ai-docs/docs/ai/ios-xcodebuildmcp.md

XcodeBuildMCP (iOS)

This page focuses on MCP-based Xcode workflows and the XcodeBuildMCP setup.

What XcodeBuildMCP Is (Plain Language)

+XcodeBuildMCP can run build and test tasks without you switching into Xcode for every step. This reduces context switching and makes workflows repeatable. + +Think of it as a remote control for Xcode build actions. Instead of clicking around in Xcode, you ask the assistant to run the action and report the result. + +Common uses include: +- Run a build for a target or scheme +- Run tests and return failures +- Capture build output so the assistant can summarize errors + +### Example Requests +- "Use XcodeBuildMCP to build the app and summarize any errors." +- "Run tests with XcodeBuildMCP and list the failing tests." +- "Build with XcodeBuildMCP and extract the first error message." + +## Xcode 26.3 MCP Setup (Detailed) +These steps reflect a common setup as of February 2026. Wording may vary slightly in release candidates. + +### Prerequisites +- Xcode 26.3 (RC or full release), opened at least once with your project +- VS Code installed (stable or Insiders) +- GitHub Copilot extension installed and signed in +- Node.js and npm installed (for XcodeBuildMCP) + +### Step 1: Enable Xcode MCP Server +1. Open Xcode. +2. Go to Settings. +3. Open the Intelligence tab. +4. Find the Model Context Protocol section. +5. Toggle on Xcode Tools (or Allow external connections). + +### Step 2: Install And Configure XcodeBuildMCP (Recommended Bridge) +Install: + +bash +npm install -g xcodebuildmcp@latest + + +Add to VS Code (create or edit .vscode/mcp.json): + +```json +{

• "servers": {
• "XcodeBuildMCP": {

•  "command": "npx",
  

•  "args": ["-y", "xcodebuildmcp@latest", "mcp"]
  

• }
• } +} +```

+Restart VS Code or reload the window. Copilot should discover the tools. + +### Step 3: Optional Native Xcode MCP Bridge +Xcode 26.3 includes a native MCP bridge. This exposes Xcode tools directly. + +Add to VS Code: + +```json +{

• "servers": {
• "XcodeNative": {

•  "command": "xcrun",
  

•  "args": ["mcpbridge"]
  

• }
• } +} +```

+### Using MCP In VS Code With Copilot +1. Open your iOS project in VS Code. +2. Use Copilot Chat in agent mode for multi-step tasks. +3. MCP tools appear as slash commands once discovered. + +Example: +"Use XcodeBuildMCP to build and summarize errors. Then suggest fixes." + +### Tips And Caveats +- Xcode must be running (or launchable) for MCP tools to respond. +- Native Xcode MCP is often best for previews. +- XcodeBuildMCP is often best for heavy builds and automation. + +### Install And Setup (Official) +Follow the official instructions: https://github.com/getsentry/XcodeBuildMCP + +### References +- https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/02/xcode-26-point-3-unlocks-the-power-of-agentic-coding/ +- https://github.com/cameroncooke/XcodeBuildMCP +- https://github.com/getsentry/XcodeBuildMCP +- https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/customization/mcp-servers + +## Xcode 26.3 And MCP Integration +Apple announced that Xcode 26.3 exposes Xcode capabilities through the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which enables compatible agents and tools to interact with Xcode features directly. + +### What This Means (Plain Language) +- Xcode can be controlled by MCP-enabled tools. +- Agents can access more of Xcode's capabilities without you manually clicking through the UI. + +### Example Workflow +1. You ask an agent to build the project. +2. The agent uses MCP to run the build inside Xcode. +3. The agent summarizes errors and suggests fixes. + +### Source +https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/02/xcode-26-point-3-unlocks-the-power-of-agentic-coding/