What is iOS location simulation?
iOS location simulation presents developer-selected coordinates to apps on a connected test device. Developers and QA teams use it to review app behavior in places and movement scenarios they cannot reproduce conveniently in person.
PinShift does this through Apple developer services on an unlocked, trusted iPhone. It does not replace the GPS hardware, change carrier data, impersonate an Apple service, or bypass device security.
Core workflow
- Authorize the device. Connect your own or authorized iPhone by USB, unlock it, accept Trust, and enable Developer Mode when required.
- Prepare developer services. PinShift checks the iOS version, developer image, tunnel strategy, and simulation readiness without hiding required on-device steps.
- Choose a scenario. Select a fixed point, precision radius, small loop, or street route.
- Run and observe. Verify the behavior inside the app, website, or demo you control.
- Restore. Use Stop and restore real location before disconnecting.
Simulation modes
| Mode | Behavior | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed | Holds one selected coordinate. | Regional content, place-specific flows, screenshots, and demos. |
| Precision | Samples nearby points within a radius, optionally with a repeatable seed. | Geofences, rounding, boundary logic, and tolerance tests. |
| Micro Route | Moves continuously around a small loop at a configurable speed. | Short movement, heading changes, and continuous updates. |
| Pro Route | Follows a calculated multi-stop street route with travel profile, pace, stops, and dwell controls. | Journey flows, route progress, handoffs, and timed demos. |
Requirements
- A supported Mac and the matching architecture-specific PinShift build.
- An iPhone that you own or are explicitly authorized to test.
- A data-capable USB cable and an accepted Trust relationship.
- An unlocked device during discovery and setup.
- Developer Mode when the installed iOS version requires it.
- Internet access only for optional online map, search, routing, or missing developer-support resources.
Privacy model
PinShift has no account system, proprietary location backend, advertising tracker, or default telemetry. Favorites, recents, settings, and redacted activity stay on the Mac. Full device identifiers and personal paths are not stored in normal application data or displayed in diagnostics.
Selected coordinates can be sent to disclosed map-related providers when you request search, reverse geocoding, or street routes. Manual coordinate entry remains available when those services are unavailable.
Continue
Set up PinShift
Follow the complete Mac and iPhone preparation flow, including Trust, Developer Mode, first simulation, and restore.
Getting startedResolve a blocked state
Use symptom-led troubleshooting that preserves Trust, security controls, and potentially-active restore state.
Troubleshooting