How to Retrieve Bundle Identifiers of All Apps on an iOS Simulator

How to Retrieve Bundle Identifiers of All Apps on an iOS Simulator

10 November 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

When working with iOS simulators, you may find the need to list all installed applications, especially when automating tasks like uninstalling specific apps. This guide will walk you through the steps to obtain the bundle identifiers of all apps on an iOS simulator.

Using the simctl Command

The most straightforward method to list all installed applications on an iOS simulator is by using the simctl command:

xcrun simctl listapps {DEVICE_UUID}

Replace {DEVICE_UUID} with the unique device identifier of your simulator. This command will output a list of all applications installed on the specified simulator, allowing you to identify and manage them as needed.

Alternative Methods

While the simctl method is recommended for its simplicity and effectiveness, there are other approaches you might consider:

  • Using ideviceinstaller: This tool can list all applications, but it is typically used for real devices. For simulators, the command is:
    ideviceinstaller -l -o list_all
  • File System Inspection: Applications are stored in directories under ~/Library/Developer/CoreSimulator/Devices/[DeviceID]/data/Containers/Data/Application/. Each app is in a separate directory, and you can manually inspect these to find the WebDriverAgent or any other app.

Automating Uninstallation

Once you have the bundle identifier, you can automate the uninstallation of an app using a command like:

xcrun simctl uninstall booted com.example.apple-samplecode.UICatalog

Replace com.example.apple-samplecode.UICatalog with the actual bundle identifier of the app you wish to uninstall.

Enhancing Your Automation with Repeato

If you’re looking for ways to enhance your test automation process for iOS and Android apps, consider using Repeato. This no-code test automation tool allows you to create, run, and maintain tests with ease. Unlike traditional tools like Appium, Repeato leverages computer vision and AI for faster test creation and execution, ensuring your tests are both stable and efficient.

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