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Xcode Pros and Cons: Top 5 Advantages and Disadvantages

Quick AI Summary Based on G2 Reviews

Generated from real user reviews

Users love the ease of use in Xcode, with features that streamline coding and enhance productivity effectively. (35 mentions)
Users praise Xcode for its predictive code completion, enhancing efficiency and streamlining app development for the Apple ecosystem. (26 mentions)
Users value the efficient debugging tools in Xcode, which help quickly fix errors and save development time. (20 mentions)
Users admire the integrated development environment of Xcode, which enhances productivity and streamlines the app development process. (20 mentions)
Users value the robust functionality of Xcode, which simplifies app development with effective debugging and integration tools. (18 mentions)
Users report slow performance with Xcode, especially during builds and while using the simulator, affecting productivity. (15 mentions)
Users often face update issues in Xcode, experiencing instability and complexity with code signing and compatibility. (12 mentions)
Users experience performance issues with Xcode, including slow load times, crashes, and slow build processes. (11 mentions)
Users often face software bugs with Xcode, causing instability and hindering productivity during development. (10 mentions)
Users report high memory usage in Xcode, causing slow simulator performance and affecting overall productivity. (9 mentions)

5 Pros or Advantages of Xcode

1. Ease of Use
Users love the ease of use in Xcode, with features that streamline coding and enhance productivity effectively.
See 35 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Ajay  B.
AB

Ajay B.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"Outstanding Experience from Start to Finish"

What do you like about Xcode?

it is best tool for building ios apps for the Apple ecosystem. it helps to fix errors quickly, save time during development.

Verified User
I

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

3.5/5

"XCode Review"

What do you like about Xcode?

Predictive code completion. Generative intelligence for smarter coding. Simulators for every Apple device. Integrated tools for testing, profiling,

2. App Development
Users praise Xcode for its predictive code completion, enhancing efficiency and streamlining app development for the Apple ecosystem.
See 26 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Ajay  B.
AB

Ajay B.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"Outstanding Experience from Start to Finish"

What do you like about Xcode?

it is best tool for building ios apps for the Apple ecosystem. it helps to fix errors quickly, save time during development.

Verified User
I

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

3.5/5

"XCode Review"

What do you like about Xcode?

Predictive code completion. Generative intelligence for smarter coding. Simulators for every Apple device. Integrated tools for testing, profiling,

3. Debugging
Users value the efficient debugging tools in Xcode, which help quickly fix errors and save development time.
See 20 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Ajay  B.
AB

Ajay B.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"Outstanding Experience from Start to Finish"

What do you like about Xcode?

it is best tool for building ios apps for the Apple ecosystem. it helps to fix errors quickly, save time during development.

Verified User
U

Verified User

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.5/5

"Very good to tool for iOS development and Testing"

What do you like about Xcode?

User interface and debugging tools, real time analytics

4. User Interface
Users admire the integrated development environment of Xcode, which enhances productivity and streamlines the app development process.
See 20 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Yogesh J.
YJ

Yogesh J.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

3.5/5

"Centralized Development Hub with Great Mac OS Integration"

What do you like about Xcode?

I use Xcode for microservice and UI development on my MacBook, and it provides a centralized development environment that really improves productivity

Ankit S.
AS

Ankit S.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"All-in-One iOS Development Powerhouse with Seamless Apple Integration"

What do you like about Xcode?

What I appreciate most about Xcode is the way it brings together all the essential tools for iOS app development in a single environment. The simulato

5. Functionality
Users value the robust functionality of Xcode, which simplifies app development with effective debugging and integration tools.
See 18 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
U

Verified User

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"Very useful for React native and iOS development"

What do you like about Xcode?

"Xcode offers great native debugging tools, an excellent simulator, and smooth integration with Apple’s ecosystem — all essential for testing and trou

Verified User
U

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"The best development IDE for Apple platforms"

What do you like about Xcode?

It groups all needed tools for developing apps for iOS, macOS, ... It's easy debugging and simple UI make my life easier as an iOS developer!

5 Cons or Disadvantages of Xcode

1. Slow Performance
Users report slow performance with Xcode, especially during builds and while using the simulator, affecting productivity.
See 15 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Ajay  B.
AB

Ajay B.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"Outstanding Experience from Start to Finish"

What do you dislike about Xcode?

it can feel heavy on older Macs, and build times can sometimes be slow.

Abhik S.
AS

Abhik S.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.0/5

"Best App Development IDE for Apple with Top-Notch Simulation and Debugging"

What do you dislike about Xcode?

Now coming to the bad part which I personally faced, was the simulator was bit too slow, Once you are working on Xcode you might have to close all oth

2. Update Issues
Users often face update issues in Xcode, experiencing instability and complexity with code signing and compatibility.
See 12 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
U

Verified User

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"Very useful for React native and iOS development"

What do you dislike about Xcode?

