Quick Start Overview
This guide takes you from nothing to a live app on the App Store. Even if you’ve never built a mobile app before, you can follow along.Total time: ~2 hours of work (plus 24-48 hours waiting for Apple approval)
The Path to Launch
1
Apple Developer Account
Required to publish on the App Store. Costs $99/year. Start this first — Apple takes 24-48 hours to approve.
2
Expo Account
Required to build your app. Free tier is generous. Takes 5 minutes.
3
Create Service Accounts
Set up Supabase (database), RevenueCat (payments), and MixPanel (analytics). All free to start.
4
Setup Your Project
Clone the repo, run the setup script, and configure your app name and API keys.
5
Test Locally
Run the app on iOS Simulator or your physical device.
6
Build & Submit
Create a production build with EAS and submit to the App Store.
Before You Start
You’ll need a few tools installed on your computer. If you’re new to development, don’t worry — we’ll explain what each one does.Required
Mac Computer
Mac Computer
Why: To test your app locally using the iOS Simulator.
Technically, you can build without a Mac (EAS builds in the cloud), but you won’t be able to test locally. We strongly recommend using a Mac for the best development experience.
Xcode
Xcode
Why: Xcode includes the iOS Simulator, which lets you test your app without a physical iPhone.Install:
- Download from the Mac App Store (it’s free but ~12GB)
- Open Xcode once after installing to accept the license
- Open Terminal and run:
sudo xcodebuild -license accept
Node.js 18+
Node.js 18+
Why: Node.js runs JavaScript on your computer. The entire development toolchain (Expo, building, running) depends on it.Install:
- Go to nodejs.org
- Download the LTS version (not “Current”)
- Run the installer
node --version. You should see v18.x.x or higher.Git
Git
Why: Git lets you download (clone) the kit repository to your computer.Check if installed: Open Terminal and run
git --versionIf not installed, macOS will prompt you to install it, or download from git-scm.comCode Editor
Code Editor
Why: You need something to edit code.Our recommendation: Cursor — It’s VS Code with AI built in. The AI can explain code, fix errors, and help you customize the kit faster. Especially useful if you’re new to mobile development.Free alternative: VS Code — If you want something simple without AI features, VS Code is the industry standard and completely free.
Good to Know
Terminal / Command Line
Terminal / Command Line
You’ll run commands in Terminal (the app on your Mac). If you’ve never used it:
- Open Terminal from Applications → Utilities
- You type commands and press Enter to run them
- Commands like
cd folder-namenavigate to folders - Commands like
npm installinstall dependencies
Physical iPhone (Optional)
Physical iPhone (Optional)
You can test entirely on the Simulator, but testing on a real device is better for:
- Performance testing
- Camera/photo features
- Push notifications
Time Breakdown
Here’s how long each step actually takes:| Step | Active Time | Waiting Time |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Developer Account | 15 min | 24-48 hours |
| Expo Account | 5 min | — |
| Service Accounts | 30 min | — |
| Project Setup | 15 min | — |
| Local Testing | 15 min | — |
| First Build | 10 min | 15-20 min (build time) |
| Total | ~1.5 hours | ~24-48 hours |
What You’ll Have at the End
After completing this guide: ✅ A working iOS app running on your device✅ User authentication (anonymous, upgradeable to email/social)
✅ Subscription payments via RevenueCat
✅ Analytics tracking every user action
✅ A production build ready for App Store submission