Xcode Support

Popular Topics and FAQs

Getting Started

• Do I need a Mac to develop iOS apps for the App Store?
• How do I get started with iOS Development?
• I'm new to Apple's development platforms. What is Cocoa?
• I'm new to Object-Oriented Programming. Where should I start?
• How do I download Xcode, and the Mac OS X and iOS SDKs?

Enrolling in a Developer Program

• Which Developer Program should I join?
• What will I need to enroll in the iOS Developer Program?
• What is a D-U-N-S® Number?
• Who should enroll in the iOS Developer Program on behalf of my company/organization?
• How can I check the status of my Program enrollment?
• I completed my purchase, but have not yet received an activation email from Apple Developer Support. What should I do?

Technical Support

• Where can I find technical support resources?
• Understanding and Resolving Code Signing Issues

Distribution

• App Store Resources
• App Store Review Guidelines
• iTunes Connect Developer Guide
• iTunes Connect FAQs
• Tools Workflow Guide for iOS: Distributing Apps
• How do I distribute enterprise apps for iOS devices?

What is a Registered Apple Developer?

Registering as an Apple Developer grants you free access to a select set of technical resources, tools, and information for developing with iOS, Mac OS X, and Safari.

What do I need to do to register as an Apple Developer?

To register as an Apple Developer, you will need an Apple ID and password. After providing information about yourself, you will be asked to agree to the terms and conditions of the Registered Apple Developer Agreement (PDF).

Do I need to register as an Apple Developer before I can join the iOS, Mac, or Safari Developer Programs?

Yes. Registering as an Apple Developer is the first step in joining the iOS, Mac, or Safari Developer Programs. Once you register, you can proceed with your enrollment.

What are the terms and conditions of being a Registered Apple Developer?

Review the Registered Apple Developer terms and conditions in the Registered Apple Developer Agreement (PDF)

I have a business or technology idea that I want to share with Apple. How do I submit this information for review?

While we sincerely appreciate your interest, Apple is unable to accept unsolicited business or technology ideas and proposals. For more information, please review Apple's Unsolicited Ideas Policy.

I want to receive more information about future Apple products and technology initiatives. How can I get this information from Apple?

It is Apple's policy not to comment on unannounced products or products under development, whether or not they actually exist. It is also against our policy to discuss release dates.

Product announcements are generally accompanied by a press release, which provides helpful information and applicable specifications:

Apple Press Info
Press Release Library
Apple - Hot News

How do I download Xcode, and the Mac OS X and iOS SDKs?

Paid members of the Mac and iOS Developer Programs have access to the latest Xcode developer tools, SDKs, and pre-release software. Program members can download Xcode 4 Developer Previews.

Xcode 4.3 for Lion is available as a free download from the Mac App Store. If you are registered as an Apple Developer, you can download Xcode 3 for free. Both Xcode 3 and Xcode 4 include the most recent SDKs for both Mac OS X and iOS.

How do I resolve validation and submission errors for iOS apps in Xcode?

Review Technical Note TN2294, which covers common steps to resolve errors that occur during Xcode Archive Validation and application submission with App Loader.

I received an error message saying, "Xcode could not find a valid private-key/certificate pair for this profile in your keychain." What should I do?

This error message indicates that your Mac's Keychain is missing either the public or private key for the certificate you are using to sign your app.

This often happens when you are trying to sign and build your app from a different Mac than the one you originally used to request your code signing certificate. It can also happen if your certificate has expired or has been revoked. Ensure that your app's provisioning profile contains a valid code signing certificate, and that your Mac's Keychain contains that certificate, the private key originally used to generate that certificate, and the WWDR Intermediate Certificate.

For instructions on how to resolve this error, review the Technical Note Understanding and Resolving Code Signing Issues.

Get answers to other Xcode FAQs.

• I cannot archive my application in Xcode.
• Xcode Organizer shows the "Could not support development" message.
• How do I rename my application in Xcode?
• How do I resolve the "Base SDK Missing" issue?
• "Xcode cannot find the software image to install this version" message.
• How do I resolve the "The version of iPhone OS on 'My iPhone' is not supported by this copy of Xcode" error message?
• iPhone/iPod Touch: application executable is missing a required architecture. At least one of the following architecture(s) must be present: armv6

Where can I get more information about developing with Xcode?

The Apple Developer website contains a wealth of documentation, videos, and community-based information to help you develop with Apple technologies.

• iOS, Mac, and Safari Dev Centers
  The iOS, Mac, and Safari Dev Centers act as a great starting point to access a range of technical resources. The Dev Centers have search fields to help you quickly jump to any topic, links to begin browsing reference guides, and a list of featured content.

• Developer Reference Documentation
  The iOS and Mac OS X Developer Libraries provide a wealth of reference materials on how to implement Apple technologies, including documentation, sample code, tutorials, and more.