Xcode can be unstable after updates and managing code signing/provisioning can be unnecessarily complex, especially in a React Native environment wher

KV

kada v.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Best platform to build iOS App"

What do you dislike about Xcode?

Installation issues, sometimes get compatibility with new iOS updates (new version support is slow)

3. Performance Issues
Users experience performance issues with Xcode, including slow load times, crashes, and slow build processes.
See 11 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Ajay  B.
AB

Ajay B.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"Outstanding Experience from Start to Finish"

What do you dislike about Xcode?

it can feel heavy on older Macs, and build times can sometimes be slow.

Abhik S.
AS

Abhik S.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.0/5

"Best App Development IDE for Apple with Top-Notch Simulation and Debugging"

What do you dislike about Xcode?

Now coming to the bad part which I personally faced, was the simulator was bit too slow, Once you are working on Xcode you might have to close all oth

4. Software Bugs
Users often face software bugs with Xcode, causing instability and hindering productivity during development.
See 10 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
U

Verified User

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"Very useful for React native and iOS development"

What do you dislike about Xcode?

Xcode can be unstable after updates and managing code signing/provisioning can be unnecessarily complex, especially in a React Native environment wher

Sachin P.
SP

Sachin P.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"A Powerful, All-in-One IDE for Seamless Apple Development"

What do you dislike about Xcode?

Xcode can be slow on large projects, sometimes feels buggy, and the storyboard merging conflicts in version control are a frequent headache.

5. High Memory Usage
Users report high memory usage in Xcode, causing slow simulator performance and affecting overall productivity.
See 9 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Ajay  B.
AB

Ajay B.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"Outstanding Experience from Start to Finish"

What do you dislike about Xcode?

it can feel heavy on older Macs, and build times can sometimes be slow.

Abhik S.
AS

Abhik S.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.0/5

"Best App Development IDE for Apple with Top-Notch Simulation and Debugging"

What do you dislike about Xcode?

Now coming to the bad part which I personally faced, was the simulator was bit too slow, Once you are working on Xcode you might have to close all oth

Xcode Reviews (1,009)

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Xcode Reviews (1,009)

View 2 Video Reviews
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SA
Senior Engineer - Software
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
"The Complete iOS Development Toolkit in One Place"
What do you like best about Xcode?

What I appreciate most about Xcode is that it serves as my primary tool every day as an iOS developer. It streamlines the process of starting new projects, setting up targets, and getting a build up and running quickly. Everything I need is conveniently bundled together—whether it's Swift or SwiftUI coding, live previews, debugging, testing, using the simulator, working with Instruments, handling signing, or distributing apps—so I don’t have to switch between different applications. Xcode integrates seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem and works well with popular dependency managers like Swift Package Manager. Overall, it offers a user-friendly experience, with dependable autocomplete, clear build error messages, and robust debugging support. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xcode?

What I dislike about Xcode is that it can feel heavy and inconsistent at times. Indexing can take long (especially on big projects), and when it gets stuck the editor becomes slow. I also face occasional random build errors, slow build times, and “clean + rebuild” fixes that waste time. Code completion and SwiftUI previews can be hit-or-miss, and the Simulator sometimes becomes laggy or unstable. Overall, it’s powerful, but the performance and reliability issues can slow down daily work. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Himanshu g.
HG
Lead Pentester
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"All-in-One Solution for Apple Development"
What do you like best about Xcode?

What I appreciate most about Xcode is how closely it integrates with the Apple ecosystem. It brings together all the essential tools for iOS and macOS development in a single environment, such as a robust code editor, Interface Builder, simulators, and comprehensive debugging features. The smooth integration with Swift and Apple frameworks streamlines the processes of development, testing, and deployment, making them more efficient overall. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xcode?

I have no complaints about Xcode; it works well for me. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Gauravsinh C.
GC
Software Engineer
Information Technology and Services
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"All-in-One Solution for Seamless Apple App Development"
What do you like best about Xcode?

Xcode provides everything needed for Apple app development in one place. The tight integration with iOS SDKs, Interface Builder, Simulator, and Instruments makes development faster and more structured. Code completion, debugging tools, and real-time previews help improve productivity. It also works smoothly with Swift and Objective-C and supports testing, signing, and deployment without needing many external tools. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xcode?

Xcode can feel heavy and slow at times, especially on older machines. Indexing issues, long build times, and random crashes can interrupt workflow. Error messages are sometimes unclear, making debugging harder. Frequent updates also introduce bugs occasionally, and managing certificates and provisioning profiles can be confusing for beginners. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Gustavo S.
GS
Full Stack Software Engineer
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Powerful and complete IDE for iOS development, but heavy sometimes"
What do you like best about Xcode?

