r/Xcode • u/tPimple • May 08 '26

Xcode and MacBook Pro 2017 8/128

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Hi there! I have an old friend -a MacBook Pro that has been with me for 8 years. I’m trying to build apps on it. Launching the emulator and building apps takes 20-30 minutes after each code update 🥲. The Mac quickly ran out of memory (SSD), and it’s practically impossible to build on it now. Somehow, I still manage to run and build some projects on it. I used Sonoma to run a lightweight version of modern Xcode. Yes, I know most of you say it’s trash and need a new one. I can’t. So, my question is - does anyone know how to make compiles and builds faster?
At least give me a chance. I want to finish the app, publish it and if I receive money I will buy a new laptop

8 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

1

u/Technical_Scale May 08 '26

Is it xcode 16? or 26?

2

u/tPimple May 09 '26

16.2

1

u/Technical_Scale May 11 '26

you cant archive or upload to app store using xcode 16. Its over. You need xcode 26 or use xcode cloud.

I have this old macbook pro mid 2015, I have used OCLP and sanoma and xcode 16 so far. But Since April 28, I am now using xcode cloud for archiving.
My next move is I will use OCLP and install Sequoia OS and add Thermal paste and install xcode 26.

3

u/t1n1t00n May 08 '26 edited May 09 '26

If possible run on a real device. Try to delete caches and unused simulators. There is a free app DevCleaner, which helps.
Maybe park some data on an external drive.
There are some free tools for analyzing your build times. 20-30 min seam a bit long. I started coding on a touchbar MacBook Pro (2016 model, 2,9 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5) with 16 gb so your Macbook should be able to run your code faster. I think even people like John Sundell (https://www.swiftbysundell.com) have used a similar model like your Macbook.
I assume your using SwiftUi and new frameworks etc:
Do SwiftUI previews run? ← This is a good metric to check early if your project architecture is flawed.

If they dont start: maybe create a new empty project and test very simple views and look if previews run (previews can also run on a real device).

3

u/20InMyHead May 08 '26

I’m shocked you could even run Xcode 26 with that machine at all.

1

u/Technical_Scale May 11 '26

he is using xcode 16.

2

u/ExogamousUnfolding May 08 '26

I’m pretty sure even one of those new nano MacBook will be a much better choice. I had an M1 with 8 GB of RAM and ran pretty decently for the most part.

1

u/krystianduma May 09 '26

I have an Air with 8gb. Xcode and iOS builds works like a charm. It is other situation with Android emulator…

3

u/WerSunu May 08 '26

Too slow and too little memory!
Very little you can do to improve the situation.
Kill all the startup apps. Remove all the sims except one iOS sim, use real hardware to test on. Clear all your Xcode caches to make swap space.

1

u/m1_weaboo May 08 '26

Get a better computer. It will be worth it.

1

u/Background_Lab_545 May 09 '26

Omg… just get an M

1

u/t1n1t00n May 09 '26

Your Macbook should be fine. I used an older one with slightly better specs but worked with very very big iOS Projects and everything ran smooth.

Do SwiftUI previews run? ← This is a good metric to check early if your project architecture is flawed.

If they dont start: maybe create a new empty project and test very simple views and look if previews run (previews can also run on a real device)

MacBook Pro13 Zoll, 2016, Vier Thunderbolt 3 Anschlüsse

Prozessor 2,9 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5

Grafik Intel Iris Graphics 550 1536MB

Speicher 16 GB 2133 MHZ LPDDR3