How to Setup Cursor (or VSCode/Windsurf) for Efficient iOS Development

Xcode’s Limitations

We all know Xcode struggles with effective code autocompletion. Its predictive code completion rarely meets the expectations developers have today, prompting me to explore alternative IDEs.

Alternative IDEs Powered by AI

I often develop Python and Node applications simultaneously, for which I prefer Cursor (though everything mentioned applies equally to VSCode or Windsurf). Cursor is an exceptional tool for developers. (Check out my other Cursor-related posts in the Cursor Category).

Challenges with iOS Development

If you’ve developed iOS apps, you know Apple historically resisted other IDEs. Until recently, using alternatives was challenging, even impossible on platforms like Windows. Notably, JetBrains’ AppCode ceased operation primarily due to Apple’s restrictive policies.

Thankfully, Apple recently began officially supporting Swift development in other IDEs, leading to tools like Sweetpad—a remarkable extension enabling Cursor and VSCode for iOS app development.

Why Choose Cursor Over Xcode?

Thanks to rapid advancements in AI-driven IDEs like Cursor and GitHub Copilot, development is dramatically faster and easier. Key advantages include:

• Faster Development: Leverage AI to quickly implement unfamiliar features without extensive research.
• Choice of AI Models: Select from various models (e.g., Claude 4, Gemini 2.5 Pro), unlike Xcode’s fixed AI.
• Rapid Code Completion: Cursor completes code significantly faster.
• Enhanced Understanding: Cursor understands your entire codebase contextually.
• Powerful Refactoring and Debugging: Use AI-driven agent mode for code refactoring, debugging, and analysis.
• Automated Testing and Documentation: Easily generate tests and documentation through AI assistance.
• Code Optimization and Security: Improve performance and security effortlessly.

Potential Drawbacks

While powerful, there are minor downsides:

• Requires stable internet connectivity.
• Code is shared with external AI providers.
• AI computations occur in the cloud, not locally.(Even though you can use local models with Cursor)

Combining the Best of Both Worlds

Despite its flaws, Xcode excels in building schemes, managing simulators, and debugging. Here’s where Sweetpad becomes indispensable. This VSCode extension provides nearly all daily Xcode functionalities directly in your favorite IDE.

Installation

1. Install your preferred IDE:

   • Cursor ($20/month, highly recommended)
   • Alternatively, free IDEs: VSCode or Windsurf

2. Install Xcode Build Server:

   Ensure Homebrew is installed (How to Install Homebrew)

   brew install xcode-build-server
   

   This enables essential Xcode editing features within Cursor.

3. Install XCBeautify:

   This tool formats Xcode build logs clearly.

    brew install xcbeautify
   

4. Install SwiftFormat:

   Automatically format Swift code beautifully:

    brew install swiftformat
   

5. Install VSCode Extensions:

   • Official Swift Extension
   • Sweetpad Extension – provides Xcode-like build and debugging features

   Sweetpad also integrates CodeLLDB for seamless debugging.

Configuration

Generate a configuration file essential for Sweetpad:

• Press CMD + SHIFT + P, select Sweetpad: Generate Build Server Config. This creates buildServer.json in your project’s root directory.

If you encounter errors like:

IndexError: list index out of range

Ensure the main app target scheme is selected in Cursor before generating again.

What is next?

In the next post I will show you how to use Cursor to build a new app from scratch.

Happy coding!