Physical devices

You can drive a physical iPhone instead of a simulator. The device needs a small one-time setup before Mavster can see it.

One-time device setup

1. Pair the device with Xcode for development

1. Connect your iPhone to the Mac with a USB cable.
2. Unlock the iPhone and tap Trust This Computer when prompted.
3. Open Xcode → Window → Devices and Simulators.
4. Select your device in the left column. If Xcode prompts you to use it for development, accept.
5. Wait for Xcode to finish preparing the device (this can take a few minutes the first time, especially on a new iOS version).

2. Enable Developer Mode on the device

On iOS 16 and later you have to opt the device into Developer Mode before it'll accept any developer tooling.

1. On the iPhone, open Settings → Privacy & Security → Developer Mode.
2. Toggle Developer Mode on.
3. The device will prompt you to restart — let it.
4. After restart, confirm the prompt to enable Developer Mode.

3. Enable Automation in the Developer menu

1. On the iPhone, open Settings → Developer.
2. Scroll to the Automation section.
3. Enable the Automation setting.

Without this, Mavster can't drive the device even if it's paired and in Developer Mode.

Use it in Mavster

1. In the Preview Connection panel (always visible inside a project), set Platform to iOS.
2. Flip the Physical Device toggle on.
3. Pick your device from the picker.

Author and run tests as you would against a simulator.

If your device doesn't appear

Things to check:

• The device is unlocked and connected via USB.
• Xcode → Window → Devices and Simulators shows the device as ready (no warning icon).
• Developer Mode is on (Settings → Privacy & Security → Developer Mode).
• The Automation setting is on (Settings → Developer → Automation).

If all four are true and the picker is still empty, disconnect and reconnect the cable, then refresh the picker.