iOS Setup & Installation (Step 13)

This section covers the setup and configuration for building and running the iOS version of AeroKites Edu.

Prerequisites for iOS Build

Mac computer with macOS Monterey or later
Xcode 16.2 (required for iOS builds and deployment)
Flutter 3.22.3 installed (ensure it matches the project’s version)
CocoaPods installed (run: sudo gem install cocoapods)
Apple Developer Account (paid, required for real device testing and App Store submission)
App Store Connect setup (required for app distribution)

A. Extract the Project and Prepare for iOS

After downloading the AeroKites Edu package, extract it into your working directory.

B. Install Flutter & Dart

Run the following command to check if Flutter and Dart are installed correctly:

flutter --version

If not installed, follow the Flutter installation guide.

C. Install CocoaPods (Required for iOS Dependencies)

CocoaPods is required to manage iOS dependencies. Install it using the following command:

sudo gem install cocoapods

D. Firebase Configuration for iOS

To set up Firebase for iOS, follow these steps:

Go to the Firebase Console.
Register your iOS app with the correct Bundle Identifier.
Download the GoogleService-Info.plist file.
Place it inside the ios/Runner/ directory.

E. Update `Info.plist` for Permissions

Ensure the necessary permissions for Firebase services are added to Info.plist:

F. Configure `AppDelegate.swift`

Modify the following file to initialize Firebase:

File Location: ios/Runner/AppDelegate.swift

import UIKit
import Flutter
import Firebase

@UIApplicationMain
@objc class AppDelegate: FlutterAppDelegate {
    override func application(
        _ application: UIApplication,
        didFinishLaunchingWithOptions launchOptions: [UIApplication.LaunchOptionsKey: Any]?
    ) -> Bool {
        FirebaseApp.configure()
        return super.application(application, didFinishLaunchingWithOptions: launchOptions)
    }
}
            

G. Install iOS Dependencies

Run the following commands inside the iOS directory to install dependencies:

cd ios
pod install
cd ..
            

H. Run the iOS App

To test the app, connect an iPhone or use the iOS Simulator:

flutter run

If running on a real device, ensure it is connected and trusted.

I. Important Notes for Buyers

⚠️ Do not run flutter create unless necessary.

Re-running flutter create will overwrite existing project settings and may break the setup.

Next Steps

Proceed to Step 14 to configure signing, Xcode settings, and deployment.