B4i review
A low-cost route to native iOS development from Windows, with Mac-based compilation options.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
B4i is a Windows-based development environment for building native iOS applications with B4X, a Visual Basic-like programming language. It is aimed at solo developers, small teams, and organizations that want to create iPhone and iPad applications while keeping the main IDE on Windows. The feature set covers native application compilation, a WYSIWYG visual UI designer, multiple screens and orientations, real-device debugging, and code reuse with B4A projects.
Pricing is structured around perpetual licenses. The Standard plan costs $59 one time, requires a local Mac, includes 2 months of free upgrades, and provides full forum access. Enterprise costs $119 one time and extends free upgrades to 2 years. For development without a local Mac, Standard + Hosted Builder costs $85 one time and includes 1 year of Hosted Mac Builder access, while Enterprise + Hosted Builder costs $145 one time with 2 years of free upgrades and the same 1-year hosted service. Existing B4i customers can also buy Hosted Mac Builder for $26 per year. The vendor states a 30-day full money-back guarantee.
B4i’s main distinction is its Windows IDE paired with either local or hosted Mac compilation. A local Mac enables iOS simulator support, while the hosted option removes the Mac requirement for compilation. The product also supports debugging with a real iOS device and code reuse with B4A, which can suit developers already working in that ecosystem. Its focus is narrow: mobile targets are iOS, and the development workflow remains Windows-centric with a Mac dependency for some compilation or simulator scenarios. Choose B4i for cost-conscious native iOS work from Windows; choose another tool if your projects require broader mobile targets or a non-B4X development environment.
B4i pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Native iOS compilation with visual UI design and device debugging
- $59 perpetual Standard license with local Mac compilation
- Hosted Mac Builder option removes the need for a local Mac
- Where it doesn't
- Development targets iOS rather than multiple mobile platforms
- Local compilation requires a Mac computer
- No trial version; the IDE uses a B4X programming language
B4i fact sheet, pricing and score →
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