To make iOS native libraries accessible in Xamarin apps, you need to create a binding library that wraps the native iOS library so it can be used within your Xamarin.iOS project. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this:
1. Create a Binding Library Project
Visual Studio for Mac: Open Visual Studio and create a new project of type "iOS Binding Library" [3][4][6].
2. Download the Native Library
Download the native iOS library (usually in .framework format) to your Mac [3][4].
3. Install Objective Sharpie
Objective Sharpie is a tool that helps generate the necessary C# bindings from Objective-C headers. Download and install it from the official site [3][4][5].
4. Generate Binding Code
Open the terminal and navigate to the directory containing the native library.
Run the Objective Sharpie command to generate the ApiDefinitions.cs and StructsAndEnums.cs files:
This command will create the necessary C# binding files [3][4][5].
5. Add Native Reference
In your iOS Binding Library project, right-click on the "Native References" folder and select "Add Native Reference". Choose the .framework folder of your native library [3][4].
6. Replace ApiDefinitions.cs
Replace the empty ApiDefinitions.cs file in your project with the one generated by Objective Sharpie [3][4].
7. Fix Build Errors
Build the project. You may encounter build errors that need to be fixed by modifying the ApiDefinitions.cs file. This often involves correcting method signatures, property attributes, and other bindings to match the expected C# types [1][3][4].
8. Build the Binding Library
Once all errors are resolved, build the binding library project. This will generate a .dll file that can be referenced in your Xamarin.iOS project [3][4].
9. Reference the Binding Library
Add the generated .dll file as a reference in your Xamarin.iOS project. This allows you to use the native iOS library within your Xamarin.iOS application [3][4][5].
