Anthropic has added a new feature to the Claude Code Desktop application that allows developers to test iOS applications directly on the Mac. Thanks to this innovation, which is available as a public beta, users can follow the testing process in real time through the interactive iOS simulator located in the same window while creating and running their applications. To benefit from the feature, Xcode and iOS platform components must be installed on macOS.
New feature, Claude Desktop v1.24012.0 or using newer version Pro, Max and Team is offered to its subscribers. The simulator window is located next to the chat screen with Claude Code and can remain open throughout the development process. This way, developers can both monitor Claude’s changes and evaluate the application’s behavior at the same time.
The new system doesn’t just allow Claude to run the app. Users can also test the application directly with basic movements such as tapping and swiping on the simulator. In addition, the standard keyboard shortcuts in Apple’s Simulator application continue to be used.
Claude Code speeds up development with iOS simulator
According to the information shared by Anthropic, to start using the feature, click on Claude Code Desktop. code It is enough to open the folder containing the iOS project from the tab. All projects that can be compiled on iOS Simulator are compatible with this system. Claude can then be asked to create the application or test a specific functionality. For example, users can give a command such as “Compile the application and run it in the simulator to check the opening experience.”
When the application is launched in the simulator, the iOS Simulator panel automatically opens next to the chat screen. When Claude accesses a virtual device for the first time, the desktop application requests the necessary permissions from the user. After permission is granted, Claude installs the application, makes the necessary touches on the interface, and verifies by analyzing the screen whether the changes he made give the expected result. All these transactions can be followed simultaneously by the user.
Anthropic also states that this approach in the desktop application works differently than the command line version. Because Claude Code Desktop controls the simulator directly, it does not take over the screen, hide other open windows, or interrupt the user’s desktop experience. On the other hand, in the CLI version, iOS Simulator is controlled through computer usage capabilities, so the simulator is managed directly on the screen, as in manual use with the mouse.
In addition, the new feature can only be used in local sessions. This method of working is not supported, as cloud-based or SSH sessions cannot access the local iOS simulator on the user’s Mac.
Apple’s iOS Simulator tool has long been a core component of the Xcode ecosystem, offering developers the opportunity to test applications without the need for a physical device. This integration by Anthropic aims to bring together the development cycle in a single workspace by combining AI-supported code generation with the direct testing process. However, the fact that the feature is only available on macOS and requires Xcode installation limits the supported platforms to the Apple ecosystem for now. Despite this, for Mac users developing iOS applications, being able to write code and continue the application verification process in the same interface offers a practical usage experience.
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