# iOS AI Setup (Quick Start)

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## Which Path Should I Choose?

- **Use Xcode** if you want the most integrated Apple experience for Swift/SwiftUI and UI design.
- **Use VS Code** if you want automation, Copilot Chat agent workflows, or work on cross-platform code.
- You can use both! Many developers do.

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## Xcode: Copilot Setup Steps
1. Install Xcode from the Mac App Store and open it once.
2. Install the [GitHub Copilot for Xcode plugin](https://github.com/github/copilot-xcode) and enable it in Xcode’s Extensions.
3. Sign in with your GitHub account (Copilot access required).
4. Open a Swift file and type `//` to trigger a suggestion.
5. Open Copilot Chat and try a simple prompt (e.g., “Write a Swift function to reverse a string”).

## VS Code: Copilot Setup Steps
1. Follow the [VS Code Initial Setup](../vscode-setup.md) to install VS Code, Copilot, and sign in.
2. Open a Swift file and type `//` to trigger a suggestion.
3. Open Copilot Chat and try a simple prompt.

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## Add MCP Automation (Optional, Advanced)
- For general MCP usage in VS Code: See [MCP for iOS in VS Code](ios-mcp-vscode.md)
- For Xcode’s built-in MCP: See [XcodeBuildMCP (Xcode)](ios-xcodebuildmcp-xcode.md)
- For XcodeBuildMCP in VS Code: See [XcodeBuildMCP for iOS in VS Code](ios-xcodebuildmcp-vscode.md)

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## Troubleshooting
- If suggestions are missing, confirm you’re signed in and Copilot is enabled.
- If the plugin/extension is not visible, check compatibility and restart the app.
- If responses are blocked, check your network or company policy.
- If you have multiple AI plugins, disable all but Copilot.

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## Next Steps
- For cross-platform patterns, read [Cross-Platform AI Usage](../cross-platform.md)
- For automation, see the MCP guides above
- For safety rules, read [Governance, Privacy, and Policy](../governance.md)