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Show Xcode version with xcodebuild -version

xcodebuild -version is the script-friendly way to report exactly which Xcode build is active — more precise than reading the app bundle name, and a standard first line in CI logs.

macOSxcodebuildversionLow risk
Run `xcodebuild -version` to print lines like `Xcode 15.4` and `Build version 15F31d`.

01Command

Command
$ xcodebuild -version
xcodebuild -version -sdk

02What it does

The flag exits immediately without loading a project, so it is safe to call anywhere in shell scripts. Adding -sdk lists every installed SDK with its version, and because the output depends on the toolchain chosen by xcode-select, it doubles as a check that your build environment points at the Xcode you expect.

03Risk

RiskLow risk
RequirementsXcode or Command Line Tools must be installed and selected via xcode-select
!Warning: If multiple Xcodes are installed, xcodebuild reports whichever xcode-select points to — verify with `xcode-select -p` when versions look wrong.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • xcodebuild man page (OS X)
    unix.com · technical · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Man page text for xcodebuild covering -version output format.
  • xcodebuild(1) macOS man page
    manpagez · technical · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Documents the -version flag and its -sdk variant printing SDK information.

Last verified: 2026-09-17 · Category: Developer

06Related solutions

Get Exact macOS Version and Build Number
macOSsysctlbuildsw_vers

sw_vers and sysctl reveal the precise OS build and kernel architecture in one line.

Low risk ✓ 2026-09-17