# Source and binary forms of native iOS plug-ins

> Learn about the different forms of native iOS plug-ins you can create for iOS, tvOS, and visionOS.

Learn about the different forms of native iOS plug-ins you can create for iOS, tvOS, and visionOS.

You can deliver native plug-ins for iOS, tvOS, and visionOS as source files or precompiled binaries.

> **Note:**
>
> When you build your project, Unity copies these assets into the generated Xcode project if their plug-in Editor window settings match the build target. Xcode then compiles and links them into the final application.

## Source files

You can provide plug-ins as source files written in Swift, Objective-C, Objective-C++, C, or C++.

The advantages of using source files are as follows:

* **Universal compatibility**: Works on any device, simulator, architecture, or platform.
* **Easy modification**: You can easily inspect and change the code.
* **Improved debugging**: You can debug into the source code directly from Xcode.
* **Swift considerations**: If you use Swift, the Swift runtime must be embedded into the final app, which can slightly increase the app's size. This isn't a concern for visionOS, where the runtime is already included.

## Precompiled binaries

You can provide your plug-ins as precompiled binaries. This approach packages your code for distribution and protects your intellectual property by hiding the source code.

Supported binary types include:

* Static libraries (`.a`).
* Dynamic libraries (`.dylib`).
* Frameworks (`.framework`) and XCFrameworks (`.xcframework`).

> **Important:**
>
> Dynamic libraries (`.dylib`) are for use in the simulator only. Apple doesn't permit publishing applications that contain `.dylib` files.

For distributing binaries that support multiple platforms and architectures, the recommended best practice is to use XCFrameworks.

## Additional resources

* [Initialization paths for native iOS plug-ins](/engine/6000.5/manual/platform-specific/iphone/ios-developing/plugins-for-ios/ios-native-plugin-initialization.md)
* [Conditional compilation behavior for native iOS plug-ins](/engine/6000.5/manual/platform-specific/iphone/ios-developing/plugins-for-ios/ios-native-plugin-conditional-compilation.md)