LaunchKit · 2026
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ios-simulator

Automate iOS Simulator workflows (simctl + idb)

1
3.0k downloads
by @tristanmanchester

Setup & Installation

openclaw skills install @tristanmanchester/ios-simulator

Or with the ClawHub CLI, for registry-managed skill folders outside a full OpenClaw workspace:

npx clawhub install ios-simulator

Version History

v0.1.2Jan 20, 2026 - Version note by skill developer:

Major update: Migrated to a minimal Node-based CLI, focusing on simctl/idb automation and streamlined command set. - Replaced 21+ mixed Python/bash scripts with a single `ios-sim.mjs` Node CLI. - Simplified functionality: core iOS Simulator device, app, and UI automation (create/boot/install/launch/tap/screenshot/etc). - Default output is now single-line JSON for token efficiency; pretty output and summaries are opt-in. - Added structured troubleshooting documentation. - All advanced/specialized scripts removed; only essential simctl/idb workflows remain.

What This Skill Does

A Node.js CLI wrapper around xcrun simctl and idb for iOS Simulator automation. Handles device lifecycle (create, boot, erase), app install and launch, accessibility-based UI interaction, push notifications, screenshots, and privacy grants. Runs on macOS only.

Combines simctl device management and idb accessibility-tree UI automation in a single structured CLI built for AI agents, removing the need to manually coordinate between multiple tools.

When to use it

  • Installing and launching an .app build on a simulator during development
  • Capturing screenshots automatically for App Store submission prep
  • Sending test push notifications to a running simulator
  • Granting location or camera permissions programmatically before UI tests
  • Tapping UI elements by accessibility label in a CI pipeline

Example Workflow

Here's how your AI assistant might use this skill in practice.

INPUT

User asks: install and test my iOS app in the simulator

AGENT
  1. 1Run health check to confirm xcrun and idb are available
  2. 2List simulators and select a target device with boot flag
  3. 3Install the .app bundle on the booted simulator
  4. 4Launch the app by bundle ID
  5. 5Capture a screenshot and save it to artifacts/screen.png
OUTPUT

App running in simulator with screenshot saved to artifacts/screen.png

Requirements

Accounts, API keys, or tools you or your AI assistant may need to set up while using this skill.

Xcode or Xcode Command Line Tools installed on macOSidb_companion Homebrew formula via facebook/fb tap (required for UI automation)fb-idb Python package via pip (required for UI automation)