I'm new to iOS development, if I make an app using Xcode 18 (not the new 26 beta) is it okay to do that or I must use the new Xcode
Asked on 06/27/2025
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You can continue to use Xcode 18 for your iOS development projects. However, there are several new features and improvements in Xcode 26 that could enhance your development experience. Xcode 26 offers tools to help you be more efficient, such as improved debugging, performance inspection, and user interface testing capabilities. It also supports the latest SDKs and features, which can be beneficial if you plan to adopt new iOS features or design elements like Liquid Glass.
If you choose to use Xcode 18, your app will maintain its current design when run on newer iOS versions, but you won't be able to take advantage of the latest design updates and features available in Xcode 26. Apple provides an option to continue using your app's current design with Xcode 26, but this option is intended to be removed in the next major release, so it's something to consider for future-proofing your app.
For more details on what's new in Xcode, you might want to check out the session What’s new in Xcode (36:08).
What’s new in Xcode
Discover the latest productivity and performance advancements in Xcode 26. Learn how to leverage large language models in your development workflow. Explore editing and debugging enhancements, improved performance and testing tools, and Swift Build - the open-source build system engine used by Xcode.
What’s new in UIKit
Explore everything new in UIKit, including tab and document launch experiences, transitions, and text and input changes. We’ll also discuss better-than-ever interoperability between UIKit and SwiftUI animations and gestures, as well as general improvements throughout UIKit.
What’s new in UIKit
Modernize your app with the latest APIs in UIKit, including enhanced menu bar support, automatic observation tracking, a new UI update method, and improvements to animations. We’ll also cover how you can include SwiftUI scenes in your UIKit app and explore SF Symbols, HDR color pickers, and more.