# MCP for iOS in VS Code You are here: [AI Docs Home](../index.md) > MCP for iOS in VS Code ## Contents - Overview - Prerequisites - XcodeBuildMCP Setup - Xcode Native MCP Setup - Example Prompts - Troubleshooting - Next Steps --- ## Overview This guide covers how to set up MCP (Model Context Protocol) automation for iOS development in VS Code. Complete the [VS Code Initial Setup](../vscode-setup.md) first. --- ## Prerequisites - macOS with Xcode 26.3+ installed (for native MCP) or Xcode 13+ (for XcodeBuildMCP) - VS Code with GitHub Copilot and Copilot Chat enabled ([see setup guide](../vscode-setup.md)) - Node.js 18+ (for XcodeBuildMCP) - This repo opened in VS Code (workspace root) --- ## XcodeBuildMCP Setup (External Tool) 1. Install XcodeBuildMCP: ```bash brew tap getsentry/xcodebuildmcp brew install xcodebuildmcp ``` 2. Ensure `.xcodebuildmcp/config.yaml` is present and configured for your workspace, scheme, and simulator. 3. Add or update `.vscode/mcp.json`: ```json { "servers": { "XcodeBuildMCP": { "command": "xcodebuildmcp", "args": ["mcp"] } } } ``` 4. Restart VS Code. Copilot Chat will discover MCP tools. --- ## Xcode Native MCP Setup (Xcode 26.3+) 1. Open Xcode. 2. Go to Settings > Intelligence tab. 3. Enable Model Context Protocol (toggle on Xcode Tools or Allow external connections). 4. Add or update `.vscode/mcp.json`: ```json { "servers": { "XcodeNative": { "command": "xcrun", "args": ["mcpbridge"] } } } ``` 5. Restart VS Code. Copilot Chat will discover the native MCP server. --- ## Example Prompts - "Build and run ToyotaOneApp on the iPhone 17 Pro Max simulator." - "Run all UI tests and summarize failures." - "Take a screenshot of the home screen." --- ## Troubleshooting - If MCP tools are not available, confirm `.vscode/mcp.json` is present and correct. - For XcodeBuildMCP, check `.xcodebuildmcp/config.yaml` for correct paths and scheme. - Simulator not found? Boot it in Xcode or Simulator.app first. --- ## Next Steps - For general VS Code setup, see [VS Code Initial Setup](../vscode-setup.md). - For iOS basics, see [iOS Setup](ios.md).