Machine Setup

One setup session, then you're ready for every iOS project. Follow these steps in order — each one builds on the last.

Step 1: Install Xcode

Xcode is Apple's IDE and the only official way to build iOS apps. It's free from the App Store.

1. Open the Mac App Store
2. Search for Xcode (developer: Apple)
3. Click Get and install — this takes 20-40 minutes and uses ~10GB
4. Once installed, open Xcode and accept the license agreement
5. When prompted, install Additional Components (Simulator runtimes)

While Xcode downloads, continue with the steps below.

Step 2: Install Xcode Command Line Tools

xcode-select --install

A dialog will appear asking to install developer tools. Click Install. This is separate from Xcode and needed for terminal-based builds.

Step 3: Verify Homebrew

If you completed the web series, Homebrew is already installed. If not:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Step 4: Install Claude Code

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

Then authenticate:

claude

Follow the login flow. You'll need your Claude Pro or Max credentials.

Step 5: Install the Apple Platform Skills

This is the most important setup step. These two skill libraries give Claude Code deep iOS knowledge — without them, it defaults to outdated patterns.

Skill 1: Apple Platform Skills (86 skills covering the full iOS lifecycle)

git clone https://github.com/rshankras/claude-code-apple-skills.git
cp -r claude-code-apple-skills/skills ~/.claude/skills/
rm -rf claude-code-apple-skills

Skill 2: SwiftUI Expert Skill (1,600+ star community skill for modern SwiftUI + Liquid Glass)

git clone https://github.com/AvdLee/SwiftUI-Agent-Skill.git
cp -r SwiftUI-Agent-Skill/swiftui-expert-skill ~/.claude/skills/
rm -rf SwiftUI-Agent-Skill

Verify the skills installed:

ls ~/.claude/skills/

You should see swiftui-expert-skill and folders from the Apple skills library.

Step 6: Configure Git

git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "you@example.com"
gh auth login  # if using GitHub CLI

Step 7: Add your Apple ID to Xcode

1. Open Xcode → Settings → Accounts
2. Click + and sign in with your Apple ID
3. If you have an Apple Developer Program membership, it will appear here

What you've installed

• Xcode 16+ (the IDE + Simulator)
• Xcode Command Line Tools (for terminal builds)
• Claude Code (the AI coding engine)
• 86 Apple platform skills (full iOS lifecycle knowledge)
• SwiftUI Expert Skill (modern patterns + Liquid Glass)

Go to Verify Your Setup.