ai-docs/docs/ai/ios/ios-mcp-vscode.md

MCP for iOS in VS Code

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Contents

• Overview
• Prerequisites
• XcodeBuildMCP Setup
• Xcode Native MCP Setup
• Example Prompts
• Troubleshooting
• Next Steps

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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 first.

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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)
• Node.js 18+ (for XcodeBuildMCP)
• This repo opened in VS Code (workspace root)

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XcodeBuildMCP Setup (External Tool)

1. Install XcodeBuildMCP:

   brew tap getsentry/xcodebuildmcp
   brew install xcodebuildmcp
   

2. Ensure .xcodebuildmcp/config.yaml is present and configured for your workspace, scheme, and simulator. (What is config.yaml? See reference and sample.)
3. Add or update .vscode/mcp.json:

   {
       "servers": {
      	 "XcodeBuildMCP": {
      		 "command": "xcodebuildmcp",
      		 "args": ["mcp"]
      	 }
       }
   }
   

4. Restart VS Code. Copilot Chat will discover MCP tools.

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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:

   {
       "servers": {
      	 "XcodeNative": {
      		 "command": "xcrun",
      		 "args": ["mcpbridge"]
      	 }
       }
   }
   

5. Restart VS Code. Copilot Chat will discover the native MCP server.

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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."

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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.

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Next Steps

• For general VS Code setup, see VS Code Initial Setup.
• For iOS basics, see iOS Setup.