# The EASIEST way to build iOS apps with Claude Code (Opus 4.5)

Tom Brewer
#claude-code #ai-development #tutorial #ai-tools
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The EASIEST way to build iOS apps with Claude Code (Opus 4.5)
Watch on YouTube

The EASIEST way to build iOS apps with Claude Code (Opus 4.5)

These notes are based on the YouTube video by Alex Finn

Building iOS Apps with Claude Code and Opus 4.5

To build an iOS app using Claude Code and Opus 4.5, you will need two main applications: Xcode and the Claude desktop app with Claude Code built-in. Xcode is a free app that can be downloaded from the Mac App Store, and you should choose iOS when installing. The Claude desktop app can be downloaded and has Claude Code built-in. For more information on the latest features and best practices, check out Claude Code best practices to get the most out of your development experience.

Setting Up the Project

  • Download and install Xcode from the Mac App Store, making sure to select iOS when installing.
  • Download and install the Claude desktop app.
  • Open Xcode and create a new project by clicking on “Create New Project” and selecting “iOS” at the top.
  • Choose the “App” template and click “Next”.
  • Give your project a name, such as “Habit Tracker iOS”, and select an organization identifier.
  • Create a new folder for your project and select it as the location for your project.

Building the App with Claude Code

  • Open the Claude desktop app and select the folder you just created for your project.
  • Make sure Claude 3.5 Opus (Opus 4.5) is selected as your model; this is Anthropic’s top coding model at the time of the video.
  • Give Claude Code a simple but specific prompt to build your app, such as:
You are in an iOS app we just created. I want to build a habit tracker app. Users should be able to enter a new habit, then click a checkbox to say they completed it. Next to that will be their current streak for days in a row.
  • Claude Code will start building your app, and you can see the progress in the Xcode project. Note that you will need to actively guide, review, and adjust the generated code.

🔗 See Also: These New Claude Code Features are HUGE (2.0.67) for insights into the latest updates that can enhance your development process.

Testing the App

  • Once Claude Code has finished building your app, you can test it out in Xcode by clicking on the “Run” button or by using the iPhone simulator.
  • You can see the demo of the app in Xcode and test out the features, such as adding a new habit and checking it off.

Adding More Features

  • To add more features to your app, you can use the chat bot built-in to the Claude Code desktop app.
  • Ask the chat bot for ideas on what features you can add, such as gamification or a mood tracker. For example, you could use a prompt like:
I want to add XP features. For every habit a user does, they should earn XP points. When they check off a habit, an XP fireworks animation happens and it shows their XP at the top. Every 100 XP gains them a level.

This is just one possible example of how you could use the chat bot to add new features to your app.

  • Claude Code will add the new features to your app, and you can test them out in Xcode.

💡 Related: For additional functionality, consider exploring 5 Claude Code MCP Servers You Need To Be Using to expand your app’s capabilities.

Shipping the App to the App Store

  • To ship your app to the App Store, you will need to make sure all the information in your app is filled out, such as the category, display name, and bundle identifier.
  • You will also need to add an app icon and a launch screen file. You can use a tool like Sketch or Adobe Illustrator to create these files.
  • You will need to sign up for an Apple Developer account and add your account to Xcode.
  • Once you have done all of this, you can archive your app and submit it to the App Store for review.

Summary

Building an iOS app with Claude Code and Opus 4.5 is a straightforward process that requires minimal coding knowledge. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a fully functional iOS app and ship it to the App Store. The key is to give Claude Code simple but specific prompts to build your app, and to use the chat bot to add new features and ideas. With the power of Opus 4.5, you can create complex and engaging apps quickly and easily.

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# Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main applications required to build an iOS app using Claude Code and Opus 4.5?

To build an iOS app using Claude Code and Opus 4.5, you will need two main applications: Xcode and the Claude desktop app with Claude Code built-in. Xcode is a free app that can be downloaded from the Mac App Store, and you should choose iOS when installing. The Claude desktop app can be downloaded and has Claude Code built-in, which is essential for building your iOS app.

How do I set up a new project in Xcode for building an iOS app with Claude Code?

To set up a new project in Xcode, open Xcode and create a new project by clicking on 'Create New Project' and selecting 'iOS' at the top. Choose the 'App' template and click 'Next'. Give your project a name, such as 'Habit Tracker iOS', and select an organization identifier. Create a new folder for your project and select it as the location for your project.

What is the role of the chat bot in the Claude Code desktop app, and how can I use it to add new features to my app?

The chat bot in the Claude Code desktop app can be used to add new features to your app. You can ask the chat bot for ideas on what features you can add, such as gamification or a mood tracker, and provide a prompt with specific details about the feature you want to add. Claude Code will then add the new features to your app, and you can test them out in Xcode.

What are the steps required to ship my iOS app to the App Store after building it with Claude Code and Opus 4.5?

To ship your app to the App Store, you will need to make sure all the information in your app is filled out, such as the category, display name, and bundle identifier. You will also need to add an app icon and a launch screen file, and sign up for an Apple Developer account. Once you have done all of this, you can archive your app and submit it to the App Store for review.

Why is it important to actively guide, review, and adjust the generated code when using Claude Code to build an iOS app?

It is essential to actively guide, review, and adjust the generated code when using Claude Code to build an iOS app because Claude Code will start building your app based on the prompt you provide, but you need to ensure that the generated code meets your requirements and is free of errors. By reviewing and adjusting the code, you can ensure that your app works as expected and is of high quality.

What is the benefit of using Claude Code with Opus 4.5 to build an iOS app, and what kind of prior knowledge is required?

Using Claude Code with Opus 4.5 to build an iOS app is a straightforward process that requires minimal coding knowledge. The benefit of using Claude Code is that it allows you to build a fully functional iOS app with ease, and you can create a habit tracking app or any other type of app you want without needing to have extensive coding experience.

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