Apple releases new Xcode versions frequently, often requiring developers to switch between stable, beta, and older versions for compatibility testing. Xcodes.app is a simple yet powerful macOS application that allows you to:
- Easily install and manage multiple versions of Xcode
- Quickly switch between them
- Keep track of updates
This tutorial walks you through installing Xcodes.app, downloading multiple Xcode versions, and using its Make Active feature to set your desired Xcode version system-wide.
Step 1: Install Xcodes
Download Xcodes
- Visit https://www.xcodes.app and download the zip from the download link (github release page).
- Extract the app and move it to your Applications folder.
Launch the App
- On first launch, macOS may show a security prompt since it’s a third-party app.
- Click Open.
Step 2: Sign In to Apple Developer Account (Optional but Recommended)
- Some Xcode versions (especially betas) require authentication.
- In Xcodes:
- Go to Xcodes → Settings → General → Sign In.
- Sign in with your Apple Developer credentials.
Step 3: Install Multiple Xcode Versions
- Browse available versions (Stable, Beta, Older).
- Click Install next to the version you need.
- Xcodes handles downloading and extracting Xcode automatically, saving time compared to manual DMG/XIP processes.
Step 4: Using “Make Active”
What it does:
- macOS uses the
xcode-select tool to define which Xcode version is the default for command-line tools like xcodebuild, swift, or CocoaPods.
- Normally, switching versions requires:
sudo xcode-select --switch /path/to/Xcode.app
- With Xcodes, Make Active handles this for you.
How to use it:
- Find the Xcode version you want to make the default.
- Click Make Active.
- All command-line tools (Terminal, CI scripts, Fastlane, etc.) now use that version automatically.
With Xcodes, managing multiple Xcode versions is no longer a hassle. You can easily install, switch, and keep your environment ready for any project with a single click.