To record an app preview with Simulator, run your app in Xcode's iOS Simulator and capture the screen with Simulator's record option or the command xcrun simctl io booted recordVideo preview.mov, stopping with Control-C. Simulator gives you a clean status bar and repeatable demos. The raw file isn't App Store-ready, though: convert it to the accepted size, such as 886×1920, at 30 fps with the free MobileStudio App Store Preview Maker.
The short answer
| Step | Command or action |
|---|---|
| Clean status bar | xcrun simctl status_bar booted override --time 9:41 --batteryLevel 100 |
| Start recording | xcrun simctl io booted recordVideo --codec=h264 preview.mov |
| Stop recording | Control-C in Terminal |
| Convert for upload | App Store Preview Maker |
Why record previews in Simulator?
- Perfect status bar: set 9:41, full battery, and full signal with one command.
- No notifications or personal data.
- Repeatable takes: reset the app and record again until it's smooth.
- Any device size, without owning every iPhone and iPad.
Real devices are better for camera, AR, or performance-heavy features that Simulator can't show well.
How do I set a clean status bar?
xcrun simctl status_bar booted override --time 9:41 --batteryState charged --batteryLevel 100 --cellularBars 4 --wifiBars 3
Run it after the simulator boots. Undo it with xcrun simctl status_bar booted clear.
How do I record Simulator with simctl?
xcrun simctl io booted recordVideo --codec=h264 preview.mov
Use the app, then press Control-C in Terminal to stop and save. --codec=h264 gives an H.264 file. Apple's Simulator guide documents the screenshot and video commands. Simulator's window also has a record option in recent Xcode versions; menu names change between releases, while the command works across them.
Can I record in Simulator's window instead?
Yes. Recent versions of Simulator have a record screen option in the File menu or the window toolbar. Stop it the same way, and the video saves to your desktop.
How do I make the recording App Store-ready?
Simulator recordings use the simulated device's native resolution and may have a variable frame rate. To convert:
- Open the App Store Preview Maker.
- Drop in the Simulator recording.
- Choose the device size (886×1920 for iPhone, 1200×1600 for iPad).
- Trim to 15 to 30 seconds.
- Export. The tool sets the exact size, a constant 30 fps, H.264, and a stereo audio track, then verifies the file.
Simulator recordings have no audio, so the tool adds a silent stereo track. The full spec is in Apple's app preview specifications and our requirements checklist.
Which simulator should I record on?
Record on a current iPhone simulator for the 886×1920 iPhone preview. Its shape is close to 9:19.5, so resizing is clean. For iPad, record on a 13-inch iPad simulator. Shape mismatches mean bars or cropping; see app preview video size.
What can the footage show?
Only the app. Apple's Guideline 2.3.4 requires screen captures of the app itself, with optional narration and overlays. Keep the home screen and other apps out of the take.
Where MobileStudio fits
The App Store Preview Maker is one of our free tools. MobileStudio itself turns your recordings into polished demos with device frames and zooms for your website and launch posts. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
How do I record video in iOS Simulator?
Run xcrun simctl io booted recordVideo preview.mov and stop with Control-C.
How do I set 9:41 in Simulator?
Use xcrun simctl status_bar booted override --time 9:41.
Are Simulator recordings App Store-ready?
No. Convert them to the accepted size at 30 fps.
Do Simulator recordings have audio?
No. Add a silent stereo track or narration before uploading.
Can I record an iPad preview in Simulator?
Yes. Use a 13-inch iPad simulator, then export at 1200×1600.
