
What it is: The latest rumor suggests Xcode will be able to run on iOS soon.
Apple has been trying to convince everyone that the iPad can be a replacement for a computer. In many cases it can, but one area where it cannot is in software development.
Right now you need to run Xcode on a Macintosh to create iOS apps. That causes a problem since that also means you must test your iOS apps on a separate iOS device or inside the (buggy) iOS simulator program that comes with Xcode.
Now the latest rumor is that Apple will bring Xcode to iOS, which only makes sense so this rumor is just a matter of time. With Xcode able to run on iOS, people will be able to develop iOS apps directly on an iPad. That will go a long way towards creating more iOS apps since you no longer will need both an iOS device and a Macintosh.
Here are two ways Apple could port Xcode to iOS. First, they could do a straight port of Xcode, which would mean Xcode on iOS would be able to use Swift or Objective-C and be able to create Macintosh programs just like Xcode on the Mac.
This makes little sense so it’s far more likely that Apple will strip Xcode on iOS of its ability to create Macintosh programs and/or use Objective-C. This will create a leaner version of Xcode that’s not saddled with old NextStep frameworks for Objective-C and Macintosh development.
So if you want to take advantage of Xcode for iOS, you’ll need the latest iPad model (preferably an iPad Pro) and an external keyboard. Then focus solely on Swift and iOS development.
Most likely Apple will keep Xcode on the Macintosh to let you create Macintosh, iOS, tvOS, and watchOS and let Xcode on iOs focus solely on iOS development initially.
The Macintosh will eventually switch to the ARM processor (which powers iOS devices) so it’s only a matter of time before Xcode on iOS will run on ARM-powered Macintosh computers.
The future is ARM processors and iOS, not Intel processors in the Macintosh. If you’re serious about iOS development, be ready to jump on Xcode on iOS as early as this summer.
To learn more about the potential of Xcode on iOS, click here.