How to Add AI Agent Safety to Xcode

SafeClaw by Authensor brings deny-by-default AI agent safety to Xcode, ensuring that any AI-powered coding assistant used during iOS, macOS, or cross-platform development operates within strict policy boundaries. SafeClaw intercepts agent actions, enforces your rules, and records every decision in a hash-chained audit log. It works with both Claude and OpenAI and is verified by 446 tests.

Prerequisites

• Xcode 15 or later
• Node.js 18+ (install via Homebrew: brew install node)
• Terminal access (built-in or iTerm2)

Step 1: Install SafeClaw

Open Terminal (or Xcode's integrated terminal if using a terminal plugin) and navigate to your project directory:

cd ~/Developer/MyApp
npx @authensor/safeclaw

This creates the .safeclaw/ directory with a default deny-all policy and audit log store alongside your .xcodeproj or .xcworkspace.

Step 2: Write a Policy for Swift/Objective-C Projects

Create .safeclaw/policy.yaml:

version: 1
default: deny

rules:
  - action: file.read
    paths:
      - "Sources/**"
      - "Tests/**"
      - "Resources/**"
    decision: allow

- action: file.write
    paths:
      - "Sources/**"
    decision: prompt

- action: file.write
    paths:
      - ".xcodeproj/*"
      - ".xcworkspace/*"
    decision: deny

- action: shell.execute
    commands:
      - "swift build"
      - "swift test"
      - "xcodebuild -scheme *"
    decision: allow

- action: shell.execute
    decision: deny

- action: network.request
    domains:
      - "api.openai.com"
      - "api.anthropic.com"
    decision: allow

This policy explicitly prevents AI agents from modifying Xcode project files (.xcodeproj, .xcworkspace), which could introduce build configuration errors or security vulnerabilities.

Step 3: Add a Build Phase Script

In Xcode, select your target, go to Build Phases, and add a New Run Script Phase at the beginning:

if command -v npx &> /dev/null; then
  npx @authensor/safeclaw audit --verify --quiet
  if [ $? -ne 0 ]; then
    echo "error: SafeClaw audit chain integrity check failed"
    exit 1
  fi
fi

This build phase verifies the audit log integrity before every build. If an AI agent has taken unlogged actions or the audit chain has been tampered with, the build fails with a clear error message.

Step 4: Create a Custom Xcode Behavior

Go to Xcode > Settings > Behaviors and add a custom behavior:

• Name: SafeClaw Audit
• Run: Create a script at ~/bin/safeclaw-audit.sh:

#!/bin/bash
cd "$SRCROOT" 2>/dev/null || cd ~/Developer/MyApp
npx @authensor/safeclaw audit --tail 10

Make it executable: chmod +x ~/bin/safeclaw-audit.sh. Assign a keyboard shortcut to trigger the audit review instantly while coding.

Step 5: Integrate with Xcode Source Editor Extensions

If your AI agent operates as a Source Editor Extension, SafeClaw can intercept its actions at the system level:

npx @authensor/safeclaw wrap --mode extension -- /path/to/extension-agent

This wraps the extension's process with SafeClaw's policy engine, applying your deny-by-default rules to every action the extension attempts.

Step 6: Test the Setup

Use your AI coding assistant to suggest edits to a file in the Sources/ directory. SafeClaw should intercept the write action and apply the prompt decision. Verify:

npx @authensor/safeclaw audit --tail 5

Attempt to modify an .xcodeproj file via the AI agent. SafeClaw should deny the action outright and log the attempt.

Summary

SafeClaw protects Xcode projects by wrapping AI agent actions in deny-by-default policies. Build phase integration catches any integrity issues before code ships. The hash-chained audit log provides tamper-evident records for compliance. SafeClaw is MIT licensed and open source.

Related Guides

• How to Add AI Agent Safety to Visual Studio
• How to Run AI Agents Safely from the Terminal
• How to Get Email Alerts for AI Agent Safety Events
• How to Track AI Agent Errors in Sentry