Skip to main content

iOS Development Setup

Set up your development environment to build and run React Native applications on iOS devices and simulators.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:
  • macOS computer (required for iOS development)
  • Node.js (^20.19.4 || ^22.13.0 || ^24.3.0 || >= 25.0.0)
  • Xcode 14 or newer
  • CocoaPods or use built-in CocoaPods
  • Command Line Tools for Xcode

Installing Xcode

1

Download Xcode

Install Xcode from the Mac App Store or Apple Developer Downloads.
2

Install Command Line Tools

Open Terminal and run:
3

Accept Xcode License

Installing CocoaPods

CocoaPods manages iOS dependencies for React Native:
Or use Homebrew:

Podfile Configuration

Your ios/Podfile defines the native dependencies:

React-Core Podspec

The main React Native pod is defined in React-Core.podspec. Key configurations:

AppDelegate Setup

Implement RCTAppDelegate in your AppDelegate:

Installing Dependencies

1

Navigate to iOS directory

2

Install Pods

This reads your Podfile and installs all native dependencies.
3

Return to root directory

Running on iOS

1

Start Metro bundler

2

Run on simulator

Or specify a device:

Building for Physical Device

1

Open Xcode project

2

Select your device

In Xcode, select your connected device from the device dropdown.
3

Configure signing

  • Go to Signing & Capabilities
  • Select your development team
  • Xcode will automatically create a provisioning profile
4

Build and run

Click the Run button or press Cmd + R.

Common iOS Issues

Pod Install Fails

If pod install fails, try:

Module Not Found

Clear the build folder:

Metro Bundler Issues

Reset Metro cache:

Xcode Build Settings

Key build settings for React Native projects:
  • Deployment Target: iOS 13.4 or higher
  • Swift Language Version: Swift 5.0+
  • C++ Language Dialect: C++20
  • Bitcode: Disabled (required for React Native)

Framework Search Paths

Ensure your framework search paths include:

Next Steps