The short answer
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it.
What is it?
Copies of Xcode installed side by side in the Applications folder, such as betas or older releases kept for compatibility (Xcode-beta.app, Xcode_16.4.app and so on). Each copy is a full Xcode, typically 10 GB or more, while simulator runtimes are stored separately.
Each Xcode is 12-40 GB. The most recently used copy is kept; older ones and betas can be downloaded again from Apple.
What happens if you delete it?
A removed version does not come back on its own, but every released and beta Xcode can be downloaded again from developer.apple.com/download with your Apple Account. Your projects, settings, DerivedData and simulators are stored outside the app and are not affected.
How to remove it properly
Run xcode-select -p in Terminal to see which Xcode the command-line tools use, and make sure you keep that one. Quit the copy you want to remove, then drag it from Applications to the Trash; macOS may ask for an administrator password.
Quit the app that uses it, then move it to the Trash. Empty the Trash when you’re sure.
- MoreRoom keeps the newest 1 and suggests the older ones.
Before you delete it
If you remove the copy that xcode-select points to, switch to the remaining one with sudo xcode-select -s /Applications/Xcode.app so xcrun, git and other tools keep working.
How MoreRoom helps
MoreRoom recognises this item and labels it “Review first”: it shows what’s inside, its size and last use, so you can decide. Nothing is removed without your say, and everything goes to the Trash first, with Undo.
Frequently asked questions
Can I delete old Xcode versions from Applications?
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it. A removed version does not come back on its own, but every released and beta Xcode can be downloaded again from developer.apple.com/download with your Apple Account. Your projects, settings, DerivedData and simulators are stored outside the app and are not affected.
Will Other Xcode versions come back after I delete it?
Yes. A removed version does not come back on its own, but every released and beta Xcode can be downloaded again from developer.apple.com/download with your Apple Account. Your projects, settings, DerivedData and simulators are stored outside the app and are not affected.
How do I remove Other Xcode versions properly?
Run xcode-select -p in Terminal to see which Xcode the command-line tools use, and make sure you keep that one. Quit the copy you want to remove, then drag it from Applications to the Trash; macOS may ask for an administrator password.