Simulator Use

Simulator use for agents lets AI read and drive the iOS Simulator from any MCP client or the command line.

Simulator use is a tool that allows AI agents to interact with the iOS Simulator directly. It builds and runs Xcode projects, reads screen text efficiently, handles taps and typing, and executes tests case by case. The tool is designed for developers using AI clients like Claude Code, Codex, or Cursor to automate iOS testing and development workflows. It supports SwiftUI, UIKit, and React Native apps, manages permission prompts, reads logs and crashes, and records video. It stands out by talking directly to the Simulator via a native engine, bypassing slow helper tools.

Simulator Use at a glance

Best for: Software engineer
Runs on: macOS, Linux, Windows, API
Pricing: Free and open source (MIT)
Released: October 2026
Category: AI coding tool
Website: github.com/nomac-app/simulator-use

Key features

Builds and runs Xcode projects
Reads screen text efficiently
Taps and types by element label
Runs unit and UI tests
Reads app logs and crashes
Records screen video
Manages permission prompts

Use it for

Building and testing Xcode projects with AI agents
Running automated UI and unit tests
Debugging app logs and crash reports
Navigating iOS simulator screens via command line

Alternatives to Simulator Use

sim-use — Provides token-efficient screen outlines and alias-cached taps for fast agent loops.
iphone-use — Operates real iPhones via HTTP and MCP without touching the host screen.
AgentDock — Manages multiple coding agents from one screen-edge inbox without switching tabs.
Offscreen — Runs agent tasks in fresh VMs so your desktop stays free for your own work.
Mac Computer Use — Enables local desktop automation through native Mac windows and Accessibility controls.
offstage — Keeps coding agent simulators and windows off your main desktop display.
agent-device — Token-efficient snapshots and semantic references for native mobile and TV apps.
serve-sim — Test and interact with hosted Apple Simulators directly from a web browser.
Iphone Use App — Runs directly on the iPhone with no computer needed at run time.
Copilot for Xcode — Integrates directly into Xcode to provide intelligent completions, chat, and agent mode.
Mobile MCP — Connects AI agents directly to real mobile devices for automated testing and tasks.
AgentiLoop — A native Mac agent that works with 23 model providers or local models

All Simulator Use alternatives