# Can I delete simulator runtimes in /System/Library/AssetsV2?

- URL: https://moreroom.app/folders/simulator-runtimes-assets
- Item: iOS simulator runtimes (downloaded images)
- Location: `/System/Library/AssetsV2/com_apple_MobileAsset_iOSSimulatorRuntime` (items inside)
- Verdict: Review first — Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it.
- Comes back on its own: yes
- Typical size: 7–10 GB each
- Official command: `xcrun simctl runtime delete <runtime>`
- Source: MoreRoom rules catalogue (2026-10-17), by Yando Pte. Ltd.

## What is it?

Recent Xcode versions download iOS simulator runtimes as system-managed assets, stored in `/System/Library/AssetsV2/com_apple_MobileAsset_iOSSimulatorRuntime`, and mount them for the simulator. Each `.asset` folder is one runtime, typically 7 to 10 GB. This location is protected by System Integrity Protection.

## What happens if you delete it?

A removed runtime can be downloaded again from Xcode › Settings › Components. Simulators built on it are unavailable until you do.

## How to remove it properly

Use Xcode › Settings › Components, or run `xcrun simctl runtime list` and `xcrun simctl runtime delete <identifier>` in Terminal (permanent). Finder cannot move these folders to the Trash, even with an administrator password, because the system protects them.

## Before you delete it

If a runtime still appears here but no longer shows up in `xcrun simctl runtime list`, it is orphaned; restarting the Mac sometimes lets the system clean it up, otherwise Apple’s own tools are the only supported way to remove it.