How to Change the iOS Version for the Simulator in Xcode

Keeping your development environment up to date is crucial for testing your applications on various iOS versions. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change the iOS version for the Simulator in Xcode.

Prerequisites

• Xcode installed on your Mac.
• An active internet connection to download the required iOS version.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Open Xcode
Launch Xcode from your Applications folder or via Spotlight Search.

Step 2: Access Xcode Preferences

1. Click on Xcode from the top menu bar.
2. Select Settings.. (or press Cmd + ,).

Step 3: Install the Desired iOS Version
1. Click on the Platforms Tab:

• In the Preferences window, navigate to the Platforms tab.

2. Add a New iOS Version:

• Click on the + icon at the bottom.
• Select iOS from the list.

3. Select the iOS Version:

• From the dropdown, select the iOS version you want to install (e.g., iOS 15.5).

4. Download and Install:

• Click on the Download and Install button.
• Wait for the download and installation process to complete.

Step 4: Create a New Simulator

1. Open Devices and Simulators:

• Press Command + Shift + 2 to open the Devices and Simulators window.

2. Add a New Simulator:

• Click on the Simulators tab in the top menu bar.
• Click the + icon at the bottom left.

3. Configure the New Simulator:

• Simulator Name: Enter a name for your new Simulator as per your preference.
• Device Type: Choose a device type (e.g., iPhone 13). Ensure the iOS version is supported for that device.
• OS Version: Select the desired iOS version (e.g., iOS 15.5) from the dropdown menu.

4. Create the Simulator:
Click on Create to finalize the setup.

Step 5: Use the New Simulator

1. Close the Window:

• Close the Devices and Simulators window.

2. Select Your Simulator:

• In Xcode, select your newly created Simulator from the device list in the toolbar.

3. Run Your Project:

• Click the Run button (or press Cmd + R) to build and run your project on the selected Simulator.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can easily switch between different iOS versions in the Simulator, allowing you to test your applications across various environments. This ensures your app performs well on multiple iOS versions, providing a better user experience for all your users.