it is for. For iOS developers on macOS who let an agent build, run and verify apps in the simulator.
Good fit when
- You want the agent to build the app and check a screen in the simulator
- xcodebuild logs eat the agent's context
- You need to walk through a UI flow and check accessibility
Not a fit when
- You only need build tooling without the simulator: the author has a separate xclaude-plugin
- You are not on macOS or work with Android
Example request
Build the app, launch it in the simulator, log in with a test email and check the home screen opensLimitations
Requires macOS 15+, Xcode 26+, Python 3.12 and idb 1.5.1+ from the facebook/fb tap. On Xcode 27 an older idb-companion silently drops taps. Pillow is needed only for visual diffs.
How to disable. Uninstall the plugin via /plugin or delete ~/.claude/skills/ios-simulator-skill.
FAQ
Why not screenshots?
The accessibility tree gives structured data at a fraction of the token cost; screenshots stay for visual verification.
Is there an MCP version?
Yes, the author maintains a separate XC-MCP server.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
Related
SkillsA set of skills for iOS 26+, Swift 6.3 and SwiftUI that gives the agent knowledge of modern Apple frameworks
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A skill that builds in-app screen and element capture for a SwiftUI app and loops it across every locale for the App Store
Comparison with similar tools
Entries that share the main search query, and how they differ.
| Entry | Official | Authentication | Repository stars | Main difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iOS Simulator Skill (this entry) | no | 1,302 | ||
| serve-sim | no | 2,905 | the npx serve-sim command streams an iOS Simulator to the browser and | |
| SimUtil: MCP for emulators and simulators | no | not required | 1,201 | desktop app and CLI for Android emulators |
| simvyn: skill for iOS Simulators and Android Emulators | no | 440 | a skill that teaches an agent to drive iOS Simulators |
README in short
The README covers both sides: builds via xcodebuild and simulator control via simctl and idb. Install via the Claude Code plugin marketplace, a release archive or by copying the skill folder from a clone. It details prerequisites, installing and updating idb, and Xcode 27 specifics where Simulator.app is replaced by DeviceHub. MIT licensed.
README badge
Original SKILL.md
--- name: ios-simulator-skill version: 1.5.0 description: 29 production-ready scripts for iOS app testing, building, and automation. Provides semantic UI navigation, build automation, accessibility testing, and simulator lifecycle management. Optimized for AI agents with minimal token output. --- # iOS Simulator Skill Build, test, and automate iOS applications using accessibility-driven navigation and structured data instead of pixel coordinates. ## Quick Start ```bash # 1. Check environment bash scripts/sim_health_check.sh # 2. Launch app python scripts/app_launcher.py --launch com.example.app # 3. Map screen to see elements python scripts/screen_mapper.py # 4. Tap button python scripts/navigator.py --find-text "Login" --tap # 5. Enter text python scripts/navigator.py --find-type TextField --enter-text "user@example.com" ``` All scripts support `--help` for detailed options and `--json` for machine-readable output. ## Navigation Strategy **Always prefer the accessibility tree over screenshots for navigation.** The accessibility tree gives you element types, labels, frames, and tap targets — structured data that's cheaper and more reliable than image analysis.