For developers · Checked 1 October 2026

Xcode 27: release, requirements and point releases

Short answer: Apple released the Xcode 27 Release Candidate on September 9, 2026, the day App Store submissions opened for iOS 27 and the other 27 releases, and its release notes now cover Xcode 27 as a release. Xcode 27 needs macOS Tahoe 26.6 or later and installs and runs only on Apple silicon Macs. Xcode 27.1 is in beta and adds development support for iPhone Duo, which goes on sale on October 23 running iOS 27.1; Xcode 27.2 is in beta 2. Apple hasn’t announced release dates for 27.1 or 27.2.

Xcode 27 versions as of 1 October 2026

From Apple’s Xcode release notes and Apple Developer News posts of September 9 and 16, 2026.

VersionStatusWhat it brings
Xcode 27Release; RC published September 9, 2026Swift 6.4, SDKs for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS and visionOS 27
Xcode 27.1BetaiOS 27.1 SDK and the iPhone Duo simulator with its poses and orientations
Xcode 27.2Beta 227.2 SDKs for all platforms; Apple asks developers to build and test with it

System requirements

Xcode 27 requires a Mac running macOS Tahoe 26.6 or later, and the release notes state that it will only install and run on Apple silicon Macs. It debugs on devices running iOS 17 and later, tvOS 17 and later, watchOS 10 and later, and visionOS; Instruments needs at least iOS 17, watchOS 10 or tvOS 17 on the target device. The 27.1 and 27.2 betas list the same macOS minimum. Since macOS 27 is Apple silicon only, targets with a minimum deployment target of macOS 27 no longer build Universal by default, though the macOS 27 SDK can still back-deploy Universal apps to macOS 12; see the end of Rosetta 2 support.

Xcode 27.1 and iPhone Duo

Apple’s September 16 note says iPhone Duo becomes available on October 23 running iOS 27.1, and that Xcode 27.1 adds development support for it: updated SDKs and a simulator that supports the device’s new poses and orientations. The 27.1 beta release notes list known gaps in the iPhone Duo simulator runtime, such as StandBy and running most app extensions being unavailable. Layout work for the foldable is covered in building for iPhone Duo.

What else changed in Xcode 27

Xcode 27 runs simulators and paired devices in Device Hub, expands coding agents and the Xcode MCP server, and ships Swift 6.4, covered in what’s new in Swift 6.4. A new Interface Builder compilation mode compiles UIKit storyboards and XIBs without downloading a simulator, which helps build servers. Xcode 27.2 beta adds a GetCodeCoverage MCP tool for agents.

When you must upload with Xcode 27

You can submit apps built with Xcode 27 now, and Apple says that starting April 2027, uploads must be built with the iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 SDK or later. Details are in the Xcode and SDK upload requirement.

Where Censuus fits

Shipping on the new SDK keeps your app current; being found brings people to it. Censuus ranks apps by the visits they draw, and adding your app is free through the List my app form. Placement comes from traffic and sponsorship: apps climb on the visits they draw, and a sponsor can pay to rise higher.

Frequently asked questions

When was Xcode 27 released?

Apple published the Xcode 27 Release Candidate on September 9, 2026, when App Store submissions for iOS 27 and the other 27 releases opened.

Does Xcode 27 run on Intel Macs?

No. Apple’s release notes say Xcode 27 will only install and run on Apple silicon Macs.

Which macOS version does Xcode 27 need?

macOS Tahoe 26.6 or later.

When is Xcode 27.1 released?

Apple hasn’t announced a date. Xcode 27.1 is in beta and adds iPhone Duo development support; iPhone Duo goes on sale on October 23 running iOS 27.1.

Which iOS versions can Xcode 27 debug?

iOS 17 and later, along with tvOS 17 and later, watchOS 10 and later, and visionOS.

Guides for app developers

Put your app in the ranking

Censuus ranks apps by the visits they draw and by sponsorship, no bots. Listing is free; sponsorship raises placement.

Submit your appSee sponsorshipIndie app landscape: apps and visits by category