VoltBuilder supports Xcode 13 and iOS 15

The VoltBuilder servers are now using Xcode 13.0, the latest update from Apple. This allows you to build apps for iOS 15.0, which was released last week by Apple.

You don’t need to make any changes to your project to use the new release: all VoltBuilder jobs are now processed using it.

Before we went live with the new release, we tested by processing an entire day of iOS builds. They executed cleanly, with the same results as Xcode 12.4. We don’t anticipate any problems for you with the new release, but please let is know if you spot anything.

The last version of Xcode supported by PhoneGap Build was 9.2.

What’s New in Xcode 13

Xcode 13 includes SDKs for iOS 15, iPadOS 15, tvOS 15, watchOS 8, and macOS Big Sur 11.3. The Xcode 13 release supports on-device debugging for iOS 9 and later, tvOS 9 and later, and watchOS 2 and later. Xcode 13 requires a Mac running macOS 11.3 or later.

VoltBuilder provides a high level interface to Xcode, so you don’t have get involved with its installation, complexity and features. We run it on servers with all the latest Apple software, continuously updated.

Xcode 13 has a number of changes and fixes, including better logging output. Most importantly, it has support for iOS 15. There is more information here.

What’s New in iOS 15

iOS 15 introduces new ways to stay connected, powerful updates that help users focus and explore, and intelligent features to get more done with iPhone. FaceTime updates provide more natural video calls, Focus helps users reduce distraction, new features like Live Text use on-device intelligence to surface useful information, upgrades to Maps provide brand new ways to navigate the world, and much more.

The builds you make with VoltBuilder will conform to Apple’s latest guidelines for security and App Store approval.

There is more information on the features and supported devices in this article.

What VoltBuilder Does

VoltBuilder is a modern replacement for PhoneGap Build. It builds native executables (.apk and .ipa) for Android and iOS from web apps. These executables can be augmented with native code plugins which extend capabilities far beyond what is possible in Web Apps and PWAs.

It works as a web service. Zip your project, upload to VoltBuilder, and download executables for Android or iOS.

In designing VoltBuilder, we had the advantage of starting with a clean slate. We were able to simplify and speed up the workflow. We also kept it framework neutral: VoltBuilder does not use any other AppStudio products, nor does it restrict the use of other frameworks. There is nothing to install.

About Us

We started in 1993 at the introduction of the Newton to fill the need for easier to use development tools. Our first product, NS Basic/Newton, was a success. When the Newton was cancelled, we introduced NS Basic/Palm. It also did well, so we added NS Basic/CE.

In 2010, we realized that JavaScript on mobile devices was getting seriously fast. Web pages in those days used a bit of JavaScript to augment the page: Could we flip things around and make JavaScript the core of web pages, driving the HTML and CSS? That resulted in AppStudio, targeting iOS and Android. It now has thousands of users in over 80 countries. More than 2 million students have learned how to program using it.

The same core group of developers has been at work on AppStudio for many years. We enjoy what we’re doing - we’ve built a loyal base of customers by treating them fairly and providing great support.

How to Get Started

Visit https://volt.build for more information, to sign up and get started. You can use the Free plan for limited testing, or sign up for a trial of the Indy or Pro plans. The first 15 days are free: you can cancel at any time.

If you’re coming from PhoneGap, there is a PhoneGap Migration Guide. You can also use the tutorial.

There is also a one minute video, showing you how to submit your app and download the result.