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The IOS simulator in my computer doesn't have app store. I want to use the app store to test a program I wrote on my simulator.

Is it possible to install the app store in my simulator?

Eric Leschinski
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William
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3 Answers3

145

This is NOT possible

The Simulator does not run ARM code, ONLY x86 code. Unless you have the raw source code from Apple, you won't see the App Store on the Simulator.

The app you write you will be able to test in the Simulator by running it directly from Xcode even if you don't have a developer account. To test your app on an actual device, you will need to be apart of the Apple Developer program.

WrightsCS
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    So if I need to know weather my app can open the appstore properly or not, I have to test it in real device? – William May 16 '12 at 02:42
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    Yes, if you are going to have your app open the App Store, then you would want to test it on an actual device. – WrightsCS May 16 '12 at 02:50
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    We can't install app store apps in simulator. This is updated link of apple doc https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/IDEs/Conceptual/iOS_Simulator_Guide/InteractingwiththeiOSSimulator.html – Rohit Kale Apr 13 '15 at 06:27
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    @Rohit link is dead – Brian Jul 06 '16 at 14:27
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    Quick search turns up this updated guide on the Simulator: https://developer.apple.com/library/prerelease/content/documentation/IDEs/Conceptual/iOS_Simulator_Guide/Introduction/Introduction.html – WrightsCS Jul 06 '16 at 14:50
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    And what about on an ARM-powered Mac? – hippietrail Dec 05 '20 at 04:34
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    It correct that it's not possible, but the reason why it's not possible turns out to have nothing to do with Intel x86 code vs ARM code, as [it's also not possible on Apple's new M1 ARM macs](https://apple.stackexchange.com/a/408129/11513). – hippietrail Feb 24 '21 at 06:02
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No, according to Apple here:

Note: You cannot install apps from the App Store in simulation environments.

dumbledad
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Khawar
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    The link here and in the comments on WrightsCS answer all go to the base "Simulator Help" page now, so pretty much not helpful. – Dale Mar 10 '19 at 17:58
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You can install other builds but not Appstore build.

From Xcode 8.2,drag and drop the build to simulator for the installation.

https://stackoverflow.com/a/41671233/1522584

Community
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Abhijith
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