What are the changes to how tabs are managed in xcode?

Asked on 06/12/2025

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In the latest updates to Xcode, there have been significant improvements to how tabs are managed, making them more intuitive and user-friendly. Here are the key changes:

  1. Start Page and Pinning: Xcode now features a new Start page for tabs, similar to Safari, allowing you to open a tab and decide where to go from there. You can also pin a tab to keep it fixed on a particular file, giving you control over the number of tabs you have open, whether it's just one, one for every file, or a curated set. This is discussed in the session What’s new in Xcode.

  2. Permanent and Implicit Tabs: Xcode distinguishes between permanent tabs for documents you've shown explicit interest in, like editing code, and implicit tabs for files you've only passed through. Implicit tabs disappear when you exit the file and are identified by their italicized title. You can make a tab permanent without editing it by choosing "keep open" from the context menu or double-clicking the tab. This is covered in the session Xcode essentials.

These changes aim to enhance the user experience by providing more flexibility and control over tab management in Xcode.

What are the changes to how tabs are managed in xcode? | Ask WWDC