iOS apps

Xcode

Best for: developers writing native iPhone code.

From: Free
Free plan or trial: Yes
Checked: Oct 18, 2026

Overview

Compared on: iOS apps

What's good

Simulators for Apple devices and SwiftUI previews
Coding assistants with the model of your choice, including Anthropic, Google and OpenAI
25 Xcode Cloud build hours a month with an Apple Developer membership

Watch out for

Mac-only: Xcode 27.1 needs macOS 26.6 or later on an Apple M1 or newer
TestFlight and App Store distribution need the paid Apple Developer Program

Where we compare it

best iOS app buildersFree (needs a Mac with Apple M1 or later)

Xcode pricing

Free (needs a Mac with Apple M1 or later)from best iOS app builders, checked Oct 18, 2026

Prices in US dollars from Xcode's own site, checked Oct 18, 2026: developer.apple.com/xcode, developer.apple.com/xcode/system-requirements

Free plan

Free on the Mac App Store; a free Apple Account can test on your own devices

Xcode alternatives

Other tools on our iOS apps page, cheapest first where prices compare.

FAQ

How much does Xcode cost?

Free (needs a Mac with Apple M1 or later) (checked Oct 18, 2026 on Xcode's own site).

Does Xcode have a free plan?

Free on the Mac App Store; a free Apple Account can test on your own devices.

What are the best alternatives to Xcode?

Other iOS apps options we've checked: Codemagic (Free), Expo (Free), Draftbit ($12/mo), Replit ($18/mo).

This page is built from the prices and facts we checked on each tool's own site. We haven't tested Xcode hands-on.How we work