Xcode 4.1 Free On App Store For Lion Only - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Xcode 4.1 Free On App Store For Lion Only

by

Along with the release of OS X Lion this morning, Apple also served up version 4.1 of development suite Xcode, available for free from the Mac App Store [App Store Link].

xcode
The prior version of Xcode was offered for $4.99 on the App Store to non-developers when it was released earlier this year.

Apple has traditionally included updated developers tools for free on the OS install DVD. With the advent of digital delivery, Apple has chosen to offer Xcode as a separate app download.

It seems likely that the $4.99 charge was related to Apple's convoluted accounting practices related to the addition of features without receiving direct payment for them. Because an improved version of Xcode wasn't originally included with Snow Leopard, Apple was required to charge for it to comply with certain accounting rules.

In its earnings call yesterday, Apple noted a change in how it was accounting for a portion of Mac and OS X sales to avoid such problems in the future.

Top Rated Comments

Intell Avatar
Intell
193 months ago
I can get it for free on my Snow Leopard Mac as well.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fireshot91 Avatar
fireshot91
193 months ago
I can get it for free on my Snow Leopard Mac as well.

As can I
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
L
LastLine
193 months ago
I'm getting an installation alart asking me to close iTunes part way through - iTunes hasn't been open, and yet...


Anyone got any good ideas?

Edit: Terminal "killall iTunesHelper"

Case sensitive (for when future google searches pull me back here ;-))
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
J
jonahhh
193 months ago
I'm glad I waited! :) :cool:
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
uanuglyfool Avatar
uanuglyfool
193 months ago
I'm getting an installation alart asking me to close iTunes part way through - iTunes hasn't been open, and yet...


Anyone got any good ideas?

Edit: Terminal "killall iTunesHelper"

Case sensitive (for when future google searches pull me back here ;-))

Thank you sir! Exactly what I was looking for.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
res1233 Avatar
res1233
193 months ago


What's the difference between installing 4.1 from MAS Vs. The developer portal? Do both come with SDK etc? If it's the same I'd rather download from te store.
They're exactly the same. The Xcode in the MAS comes with everything, including the iOS SDK. (at least it did with 4.0)
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Popular Stories

airpods pro 3 design

'AirPods Ultra' Rumored to Feature a Major Upgrade Over AirPods Pro

Thursday April 30, 2026 8:40 am PDT by
In a social media post this week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reiterated that Apple is planning to release new AirPods with cameras "for Siri." Last month, Gurman said these AirPods will likely be priced above the current AirPods Pro 3, which Apple sells for $249. As a result, he said Apple is likely considering using "AirPods Ultra" branding for the camera-equipped AirPods. "AirPods Ultra"...
Read Full Article • 81 comments
Four iPhone 18 Pro Colors Mock Feature

iPhone 18 Pro to Launch in September With These 10 New Features

Tuesday April 28, 2026 9:35 am PDT by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not launching until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. It was initially reported that the iPhone 18 Pro models would have fully under-screen Face ID, with only a front camera visible in the top-left corner of the screen. However, the latest rumors indicate that only one Face ID component will be moved under the...
Read Full Article
M5 Vision Pro Thumb 2

Apple Has Given Up on the Vision Pro After M5 Refresh Flop

Wednesday April 29, 2026 11:31 am PDT by
Apple has all but given up on the Vision Pro after the M5 model failed to revitalize interest in the device, MacRumors has learned. Apple updated the Vision Pro with a faster M5 chip and a more comfortable band in October 2025, but there were no other hardware changes, and consumers still weren't interested. The Vision Pro has been criticized for its high price tag and its uncomfortable...
Read Full Article • 729 comments