xtool: Build and Deploy iOS Apps Across Platforms

Overview

xtool is a cross-platform alternative to parts of the Xcode development workflow. It lets developers build SwiftPM packages into iOS apps, sign and install them, and access Apple Developer Services through a command-line tool and Swift library.

It is intended for developers who want to build or manage iOS apps from Linux, Windows, or macOS using SwiftPM. It does not claim to replace every Xcode capability, so teams dependent on Xcode-specific workflows should check whether its supported commands cover their needs.

Key Features

• Build SwiftPM packages into iOS apps.
• Sign and install iOS apps.
• Set up and manage the Darwin Swift SDK.
• Authenticate with and interact with Apple Developer Services.
• List devices, install or uninstall apps, and launch installed apps.
• Create and run xtool SwiftPM projects.
• Use the XKit library from another SwiftPM project to access Apple Developer Services and iOS devices.

Use Cases

• Swift developers on Linux or Windows who want to build and deploy SwiftPM-based iOS apps.
• Developers who need command-line workflows to sign and install an iOS app on a device.
• Teams that want to automate Apple Developer Services interactions from their development tooling.
• Swift developers building their own tools that need XKit access to Apple Developer Services or iOS devices.

Getting Started

Follow the installation guide for Linux or Windows, or the macOS installation guide. Then use the first-app tutorial. See the repository README for details.

Considerations

• The project targets iOS development through SwiftPM and provides selected Xcode-like capabilities, not a stated replacement for every Xcode feature.
• Use involves Apple Developer Services, app signing, and device installation, so developers should confirm that their account, signing, and device setup fits the workflow.
• Installation guidance differs by platform. The README links separate instructions for Linux/Windows and macOS.
• The repository is not archived. The supplied metadata reports 65 open issues, which may be worth reviewing when assessing project fit.