Building for iOS

Learn Xcode project export for iOS.

iOS build and Xcode project

Unlike Windows or Android, Unity does not output a direct standalone binary for iOS. Instead, it exports an Xcode project directory that must be compiled on macOS.

// Unity Build output:
// Generates Unity-iPhone.xcodeproj inside /Builds/iOS directory.

Final compilation and code signing are performed inside Xcode on a Mac.

Signing, Profiles, and TestFlight

Testing an iOS app on real hardware requires an Apple Developer account, configured Signing & Capabilities, and an active Provisioning Profile.

// Inside Xcode:
// Select Team and enable 'Automatically manage signing'.

Completed builds are distributed to beta testers effortlessly using the TestFlight platform.

Exercise Verify Xcode export target

Print "Hedef: Xcode Projesi | Yol: Builds/iOS" using target and destination via Console.WriteLine.

Show example solution

using System;

class IosExportCheck
{
    static void Main()
    {
        string target = "Xcode";
        string destination = "Builds/iOS";
        Console.WriteLine($"Hedef: {target} Projesi | Yol: {destination}");
    }
}

Test yourself

What output is produced when taking an iOS build from Unity?
- A WebGL package that runs strictly inside web browsers
- An Xcode project directory to be compiled using Xcode on a Mac
- A standalone .exe file directly installable on an iPhone via USB
- A signed .aab archive intended for Google Play Store upload
Show answer

An Xcode project directory to be compiled using Xcode on a Mac — Due to Apple requirements, Unity exports an Xcode project; final building and signing happen via Xcode on a Mac.

Check iOS platform

if (Application.platform == RuntimePlatform.____) {
    Console.WriteLine("iOS ortamindayiz");
}

Show answer

if (Application.platform == RuntimePlatform.IPhonePlayer) {
    Console.WriteLine("iOS ortamindayiz");
}

iOS deployment concepts

Xcode

Build and signing tool for Apple
Export Project

Outputting Xcode-compatible project
Provisioning Profile

Profile authorizing device execution
TestFlight

Distributing beta builds to testers

Next lesson: Summary - Build & deploy

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