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Expo Simulators: cloud simulators built for agents

expo.dev24 points12 comments
Screenshot of Expo Simulators: cloud simulators built for agents

Expo Simulators is a cloud service that lets coding agents, CI jobs, and developers run iOS simulators or Android emulators without local hardware setup. It addresses the limits of local testing: simulators consume substantial memory, agents can interfere when sharing one, sessions leave no complete record, and cloud-based agents may lack access to a compatible machine - especially for iOS. Each cloud session runs in its own virtual machine, allowing agents to work in parallel. They can install builds and control the app using familiar tools such as agent-device, Argent, or Appium, while people can watch and interact through a browser.

The service is designed to make app changes easier to verify, not just execute. Sessions preserve screen recordings, screenshots, logs, and other diagnostics for agents and reviewers; evidence can be shared in pull requests so reviewers can see a change working without building it themselves. Teams can also share live previews with designers and product managers. Sessions run on isolated infrastructure and stop automatically, with a two-hour maximum and configurable shorter duration and idle timeout. Available on all paid plans, the service can be started by command, REST API, Expo Workflows, CI, or the website. Suggested uses include agent-driven pull-request checks, end-to-end tests, bug reproduction and fixes, feature development, and iOS testing without a Mac.

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