Apple now offers Xcode Cloud subscriptions
Apple warns developers that Xcode Cloud subscriptions are now available. As the name suggests, it is a continuous integration service integrated into the Xcode application, which is used to develop applications for Apple products.
Apple designed Xcode Cloud to provide developers with tools available through the cloud to build apps, run automated tests, deliver apps to testers, and manage user feedback. It was available in beta for almost a year and it arrived for all developers in June, after the WWDC 2022 keynote. Subscriptions are only available from today, however.
Developers can choose from four monthly subscriptions, which vary based on the total number of compute hours needed. 25 hours of computing per month are free until December 2023, but will cost $15/month thereafter. 100 compute hours per month are charged at $50/month, 250 compute hours per month are charged at $100/month, and the cost for 1,000 compute hours per month is $400/month. A compute hour is an hour of time used to perform a task in the cloud, such as compiling an application or running tests. Compute Hours usage can be tracked through App Store Connect and in the Apple Developer app.
Some may wonder if Xcode Cloud subscriptions allow you to develop applications for Apple products without having a Mac. The answer is no, a Mac is still required.
