xtool: build, sign and install iOS apps on Linux or Windows — no Mac needed
TL;DR
xtool (xtool-org/xtool) is a cross-platform Xcode replacement: it builds SwiftPM packages into iOS apps, signs and installs them on devices, and talks to Apple Developer Services — on Linux, WSL, Windows and macOS.
Key commands
| Group | Commands | What they do |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | setup, auth, sdk | Prepare the environment, sign in to Apple Developer, manage the Darwin Swift SDK |
| Development | new, dev, ds | Create a SwiftPM project, build & run, use Developer Services |
| Devices | devices, install, launch | List devices, install an .ipa, launch apps |
Beyond the CLI, the XKit library lets your own app interact with Apple Developer Services and iOS devices.
How to put it to work
- Linux/Windows teams: developers can build and sideload to an iPhone without borrowing a Mac.
- Cheaper CI: some build steps can run on Linux runners.
- Reality check: you still need an Apple Developer account to sign; projects must use SwiftPM; App Store submission, UI tests and Interface Builder remain tied to Apple’s tooling — trial it on a small project first.
- With AI agents: Claude Code on Linux can now build and run an iOS app in the same loop.
Links: xtool README · Swift Forums