How can you run iPhone apps on a MacBook when Xcode’s simulator doesn’t include the App Store?

Alright, let’s kick this off—if you’re looking to run iPhone apps on your MacBook and Xcode’s simulator isn’t an option due to its lack of App Store support, you’ve still got a few ways around this. One thing you can try is using the Xcode Simulator with custom builds or side-loaded apps.

While the simulator doesn’t have direct access to the App Store, it’s perfect if you have the app’s source code or an .ipa file. You can drag and drop that .ipa into the simulator or run it directly through Xcode. This method is particularly useful for developers testing specific app behavior or UI performance.

Experience Insight: From my experience, I’ve used this method to test internal apps before submitting them to the App Store. It integrates well with other development workflows and offers a clean environment for testing.

Plus, if you’re looking to test how your app behaves in real-device environments, pairing it with a platform like LambdaTest works wonders. You can test across different devices virtually, which is a huge plus.