Xcode Debug Launch Extremely Slow on iOS 18.4 with Large Binary (~1GB)

Question

Created Apr ’25

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After upgrading to iOS 18.4, I noticed that launching a debug build from Xcode becomes extremely slow. The same app with the same large debug binary (~1GB) launches normally on devices running iOS 18.3.

This issue seems specific to iOS 18.4, possibly related to the way the OS handles large debug binaries or symbols during the launch process.

Steps to Reproduce:

Connect an iPhone running iOS 18.4 to a Mac with Xcode.

Build and run an app using Xcode in Debug mode.

Observe the extended launch time.

Re-run the same process on another iPhone with iOS 18.3 — launch is fast.

Expected Result:

Debug launch should be fast and consistent across iOS versions.

Actual Result:

Debug launch is significantly slower on iOS 18.4 for large binaries (~1GB).

Environment:

Xcode version: 16.0

macOS version: 15.4

Device: iPhone [model]

iOS version: 18.4 (problematic), 18.3 (no issue)

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Answer 1

DTS Engineer OP

Apple

May ’25

Thank you for your post. Could you please provide some logs to demonstrate the delay?

On your post, it appears that you are currently using Xcode 16.0. I recommend upgrading to the latest version available at the App Store, which is currently 16.3.

When running your app, I suggest keeping the log to observe the delay. Additionally, using Instruments may assist you in identifying the cause of the significant startup delay.

Have you also attempted to create a new project to ascertain if the behavior is similar?

I eagerly anticipate reviewing your logs.

Albert Pascual   Worldwide Developer Relations.

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