Compose Multiplatform

xcross compose builds Kotlin Multiplatform iOS apps with the same SDK, compilers and signing as Flutter. No Mac, no Xcode.

Get started#

1. 1
   Host setup (once)

   $xcross setup
2. 2
   Kotlin/Native toolchain (once)

   $xcross compose setup

   Add --check to verify without installing, --force to refresh the cache.
3. 3
   Build

   $xcross compose build

   From your Gradle project root. --ipa packages an .ipa.
4. 4
   Run on the device

   $xcross compose run --watch

   Needs xcross tunnel running. See Quick start.

What gets built#

The restart loop#

Kotlin/Native compiles ahead of time, so there is no in-place hot reload. --watch gives you the next best thing:

An unchanged r leaves the app alone. Unchanged inputs skip konanc entirely:

Hosts#

Check your machine and project with xcross compose doctor. It lists every Compose requirement on its own row, and treats a missing Kotlin/Native download as a warning since the first build fetches it.

Flags#

Command	Useful flags
compose build	--configuration debug|release, --bundle-id, --app-name, --ipa, -v
compose run	-d / -u device, --usb, --wifi, --bundle-id, -a app args, --watch, -v
compose setup	--check, --force, -v
compose doctor	read-only readiness check
compose clean	clear this project’s xcross build output and Kotlin/Native caches

The App ID choice (original or XCR- prefixed) made on the first device run is saved in xcross_project.yaml. See App ID on first device run.

Full list: CLI reference.