Yes — you can develop iOS apps on Windows using Flutter, but with important limitations.
I’ll explain clearly what is possible and what is not 👇
What you CAN do on Windows with Flutter (iOS)
Using Windows + Flutter, you can:
✔ Write Flutter (Dart) code
✔ Design UI for iOS apps
✔ Run app on Android emulator / physical Android device
✔ Build iOS UI & logic
✔ Push code to GitHub / GitLab
✔ Use CI/CD (cloud Mac) to build iOS IPA
What you CANNOT do on Windows
🚫 Cannot build iOS app (.ipa) locally
🚫 Cannot run iOS Simulator
🚫 Cannot upload to App Store
🚫 Cannot use Xcode (required for iOS)
Apple requires macOS + Xcode for all iOS builds.
Why macOS is required
Apple restricts:
- Xcode
- iOS Simulator
- Code signing
- App Store upload
➡ Only available on macOS
Recommended Ways to Build iOS Apps from Windows
Option 1: Windows + Mac (Best & Common)
- Develop Flutter app on Windows
- Use a Mac (local or remote) only for:
- iOS build
- iOS testing
- App Store upload
🧠 Many developers do this.
Option 2: Cloud Mac Services (No Mac Purchase)
You can use cloud macOS providers:
| Service | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Codemagic | Build & upload iOS |
| GitHub Actions (macOS runner) | iOS CI/CD |
| MacStadium | Remote Mac |
| Bitrise | iOS build |
| AppCircle | Flutter iOS CI |
✔ Develop on Windows
✔ Push code
✔ iOS build happens on cloud Mac
Option 3: Virtual macOS (Not Recommended) ⚠️
- Hackintosh / VM on Windows
- ❌ Violates Apple license
- ❌ Unstable
- ❌ Risky for production
Best Workflow (Professional Setup)
Windows (Flutter Dev)
↓ Git Push
Cloud Mac / Real Mac
↓
Build iOS (.ipa)
↓
TestFlight → App Store
Summary (Straight Answer)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I write iOS apps on Windows using Flutter? | ✅ YES |
| Can I build iOS apps on Windows? | ❌ NO |
| Do I need macOS at some point? | ✅ YES |
| Is cloud Mac a good solution? | ✅ YES |
