What is new in Xcode 26?

Xcode 26 introduces several new features and improvements to enhance developer productivity and app performance. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Debugging Enhancements: Xcode 26 makes debugging Swift concurrency code easier by following execution into asynchronous functions and displaying task IDs in the debugger UI. This includes improved representations of concurrency types like tasks, task groups, and actors (What’s new in Xcode).

2. UI Testing Upgrades: The UI Automation Recording feature has been enhanced with a new code generation system, making it easier to implement UI tests (What’s new in Xcode).

3. Build System Improvements: Explicitly built modules are now enabled for Swift code by default, improving build efficiency and reliability (What’s new in Xcode).

4. Accessibility and Voice Control: Xcode 26 improves support for voice control, allowing developers to dictate Swift code and navigate the interface by voice (Platforms State of the Union).

5. Smaller Download Size: Xcode 26 is 24% smaller, with optimizations to text input and loading performance, making it faster to load workspaces (What’s new in Xcode).

6. New Metal 4 Template: Xcode 26 includes a new Metal 4 template, making it easier to start projects with Metal 4 technology (Discover Metal 4).

These updates are designed to make Xcode more efficient and accessible, helping developers create, build, and debug their apps more effectively.