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
Apple Developer Account
Required to publish on the App Store. Costs $99/year. Start this first — Apple takes 24-48 hours to approve.
Create Service Accounts
Set up Supabase (database), RevenueCat (payments), and MixPanel (analytics). All free to start.
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
Let’s Begin
The most important step is getting your Apple Developer account approved. Everything else can be done in parallel.Set Up Apple Developer Account
New to iOS development? Start here
I Already Have One
Skip to Expo account setup