Xcode 4.1 Free On App Store For Lion Only - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
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
198 months ago
I can get it for free on my Snow Leopard Mac as well.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fireshot91 Avatar
198 months ago
I can get it for free on my Snow Leopard Mac as well.

As can I
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
198 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)
198 months ago
I'm glad I waited! :) :cool:
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
uanuglyfool Avatar
198 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
198 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)

Popular Stories

iOS 27 Next to iPhone

Here's When iOS 27 Rolls Out Today in Every Time Zone [Update: It's Out]

Sunday September 13, 2026 3:00 am PDT by
Update 10:04 a.m.: iOS 27 is rolling out now, though it may take a bit for all users to see it, so keep checking! Apple is about to release iOS 27, which will finally deliver more advanced Siri AI capabilities as well as a variety of other refinements, improvements, and new features to iPhones. It's Apple's biggest software update of the year, and Apple announced at Wednesday's iPhone event...
iOS 27 Icon iPhone

iOS 27 Available Now With These 8 New Features

Monday September 14, 2026 9:00 am PDT by
Update — 10 a.m. Pacific Time: Apple has released iOS 27. During its iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo event last week, Apple announced that iOS 27 will be released widely on Monday, September 14. iOS 27 should be available around 10 a.m. Pacific Time / 1 p.m. Eastern Time today via the Settings app, under General → Software Update. Below, we have highlighted eight new features and...
Apple iCloud Plus expansion hero

iCloud+ Now Includes Apple TV, Apple Arcade, and Curated Apple Music Stations in Over 100 Countries

Tuesday September 15, 2026 1:43 am PDT by
Apple today announced a new subscription initiative that turns paid iCloud+ subscriptions into a broader services bundle in more than 100 countries. In select countries, Apple says every paid iCloud+ plan, including the cheapest 50GB tier, now includes Apple TV and Apple Arcade "at no additional cost," while family sharing extends the storage, TV and Arcade access to up to five people....