Xcode 5 - “iOS Simulator failed to install application” every time I switch simulators

Question

Using Xcode 5 GM, anytime I switch to the 5.1, 6.0 or 6.1 simulators to test, I get the error \"iOS Simulator failed to install application.\" When I reset the simulator it

Answer 1

Looks like this is a known issue. From the Xcode 5 release notes:

After switching the minimum deployment target of an application from iOS 7.0 to a release prior to iOS 7.0, building and running the application may fail with the message “iOS Simulator failed to install the application.”

• Go to the iOS home screen, click and hold the application icon, then tap the hovering “X” button to delete the application. 13917023

Another release note:

iOS Simulator

• If an iOS app is detached, relaunching the same app from Xcode will result in a black screen in the Simulator even though the new app is launched. Terminate the app in the Simulator or relaunch it for the second time. 14648784

Answer 2

Ran into this issue today. Found it was an empty Reference Folder (blue folder) causing this. Removed the folder from Resources in Build Phase... cleaned build folder for the heck of it, and it went away.

Answer 3

You are using Xcode GM which is under beta stage. Use latest Xcode 5.1.1 available. Also, these error occur while switching between simulator (32 bit and 64 bit).

1. Quit the simulator and re-build the application. OR
2. Reset simulator from "iOS simulator" -> "Reset content and settings.."

Answer 4

I have different issue when getting error message “iOS Simulator failed to install application”, the reason is because I have added a property in App-Info.plist without any value. For instance, [Application Category] with no value. Thus the error will show up as well.

Answer 5

Delete the old version app in your simulator (usually iOS 6.x).

Answer 6

None of the other suggestions worked for me. However, after comparing my existing app settings to a new vanilla project, I noticed that the "Build" field for my Target was blank. Once I put something in that field, the app installed just fine!