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rshankras
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run-simulator

Build, launch, and screenshot an iOS app in the Simulator to verify changes visually.

696|66|Updated Oct 29, 2025
Search Tags:#ios#app launch#screenshot#xcodebuild#visual verification#simctl#Simulator
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/rshankras/claude-code-apple-skills --skill run-simulator
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: run-simulator
Source: https://github.com/rshankras/claude-code-apple-skills/tree/main/skills/ios/run-simulator
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/rshankras/claude-code-apple-skills --skill run-simulator

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Compiling an iOS app only proves the code builds; it does not prove the app runs or that a UI change actually looks right. This Skill closes that gap by launching the real app in the iOS Simulator and capturing a screenshot you can inspect to confirm the change works as a user would see it.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Runtime Discovery: Automatically finds the workspace or project, scheme, available simulator devices, built .app path, and bundle id instead of relying on hardcoded values.
  • Full Launch Pipeline: Builds with xcodebuild, boots the simulator, installs the app, launches it, and captures a screenshot for visual verification.
  • Interaction & Navigation: Drives the app past the landing screen using taps and deep links so gated views can be verified too.
  • Use Case: After fixing a layout bug in a SwiftUI view, ask the assistant to run the app and screenshot it — you get back the build result, launch status, and an image proving the fix renders correctly.

Quick Start

Run my app in the iOS Simulator and show me a screenshot so I can confirm the new settings screen looks correct.

Frequently Asked Questions about run-simulator

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I run an iOS app in the Simulator from the command line?▼

Build with xcodebuild using a simulator destination, then use xcrun simctl to boot the device, install the .app, and launch it by bundle id. Resolve the product path from -showBuildSettings rather than guessing the DerivedData location.

How do I take a screenshot of the iOS Simulator?▼

Run xcrun simctl io <device> screenshot <path>.png to capture the current screen to a file. You can then read the image to verify the app rendered the expected screen instead of a blank frame or crash dialog.

Why does xcodebuild fail with 'Unable to find a device matching the destination'?▼

The named simulator does not exist on that Mac, for example requesting iPhone 16 when only iPhone 17 Pro is installed. List available devices with xcrun simctl list devices available and pick one that is actually present.

Should I use the .xcodeproj or .xcworkspace when building?▼

Prefer the workspace when both exist, since CocoaPods and SPM setups often require it. If the build complains about missing packages or pods, re-run xcodebuild with -workspace instead of -project.

Why does the simulator screenshot show a blank or stuck launch screen?▼

On a cold simulator the app may still be initializing, so re-screenshot after a short wait before declaring failure. If behavior looks unchanged, uninstall and reinstall the app or erase the simulator for a clean slate.

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