Key Takeaways

Build Apple ecosystem apps through natural language conversations with Memex
Set up Xcode projects, generate Swift code, and manage dependencies without writing code
Iterate on your app design through simple conversation, focusing on features rather than implementation details
Navigate complex Apple frameworks like SwiftUI and RealityKit without technical expertise
Deploy apps to simulators and devices with guided assistance from your desktop

Introduction to Building Apple Apps with Memex

Building for Apple platforms has traditionally required mastering Swift, SwiftUI, and a host of platform-specific frameworks. This technical complexity creates a barrier between innovative ideas and working software. Memex, an AI Builder that runs on your desktop, bridges this gap by transforming app development from a coding exercise into a conversation.

Unlike specialized development tools, Memex is a general-purpose AI coding assistant that excels at generating code for any tech stack, including Apple's ecosystem. You describe what you want to build in natural language, and Memex handles the technical implementation. This approach makes app development accessible to designers, entrepreneurs, and developers who want to rapidly prototype ideas.

How Memex Works with Apple Platforms

Creating an Apple app with Memex begins with a simple description of what you want to build. For example, you might say:

I want to create an iOS app that uses the camera to identify objects and describe them using Gemini's vision API.

From this starting point, Memex will:

Use its CLI tools to set up Xcode and any necessary dependencies
Create a properly structured Swift project with the appropriate settings and configuration
Generate the Swift code for camera access, Gemini API integration, and user interface
Guide you through additional steps like signing into your Apple Developer account for testing

The development process is iterative. You start with a simple foundation and build upon it through conversation. For instance, after seeing the initial version, you might add:

Let's add a history feature so users can see past objects they've identified.

Memex understands your existing codebase and makes precise modifications to implement the new feature, explaining its approach as it works.

Real-World Example: From Idea to App in 90 Minutes

A Memex user with no prior Swift experience wanted to create an iPhone app that could identify objects through the camera and provide descriptions. Despite never having used Xcode before, they were able to:

Describe their vision to Memex in natural language
Follow Memex's guidance to set up the development environment
Provide their Gemini API key securely through Memex's keychain integration
Test the application in the iOS simulator with Memex's help
Iterate on the design based on the initial results
Deploy a working application to their iPhone

The entire process took approximately 90 minutes, with most of the time spent on iterative refinements rather than troubleshooting technical issues.

Building Beyond Basic Apps

While Memex excels at creating straightforward applications, it can also handle more complex development tasks across the Apple ecosystem:

For iOS development, you can create sophisticated user experiences with animations, complex data flows, and third-party integrations. Memex generates clean, maintainable Swift code that follows best practices and avoids common pitfalls.

For VisionOS applications, Memex can generate code for spatial computing features. While the performance of text-to-3D with LLMs is still evolving, Memex can effectively create interfaces and interactions for Apple's spatial computing platform.

For MacOS applications, Memex can leverage platform-specific frameworks to create native experiences that feel right at home on the desktop.

The key advantage of using Memex for these platforms is that you can focus on the user experience rather than implementation details. You describe the behavior and appearance you want, and Memex handles the technical coding.

The Development Process with Memex

Memex's approach to Apple development follows three core principles:

First, start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product). Begin with the simplest version of your idea that demonstrates the core functionality. This allows you to validate your concept quickly and build a foundation for future iterations.

Second, iterate through conversation. Once you have a working foundation, refine and expand your app by describing changes in natural language. Each conversation with Memex adds new features, refines existing ones, or fixes issues you've discovered.

Third, maintain control of the process. While Memex generates code for you, you remain in charge of the direction and design decisions. You can switch between autonomous mode for rapid development and manual mode for more precise control.

Throughout this process, Memex maintains a secure environment for your API keys and credentials. For instance, if your app needs to connect to services like Gemini or CloudKit, Memex securely stores these credentials in your system's keychain.

Getting Started with Memex for Apple Development

If you're ready to build your first Apple app with Memex, the process is straightforward:

Install Memex on your Mac (Memex supports MacOS, Windows, and Linux), but a Mac is required to run Xcode.
Ensure Xcode is installed on your system
Start a new project by describing what you want to build
Follow Memex's guidance to set up dependencies and configurations
Test your app in simulators and on devices
Refine through conversation until your app meets your vision

This approach allows you to focus on what your app should do rather than how to implement it. You can prototype ideas quickly, get feedback, and iterate without getting bogged down in technical details.

Conclusion

Memex transforms Apple app development from a technical challenge into a creative conversation. By generating code based on natural language descriptions, it makes development accessible to those without programming expertise and accelerates the process for experienced developers.

This doesn't mean you should skip understanding how your app works. Take time to review the code Memex generates and understand the patterns it uses. This knowledge will help you make better design decisions and create more sophisticated applications over time.

Whether you're building for iOS, VisionOS, or MacOS, Memex provides a pathway from idea to implementation without the traditional coding barriers. Join the Memex community at https://discord.gg/GFzqXjsgFP to share your projects and learn from others' experiences.

Start building your Apple app today with Memex, and transform your ideas into reality through the power of natural language.