How to Build for iOS in Unity: Step-by-Step Guide

To build for iOS in Unity, first switch your build target to iOS in the Build Settings, then export the project to Xcode using Build. Finally, open the generated Xcode project and build it on a Mac with a valid Apple developer account and provisioning profile.

Syntax

Unity uses the Build Settings window to configure and export your project for iOS. The main steps are:

• Switch Platform: Change the build target to iOS.
• Player Settings: Configure app details like bundle identifier and signing.
• Build: Export the project to an Xcode workspace.

csharp

using UnityEditor;

public class BuildScript
{
    public static void BuildForIOS()
    {
        // Set build target to iOS
        EditorUserBuildSettings.SwitchActiveBuildTarget(BuildTargetGroup.iOS, BuildTarget.iOS);

        // Define build options
        string path = "Builds/iOS";

        // Build the player
        BuildPipeline.BuildPlayer(EditorBuildSettings.scenes, path, BuildTarget.iOS, BuildOptions.None);
    }
}

Example

This example script switches the build target to iOS and builds the project to a folder named Builds/iOS. You can run this script inside the Unity Editor to automate the build process.

csharp

using UnityEditor;

public class IOSBuildExample
{
    [MenuItem("Build/Build iOS Project")]
    public static void BuildIOS()
    {
        // Switch platform to iOS
        EditorUserBuildSettings.SwitchActiveBuildTarget(BuildTargetGroup.iOS, BuildTarget.iOS);

        // Path to save the Xcode project
        string buildPath = "Builds/iOS";

        // Build the player
        BuildPipeline.BuildPlayer(EditorBuildSettings.scenes, buildPath, BuildTarget.iOS, BuildOptions.None);

        UnityEngine.Debug.Log("iOS build completed at: " + buildPath);
    }
}

Output

iOS build completed at: Builds/iOS

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when building for iOS in Unity include:

• Not switching the build target to iOS before building.
• Missing or incorrect bundle identifier in Player Settings.
• Not setting up a valid Apple developer account and provisioning profile in Xcode.
• Trying to build on Windows instead of a Mac, which is required for Xcode.
• Ignoring required iOS capabilities like camera or push notifications in Xcode.

csharp

/* Wrong: Building without switching platform */
BuildPipeline.BuildPlayer(EditorBuildSettings.scenes, "Builds/iOS", BuildTarget.StandaloneWindows, BuildOptions.None);

/* Right: Switch platform first */
EditorUserBuildSettings.SwitchActiveBuildTarget(BuildTargetGroup.iOS, BuildTarget.iOS);
BuildPipeline.BuildPlayer(EditorBuildSettings.scenes, "Builds/iOS", BuildTarget.iOS, BuildOptions.None);

Quick Reference

Summary tips for building iOS apps in Unity:

• Always switch build target to iOS in Build Settings.
• Set your app's bundle identifier in Player Settings under Other Settings.
• Export the project and open it in Xcode on a Mac.
• Use a valid Apple developer account and provisioning profile for signing.
• Test on a real device or simulator via Xcode.

Key Takeaways

Switch Unity's build target to iOS before building your project.

Configure your app's bundle identifier and signing in Player Settings and Xcode.

Build the project in Unity, then open and build it in Xcode on a Mac.

A valid Apple developer account and provisioning profile are required to run on devices.

Avoid building for iOS on Windows; use a Mac for the final Xcode build.