ios-dev
iOS/React Native development with Expo. Use when working on mobile app, running builds, debugging device issues, or setting up development environment including tethering.
SKILL.md
Full skill instructions
iOS Development Guide
Project Structure
mobile/
├── app/ # Expo Router pages
│ ├── _layout.tsx
│ ├── index.tsx # Home screen
│ └── room/[id].tsx # Voice call room
├── src/
│ ├── components/ # UI components
│ ├── hooks/ # Custom hooks (WebRTC, Socket, Speech)
│ └── types/
├── ios/ # Native iOS project (generated by prebuild)
└── .env # Environment variables
Key Commands
cd mobile
# Development (WiFi - same network as Mac)
npx expo start --dev-client
# Development (Tethering - requires tunnel)
npx expo start --dev-client --tunnel
# Build for specific device
npx expo run:ios --device "DEVICE_NAME"
# Clean rebuild (after config changes)
npx expo prebuild --platform ios --clean
# List available devices
xcrun xctrace list devices
Environment Configuration
# WiFi development
EXPO_PUBLIC_SIGNALING_SERVER_URL=http://192.168.x.x:3001
# Production (Render server)
EXPO_PUBLIC_SIGNALING_SERVER_URL=https://webrtc-signaling-xxxx.onrender.com
Tethering Development
When Mac is connected to iPhone's Personal Hotspot:
- Problem: iPhone cannot directly access devices on its own hotspot
- Solution: Use ngrok tunnel
# Install ngrok (first time)
npm install -g @expo/ngrok@^4.1.0
# Start with tunnel
npx expo start --dev-client --tunnel
# Get tunnel URL
curl -s http://127.0.0.1:4040/api/tunnels | grep -o '"public_url":"https://[^"]*"'
Important: Use HTTPS URL (iOS App Transport Security requirement)
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| "Device is busy" | Unlock iPhone, reconnect USB |
| Metro connection fails | Check IP address, or use --tunnel |
| "main" not registered | Restart Metro with --clear |
| Build fails after config change | Run npx expo prebuild --clean |
| Simulator no audio | Use real device for audio testing |
Development Workflow
- Start signaling server:
cd server && npm run dev - Start Metro:
cd mobile && npx expo start --dev-client - Open app on iPhone, enter Metro URL
- For code changes: Hot reload automatic
- For native changes: Rebuild with
npx expo run:ios --device