I want Help with Xcode Simulator Not Working Properly

Hey everyone,

I am facing issue with Xcode & it is driving me crazy. I want insight. I am trying to test my app on the iOS Simulator but for some reason; it either takes forever to launch or just gets stuck on a black screen. Sometimes it works after restarting Xcode, but that is not a real solution. Also I have tried Cleaning the build folder , Resetting the simulator, Restarting my Mac, Reinstalling Xcode.
I am using the latest Xcode version on macOS. Could this be a compatibility issue; or is there something obvious I am missing?

Also, I started a Python course so if there is any way to debug this issue using Python scripts or automation.

Thank you… :blush:

Hello, sorry but this is a french speaking forum so we won’t be able to help you in english.
Have a great day!

It sounds incredibly frustrating to deal with these simulator issues. Here are a few thoughts and suggestions (from chat GPT)

  1. Simulator & Xcode Compatibility
    OS Version Check: Double-check that your macOS version is fully supported by your latest Xcode release. Sometimes even minor mismatches can cause simulator glitches.
    Known Issues: Look for any recent reports or Apple Developer Forum posts regarding black screens or long launch times with your specific Xcode version.
  2. Cleaning and Resetting Steps
    Derived Data: Beyond cleaning the build folder, try deleting the entire Derived Data folder (typically found at ~/Library/Developer/Xcode/DerivedData). This can sometimes clear out hidden build artifacts causing issues.
    Simulator Reset Options: Although you’ve already reset the simulator, consider using the “Erase All Content and Settings” option from the Simulator’s menu to ensure a complete reset.
  3. Investigating Logs
    Console Logs: Use the macOS Console app or Xcode’s own logging to check for error messages when the simulator hangs. These logs might provide clues—perhaps a resource or permission issue.
    Verbose Mode: Try launching the simulator in verbose mode from the terminal to see if more detailed error messages are available.
  4. Debugging with Python
    While Xcode doesn’t offer direct Python integration for debugging, you can automate several tasks using Python scripts:

Using xcrun simctl:
The simctl command-line tool allows you to manage simulators. For example, you can script a reset using Python’s subprocess module:
python
Copier
import subprocess
subprocess.run([« xcrun », « simctl », « erase », « all »])
Automation Tools:
Tools like Appium, which are often scripted in Python, can help automate UI tests. This could indirectly help in diagnosing if a particular UI interaction or app state is triggering the black screen.
5. Other Workarounds
Switch Device Configurations: Sometimes using a different simulator device (or even a different iOS version) can bypass the issue temporarily.
Reinstall Command Line Tools: Consider reinstalling Xcode’s command line tools, as they sometimes become misconfigured after system updates.

Regarding Xcode and Simulator, you might be interested in the post I just created: Résolution des erreurs de sandboxing Xcode en développement Flutter