I like how everything needed to build, run, debug and deploy iOS apps is integrated in a single tool. The simulator is extremely convenient, the UI previews help to speed up UI development, and the integration with Swift and SwiftUI feels natural. The code completion is smart and helps me move faster. Also, having profiling, testing, signing, and App Store deployment in the same place makes the development workflow much simpler. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xcode?

Sometimes Xcode feels heavy and it can get slow, especially in larger projects. Build times can be long and code indexing occasionally hangs or becomes unresponsive, which interrupts focus. When things break, the error messages aren’t always clear or helpful. Updates are also big and frequent, which can slow down the machine and take time to install. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Ankit S.
AS
iOS App Developer
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"All-in-One iOS Development Powerhouse with Seamless Apple Integration"
What do you like best about Xcode?

What I appreciate most about Xcode is the way it brings together all the essential tools for iOS app development in a single environment. The simulator, debugger, Interface Builder, and version control are all integrated smoothly, which really streamlines my workflow and saves time. I also value how closely it ties into Apple’s ecosystem—features like SwiftUI previews, real device testing, and app signing with my Apple ID are impressively straightforward. While it isn’t without its flaws, Xcode remains the most comprehensive solution I’ve found for everyday iOS development. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xcode?

The thing I dislike most about Xcode is how heavy and slow it can get, especially with larger projects. Sometimes it randomly freezes or the indexing takes forever, which can really break your flow when you’re deep into coding. The simulator also tends to crash or lag occasionally, and updates often introduce new bugs instead of fixing old ones. It’s powerful, no doubt, but I just wish it were a bit more stable and faster overall. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Yogesh J.
YJ
AVP
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Centralized Development Hub with Great Mac OS Integration"
What do you like best about Xcode?

I use Xcode for microservice and UI development on my MacBook, and it provides a centralized development environment that really improves productivity with smart editing. The debugging experience is better, and I appreciate the smooth Git integration. It helps me improve performance and manage resources with profiling and CPU memory inspection tools, which are great for diagnosing issues with the UI and backend I run locally. I like its seamless integration with macOS and the great performance and responsiveness that really stand out. Xcode offers most features like other IDEs, but its integration with macOS is something I particularly enjoy. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xcode?

During large builds and indexing, it's too heavy on the system. Additionally, build and indexing occasionally slow down productivity and I've noticed this issue with most of the IDEs. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Abhik S.
AS
Software Engineer
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Best App Development IDE for Apple with Top-Notch Simulation and Debugging"
What do you like best about Xcode?

Well in few words best App Development IDE for Apple ecosystem. It has the best built in simulator and it really gives the idea on how your application will work in real time whether you are building app for iOS, ipadOs or watchOS, i have personally made project for ipadOS and watchOS both were perfect in terms simulation and real time usage. On of the best UI, for and IDE, and one thing loved is the debugging and code completion, literally save you a load of time. Plugins are great too. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xcode?

Now coming to the bad part which I personally faced, was the simulator was bit too slow, Once you are working on Xcode you might have to close all other applications for it to even load the simulator properly, I had a high end MacOs only but still had this issue,it often crashed as well. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Kishore N.
KN
iOS Developer & Product Specialist
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Powerful Tool for iOS Development with Room for Improvement"
What do you like best about Xcode?

I find the Xcode Organizer very useful because it allows me to see all crashes reported by TestFlight users and identify the specific file or line that caused the crash. This helps me debug and resolve issues effectively. I also appreciate the support for Apple's AI assistant in the newer versions of Xcode, which provides code suggestions. Although it's not as good as other agents like Cursor, Windsurf, Antigravity, or Kiro, it's still better than going outside Xcode to search for code snippets. I also found the initial setup of Xcode very easy, just follow the instructions and you're good to go. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xcode?

I feel the build system and settings are very complex. These can be improved and simplified for new users and should have advanced options for all the advanced users. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Sachin P.
SP
Senior Software Engineer
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"A Powerful, All-in-One IDE for Seamless Apple Development"
What do you like best about Xcode?

I like Xcode for its overall ease of use, smooth implementation process, great integration with Apple’s ecosystem, and its wide range of built-in features. I use it frequently because it streamlines development, and Apple’s documentation and support resources make it easier to get help when needed. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xcode?

Xcode can be slow on large projects, sometimes feels buggy, and the storyboard merging conflicts in version control are a frequent headache. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Axel U.
AU
Software Engineer
Computer Software
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Integrated Simulator and Preview that Save Time"
What do you like best about Xcode?

I really like that it includes an integrated simulator, as it allows you to test the app directly. Additionally, the previewer is very useful when making design changes, because you can instantly see how they will look. All of this makes the experience easy, intuitive, and saves a lot of time. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Xcode?

In my experience, it consumes quite a bit of battery, I would even say too much. Also, I'm not convinced by the customization or the management of git within the same application. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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