How to Include OpenSSL in an iOS Framework While Keeping Framework Size Small? (Swift, iOS)

Question

I am working on an iOS framework that requires OpenSSL for certain functionalities. To keep the framework’s size minimal, I included only the iphoneos version of OpenSSL by compiling it specifically for iOS devices and dragging it into my framework.

However, when I integrate this framework into a project and try to run it on the simulator, I get build errors because the simulator architecture (iphonesimulator) is missing.

My Questions:

1. Is there a way to avoid these issues without including the iphonesimulator version of OpenSSL in my framework?
2. If not, do I need to create a universal framework or xcframework that includes both iphoneos and iphonesimulator builds of OpenSSL?
3. If I must create a universal framework or xcframework, what is the correct way to achieve this?

Additional Context:

• The primary goal is to keep the framework size as small as possible.
• The framework must work seamlessly on both physical devices and simulators during development.
• OpenSSL is used only within the framework and not exposed externally.

Any guidance on achieving this would be highly appreciated. If creating a universal framework or xcframework is the best solution, an example script or detailed steps would be extremely helpful.

Thank you!

• Cy-4AH: Have you tried using CommonCrypto instead of OpenSSL? It's already built into iOS and Apple recommends to use it instead of OpenSSL.
• Hakan Or: Actually, I am using a library with a significant dependency on OpenSSL. Refactoring it to use CommonCrypto would take a considerable amount of time right now. However, I will still consider this option.
• Itachi: If you want to focus on framework size only, try to integrate it as a static library first, then only the required symbols will be copied into your main executable file, the full version of framework is unnecessary.