Build a real phone app with Claude Code and Expo

Expo builds iPhone and Android apps from one codebase. Install its official Claude Code plugin, build the main feature first, test it on your phone, then let Claude start the build and send it to TestFlight.

CostFree to start

BuildsiPhone and Android from one codebase

Test onYour own phone, with Expo Go

To publish on iPhoneApple Developer Program, 99 USD a year

Checked on 15 Oct 2026. Tools change fast, so the official page always wins if it says something different.

What you need first

1Claude CodeInstalled and signed in.

2Expo Go on your phoneA free app for testing.

3An Apple Developer accountOnly when you publish on iPhone. 99 USD per membership year.→

Step by step

Install Expo's official plugin

This is the command from Expo's own docs.

In your terminal (Mac or Windows)

claude plugin install expo@claude-plugins-official

Ask for the main feature only

Ask Claude to create a new Expo app with only the main feature. Skeleton first, muscle later.

Create a new Expo app for a simple habit tracker. Only build the main screen where I tick off today's habits.

Test it on your phone

Start the app, then scan the QR code with Expo Go on your phone.

In your terminal (Mac or Windows)

npx expo start

Add what brings people back

Then add small things like reminders or streaks, one at a time. Test each one on your phone.

Build and send it to TestFlight with the Expo connector

Expo is a Claude connector (added 13 Aug 2026). Connect it in Claude, then ask:

Start a production iOS build and show me its status.

Submit the latest iOS build to TestFlight.

Tip: You need the Apple Developer Program for this step.

Learn this with me

LIVE · THU 15 OCT

Live AI Masterclass

8 ways I make money with AI, built live step by step. Zero experience, no code, any age.

Thu 15 Oct · 6pm UK · 1pm ET
New date coming soon. See what you'll learn and the next date →
2 hours live + the replay
$150 one time · only 10 seats

Join the masterclass →

MEMBERS

The Unnerd AI Club

Not a course. A step-by-step system to make money with AI: pick one money path and follow every step.

52 live classes a year
Q&A 7 days a week + 1:1 calls with me
$100/month · cancel any time

Join the club →

The catch

Publishing on iPhone isn't free. The Apple Developer Program costs 99 USD per membership year.
Zero coding doesn't mean zero work. You still test every screen and decide what to fix.
Claude Code isn't in the free Claude plan. It needs a paid plan such as Pro.

Official links

Expo docs: Claude Code ↗Expo connector for Claude ↗Expo changelog: Expo in Claude ↗Apple Developer memberships ↗

Want to go further?

I show a new AI tool every week, and how to make money or save hours with it. No tech background needed.

Join the live masterclass Join the club

More free tools →

Unnerd AI · I'm not linked to Expo, Apple or Anthropic, I just think it's useful.