Can I install the "app store" in an IOS simulator?

ios app-store simulator

138,082

Solution 1

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.

Solution 2

No, according to Apple here:

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

Solution 3

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

138,082

William

Updated on November 30, 2020

Comments

William over 3 years

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?
- Mick MacCallum about 12 years
  
  To test your app in the simulator, open the project in Xcode and click the run button in the top right corner.
- borrrden about 12 years
  
  This is an unusual request. What exactly are you trying to do?
- William about 12 years
  
  @MDT I don't mean to test a normal app. In the app I write, it will open another app link in appstore.
- William about 12 years
  
  @borrrden install a app store in the simulator, like the real iphone or ipad
- Mick MacCallum about 12 years
  
  @William This is something that you should probably be testing on a real device.
- hippietrail over 3 years
  
  See also: Can the App Store be installed on Xcode's iOS Simulator on the new ARM/M1 powered Macs?
William about 12 years

So if I need to know weather my app can open the appstore properly or not, I have to test it in real device?
WrightsCS about 12 years

Yes, if you are going to have your app open the App Store, then you would want to test it on an actual device.
RohitK about 9 years

We can't install app store apps in simulator. This is updated link of apple doc developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/IDEs/Conceptua‌l/…
Brian almost 8 years

@Rohit link is dead
WrightsCS almost 8 years

Quick search turns up this updated guide on the Simulator: developer.apple.com/library/prerelease/content/documentation‌/…
Dale over 5 years

The link here and in the comments on WrightsCS answer all go to the base "Simulator Help" page now, so pretty much not helpful.
hippietrail over 3 years

And what about on an ARM-powered Mac?
hippietrail over 3 years

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.