Xcode

You have a dedicated MCP server that exposes Xcode-related tooling through a simple, scriptable interface. It helps you inspect projects, build, test, archive, sign, manage Swift packages, work with simulators, and run apps on real devices all from MCP clients. This makes automating iOS and Xcode workflows faster and more reliable.

How to use

To use the Xcode MCP server you run as a local stdio MCP endpoint and connect your MCP client to it. The server is invoked via a standard command line entry so your client can call each tool by name with the required parameters.

Available workflow patterns include inspecting project structure, listing schemes, building and testing, archiving for distribution, signing information, Swift Package Manager interactions, simulator management, and deploying to real devices. You can compose these tools in sequences to automate typical iOS development tasks, such as inspecting a project, running tests, and archiving for release.

If you are using Claude Desktop or another MCP client, configure the client to start the server with the following command (as shown in the usage example):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "xcode-mcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "@devyhan/xcode-mcp",
        "-y"
      ]
    }
  }
}

How to install

Prerequisites you need before installing the MCP server:

• Node.js 16 or higher
• npm 6 or higher
• Xcode 14 or higher (for all features)
• Xcode 16 or higher (required for devicectl and real device features)

Install the MCP server package from npm and verify installation.

npm install @devyhan/xcode-mcp

Configuration and usage notes

Using the server with an MCP client is straightforward. You start the server via npm (for example, using npx to run the package) and point your client to the local server endpoint. The server exposes a broad set of tools for Xcode workflows, and it caches device and Xcode information to improve performance over time.

Key tools you can invoke include information retrieval, scheme listing, builds, tests, archiving with optional IPA export, code signing information, Swift Package Manager actions, simctl-based simulator management, and real-device deployment.

Available tools

xcode-project-info

Retrieves detailed information about an Xcode project or workspace, including targets, configurations, and schemes.

xcode-list-schemes

Provides a comprehensive list of all available schemes, targets, and configurations in an Xcode project or workspace.

xcode-build

Builds an Xcode project or workspace with options for clean builds, specific destinations, and custom output directories.

xcode-test

Runs tests for an Xcode project or workspace with control over destinations, test plans, and results.

xcode-archive

Creates an archive (.xcarchive) and optionally exports an IPA for distribution using export options plist.

xcode-codesign-info

Retrieves code signing identities, project signing settings, and provisioning profiles on the system.

swift-package-manager

Provides access to Swift Package Manager functionality for managing Swift packages.

simctl-manager

Manages iOS Simulators via simctl, including listing, creating, booting, installing, and launching apps.

run-on-device

Builds, installs, and runs an app on a connected physical iOS device with options for logs, environment, and direct bundle ID support.