simulator_launch_app

Launch an app by bundle ID. Optionally pass launch arguments and environment variables.

Part of the Preflight Ios MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

// WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents invoke simulator_launch_app to trigger processes or run actions in Preflight Ios. Execute operations can have side effects beyond the immediate call -- triggering builds, sending notifications, or starting workflows. Rate limits and argument validation are essential to prevent runaway execution.

// WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON SIMULATOR_LAUNCH_APP

simulator_launch_app can trigger processes with real-world consequences. An uncontrolled agent might start dozens of builds, send mass notifications, or kick off expensive compute jobs. Intercept enforces rate limits and validates arguments to keep execution within safe bounds.

// RECOMMENDED POLICY

Execute tools trigger processes. Rate-limit and validate arguments to prevent unintended side effects.

io-github-ethanackerman-git-preflight-ios-mcp.yaml

tools:
  simulator_launch_app:
    rules:
      - action: allow
        rate_limit:
          max: 10
          window: 60
        validate:
          required_args: true

See the full Preflight Ios policy for all 82 tools.

// DETAILS

Tool Name simulator_launch_app

Category Execute

MCP Server Preflight Ios MCP Server

Risk Level High

// MORE PREFLIGHT IOS TOOLS

Destructive simulator_delete_device Destructive simulator_erase Destructive simulator_grant_permission Destructive simulator_keychain Destructive simulator_storekit_delete_transactions Destructive simulator_storekit_reset_eligibility Destructive simulator_uninstall_app Execute simulator_biometric

View all 82 tools →

// RELATED READING

// FAQ

What does the simulator_launch_app tool do? +

Launch an app by bundle ID. Optionally pass launch arguments and environment variables.. It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Preflight Ios MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on simulator_launch_app? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for simulator_launch_app. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Preflight Ios MCP server.

What risk level is simulator_launch_app? +

simulator_launch_app is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit simulator_launch_app? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the simulator_launch_app rule in your Intercept policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block simulator_launch_app completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for simulator_launch_app. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides simulator_launch_app? +

simulator_launch_app is provided by the Preflight Ios MCP server (preflight-ios-mcp). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

simulator_launch_app

Enforce policies on Preflight Ios