Xcode is a suite of developer tools created by Apple for building apps for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. It includes an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that offers tools for coding, testing, and debugging. Xcode supports Swift and Objective-C programming languages and offers features like a code editor, debugger, interface builder, compiler, and simulators for testing apps. The latest stable release is version 26.2, released on December 12, 2025. A release candidate for version 26.3 is available to Apple Developer Program members as of February 3, 2026, with a full public release expected soon.
Key features of Xcode include an intelligent code editor and compiler, Interface Builder for UI design, SwiftUI live previews, device simulators, and integrated documentation. Xcode also provides features such as code completion, refactoring tools, version control, and project management. Xcode is available free of charge via the Mac App Store and the Apple Developer website. While Xcode itself is free, enrolling in the Apple Developer Program to distribute apps through the App Store costs $99 per year. Xcode requires a Mac running macOS 11.3 or later, with at least 8GB of RAM recommended.