Is it possible to develop an iOS app without a test device?
Solution 1:
Clearly: No. The simulator does not offer hardware access (gyroscope, accelerometer, etc.) and also, you just don't get the feeling for your App, which is very important in iOS development. You can't use the gestures and you don't know how it reacts if you work with it. so it is definitely not advisable. I tried to use the simulator in the beginning, but some frameworks don't even run on it.
Solution 2:
well, it is possible, but you won't be able to do the on device testing. You can develop all iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod) and mac applications on mac computer/ laptop; you can test those apps on simulator as well, but for actual testing on device - you need these devices, as simple as that.
So finally, it is possible but it won't be assuring you the quality/ performance of the app unless you test on physical device.
I hope I've been able to help. :)
BRs -Sudeep Agicent Technologies