Add a verification check for iOS simulators
- Dominant language
- Python
- Stars
- 3.3k
- Forks
- 549
- Avg merge
- 1d 4h
- Merged PRs (30d)
- 40
Description
### What is the problem or limitation you are having?
Briefcase currently includes a verification check that Xcode is available. However, just installing Xcode isn't enough; it is necessary to install an iOS SDK and simulator. Without an SDK and simulator, Briefcase can't start an iOS app.
### Describe the solution you'd like
As part of the Xcode verification check, there should be a check performed that an iOS SDK has been installed, and that a simulator is available; and if it isn't, display instructions on how to download the iOS SDK.
### Describe alternatives you've considered
It might be worth splitting the Xcode check into 2 parts - one for Xcode, and one for iOS.
### Additional context
I'm not 100% sure what mechanical check can be performed here. Two possible candidates are:
* `xcrun --show-sdk-path --sdk iphoneos`
* `xcrun simctl list runtimes`
The complication is that once you've got an iOS SDK, you can't verify if a verification check works... because you have an iOS SDK. We need to verify these steps on a "clean" box that hasn't had an iOS SDK installed.
Contributor guide
Research direction
Start with Briefcase’s existing Xcode verification check and compare the candidate commands `xcrun --show-sdk-path --sdk iphoneos` and `xcrun simctl list runtimes`. Define checks for both an installed iOS SDK and an available simulator, with download instructions when either is missing. Validate the behavior on a clean machine without an iOS SDK installed.
Written by the indexing model from the issue text.
Assessment
- Tech stack
- ios, python
- Domain
- mobile, tooling
- Issue type
- Feature
- Difficulty
- 4/5
- Estimated time
- 3-5 days
- Activity status
- Stale
- Clarity
- Mostly clear
- Newbie friendliness
- 45/100