Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Mobile - iPhone Development On Windows

iPhone Development On Windows

Some time ago I decided to list a couple of options available for iPhone development on Windows and iPad development on Windows. Now, months later this is still something that has been brought up recently. So I have decided to expand the list, and include some of the other solutions that have cropped up since the original posting, and some upcoming that look interesting. Please note, that there is no official solution for developing for the iPhone SDK on Windows (and it’s doubtful there ever will be).

At this point you will need to compile your app on the official iPhone SDK running on Mac OS X if your goal is to get your app in to Apple’s iPhone app store, use Flash’s iPhone packager, the Airplay SDK, or send someone else your code for compilation. Now, I know there is the obvious “hackintosh” solution, but I won’t get into that, not only is it possibly illegal, but I’ve seen someone try it… and it was a major continuous hassle — every update of the OS and SDK cost them valuable hours, when they could just get a sub-$600 Mac Mini and avoid all hassles.

That being said there are ways to develop your iPhone app in windows. Let me repeat that there is no real iOS SDK Windows edition — and most certainly not any official options despite what the marketing material of some vendors might tell you. If you see a vendor posting false information suggesting their solution is an official Windows iPhone developer SDK then I suggest staying away.

I am limiting those shown here to those from which apps already available in the store have been created with, and some that appear to be exceptionally well done.

These Windows alternatives include game engines, html/javascript solutions for hybrid app development, and general iPhone/iPad app creators.

The iPhone Development On Windows Options

1) Flash CS5 – At the moment is probably the most complete solution. The packager for iOS allows you to compile apps on the windows platform. If you’ve been using flash you can rejoice in Apple’s latest policy, it performs well, but don’t expect highest performance games, and Papervision to run in here. No mac required.

2) Airplay SDK – The airplay SDK allows you to create games, and sign your app on Windows PC’s. I have not tested this solution, but apparently many apps have been created this way.

Both these solutions can compile to code that is native to the iPhone right on your windows PC and many apps available in the app store have been created using them.

3) Unity 3D – Game development engine and editor that utilizes Boo and C# and the editor works on both Windows and Mac.

4) Stonetrip S3D – Game develop engine and editor utilizing LUA, the editor runs within Windows.

These game engines allow you to develop your apps on Windows, but you’ll need a Mac to test/compile.

3) Appcelerator Titanium – This is a good solution, and has a very popular and vibrant community. Apps are limited in performance because while they can be compiled as native apps and sent into the app store they are html/javascript based.

4) Genuitec MobiOne – This is an interface designer that uses the Phonegap framework to deliver native functionality. It only runs on windows. HTML/Javascript based.

These solutions allow you to create apps using web technologies (HTML/CSS/Javascript) and then run them through an Objective-C framework that responds to actions within a UIWebView, thus allowing you to access native functionality on the iPhone. These frameworks are free.

5)Dragonfire SDK – An interesting option that allows you to develop apps using their SDK on windows. Then you send them your uncompiled source which they compile and you download the compiled iOS application file. I’ve been asked if this means they get a copy of your uncompiled source code.. I couldn’t tell you that, I just know that you have to upload your code for compiliation to their website — but hey you wanted to develop iPhone apps on Windows. Overall this is a wrapper, I like the syntax and it’s pretty popular so I’ll mention it.

There are a couple of other solutions that were either in testing, required payment without any form of trial (or in some cases even screenshots), or just aren’t out yet many of them seemingly lesser versions of the Dragonfire SDK that enable iPhone development on Windows by compiling your source code for you.. Creation tools like Titanium have become a dime a dozen really.. Airplay SDK is probably the most advanced “iOS SDK on Windows” available free at this stage.