• Development Videos on iTunes
  The development videos on iTunes are a great way to learn about new technologies, see frameworks and tools in use, and hear Apple engineers explain how to use these technologies in your app development.

• Apple Developer Forums
  The Apple Developer Forums provide developer program members with a collaborative environment where you can ask questions and join discussions on a range of technical topics with other developers and Apple engineers.

• Technical Support Incidents
  A Technical Support Incident (TSI) is a benefit of the Mac and iOS Developer Programs that allows members to request code-level support from our developer technical support engineers. To learn more about TSIs, see the Developer Technical Support page.

Get an overview.

Read about the common tasks and requirements for code signing apps.

• Code Signing Guide (OS X)
• Developer ID (OS X)
• Tech Note 2250: iOS Code Signing Setup, Process, and Troubleshooting

Resolve common issues.

To run apps on device or submit apps to the App Store, your app must be properly code signed. If you are unable to complete these tasks because of code signing issues see the following:

• Running your app on a device thru Xcode.
  Tech Note 2250: Steps to run your app on device thru Xcode
• Creating an Ad Hoc build for testers.
  Tech Note 2250: Steps to create an Ad Hoc build for Testers
• Submitting your app to the App Store.
  Tech Note 2250: Steps to submit your app to the App Store

Get answers to FAQs.

• How do I transfer my iPhone Identities to enable code signing on another Mac?
• What does “Valid Signing Identity Not Found” mean and how do I resolve it?
• What do I do if I can’t see or select my Provisioning Profile in Xcode Build Settings?
• How do I revoke/delete my certificates and start over fresh?
• I’m defining a custom Code Signing Entitlements file in Xcode but do I need it?

Read essential documentation and guides.

• Code Signing Guide (for Mac Apps)
• Tools Workflow Guide for iOS
• TN2265: Troubleshooting Push Notifications

Discuss on the Apple Developer Forums.

• iOS Provisioning Portal
• App Submission

Where can I find information on distributing my app on the App Store and Mac App Store?

• App Store Resource Center
  The App Store Resource Center includes everything you need to know about distributing your app — from how to prepare for app submission to managing your app once it's been posted.

• App Store Review Guidelines
  The App Store Review Guidelines provide rules and examples across a range of development topics, including functionality, content, and the use of specific technologies.

• iTunes Connect Developer Guide
  The iTunes Connect Developer Guide provides details on using iTunes Connect. For more information about iTunes Connect, see the iTunes Connect Frequently Asked Questions.

• App Store Submission Tips
  You can find a range of App Store submission tips for iOS apps and Mac apps.

Who has access to the App Store Resource Center and the App Store Review Guidelines?

Developers currently enrolled in the iOS or Mac Developer Programs have access to the App Store Resource Center and App Store Review Guidelines. If you are not yet a program member, learn more about joining the Apple Developer Programs.

Where can I find more information about using iTunes Connect?

You can learn about the features of iTunes Connect by reviewing the iTunes Connect Developer Guide. For more information, see the iTunes Connect Frequently Asked Questions.

How do I prepare my iOS or Mac app for submission?

For information on how to prepare your iOS apps for submission, visit the Prepare for App Submission section of the App Store Resource Center for iOS apps. For details on how to prepare your Mac apps for submission, visit the Prepare for App Submission section for Mac apps.

What is involved in the app review and approval process?

The App Store Resource Center provides detailed overviews of the App Store and Mac App Store approval processes.

Where can I find the status of my app currently in review?

Once you have reviewed and submitted your app, you will be taken back to the Manage your Applications page in iTunes Connect. Here, you will find the application name, version, date submitted, Apple ID, as well as the status of your application.

If you have additional questions about the status of your app during the review process, please send an email to appreview@apple.com.

I have an urgent bug fix for my app. Is there a way to expedite App Review so that it gets out to customers quickly?

If you have an urgent fix you want prioritized, you can submit a request for an expedited app review.

Where can I find details about the rejection of my app?

The Resolution Center provides information regarding your app rejection, including any specific App Review Guidelines that caused your app to be rejected. You can access the Resolution Center on the App Summary or Version Details pages in iTunes Connect.

If you feel your app was incorrectly rejected, you may submit an appeal to the App Review Board.

Where can I find information on managing my apps on the App Store and Mac App Store?

The Managing Your Apps and Managing Your Mac Apps sections of the App Store Resource Center provide information on managing your iOS and Mac apps, including editing metadata, submitting updates for your app, downloading crash logs, and reviewing your sales and financial reports.

Does Apple provide marketing resources I can use for my iOS and Mac apps?

Yes. If you are enrolled in an iOS or Mac Developer Program, you can use Apple product images and associated marketing resources for the App Store or Mac App Store to promote your apps. Sign in to download the artwork and read the App Marketing Guidelines for Developers.

Where can I find more information on the iAd Network?

The iAd Network section of the App Store Resource Center offers details on joining the iAd Network, enabling your app for iAd rich media ads.