How to Integrate AI OpenAI Key to App in Xcode (Swift Guide 2025)

To integrate your OpenAI API key into an Xcode app securely: Do not hardcode it. Instead, create a Config.xcconfig file, store the key as API_KEY = sk-your-key, and add it to your Info.plist. Then, access it in your Swift code using Bundle.main.object(forInfoDictionaryKey: "API_KEY"). This prevents your key from leaking into public repositories.

Why You Shouldn’t Hardcode API Keys

When building AI apps in Xcode, the biggest mistake beginners make is pasting the string sk-... directly into ViewController.swift.

• Security Risk: If you push to GitHub, bots will steal your key in seconds.
• Management: It makes it hard to swap keys for different environments (Debug vs. Release).

Step-by-Step Integration Guide

Step 1: Get Your API Key

1. Log in to the OpenAI Platform.
2. Go to API Keys and generate a new secret key. Copy it immediately.

Step 2: Create a Config File

1. In Xcode, right-click your project folder -> New File.
2. Search for Configuration Settings File, name it Config.xcconfig.
3. Add this line inside: OPENAI_API_KEY = sk-your-actual-api-key-here

Step 3: Link to Info.plist

1. Go to your Project Settings (click the blue icon at the top left).
2. Select your Target -> Build Settings.
3. Search for “Info.plist Preprocessor Prefix File” (optional, but recommended for complex apps) or simply reference the variable in Info.plist.
4. Open Info.plist, right-click -> Add Row.
5. Key: OpenAIKey, Value: $(OPENAI_API_KEY).

Step 4: Call It in Swift

Now you can safely use the key in your API service class:

Swift

var apiKey: String {
    return Bundle.main.object(forInfoDictionaryKey: "OpenAIKey") as? String ?? ""
}
// Use apiKey in your HTTP headers