2 · Install Xcode¶

What is Xcode?¶

Xcode is a free program made by Apple for Apple computers. You'll use it to turn the app's "raw" code into a real app and put it on your iPhone. Think of it as the oven that bakes the app from the recipe.

It's a big download (several gigabytes), so start it now and read on while it installs.

Step 1: Get Xcode from the App Store¶

On your Mac, open the App Store (the blue "A" icon).
In the search box (top-left), type Xcode and press Return.
Click Get, then Install. Now wait: it's large and can take 20–60 minutes. That's completely normal.

If the App Store won't let you install it

Xcode needs a fairly up-to-date Mac. If it says you can't install it, update your Mac first: click the Apple menu (top-left) → System Settings → General → Software Update, then try the App Store again. You need Xcode 16 or newer.

Step 2: Open Xcode once and let it finish¶

The very first time you open Xcode, it downloads a few more pieces. Let it.

Open Xcode from your Applications folder (or Launchpad).
If a window offers to install additional required components, click Install and type your Mac password.
If it asks which platforms you want to support, make sure iOS is ticked. Let it download.

You can leave Xcode open

Once it's done, you can leave Xcode open. You'll use it in the next step.

Step 3: Tell Xcode who you are¶

This connects Xcode to the Apple account you set up in Step 1, so it's allowed to put apps on your phone.

In the menu bar at the very top of the screen: click Xcode → Settings…
Click the Accounts tab.
Click the + button (bottom-left) → choose Apple ID → sign in with your Apple ID.

Success looks like: your name now appears in the Accounts list, with a Team listed under it: either (Personal Team) for a free account, or your name for a paid one. Xcode will use this "Team" to sign the app later. You don't need to do anything else with it here.

Next: Step 3 · Put it on your iPhone →. That page gets you a couple of free helper tools and then installs the app.