Archives
~/Library/Developer/Xcode/Archives stores Xcode build archives created when you archive apps for distribution, export, debugging, or release history.
What is Archives?
~/Library/Developer/Xcode/Archives is a developer-data folder used by Xcode to store archived builds of apps and frameworks. Developers encounter it when using Product > Archive to prepare an app for App Store submission, ad hoc distribution, internal testing, or long-term release records. Each archive can contain the built app, symbols, metadata, and related information that helps with exporting, signing, and revisiting older release builds. This folder is most useful for active Apple platform development workflows on macOS, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, watchOS, and tvOS projects. People who no longer need old archived builds may find that it grows large over time because every saved archive is kept until removed.
Review files before deleting with diCleaner
Inspect caches, support files, folders, and related data before deleting items on Mac.
Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
This folder is associated with Xcode archiving workflows and is not a system-critical macOS folder. Removing old archives does not damage macOS, but it can delete builds you may still need for re-exporting, symbol access, release records, or comparing past versions. If you still develop or distribute apps, review archive dates and project names before deleting anything.
Recommendation: Keep recent or important archives that support current development, testing, or release work. If you no longer need older build records, you can remove selected archives to free space, with the understanding that those archived versions will no longer be available from Xcode for later export or reference.
File path
~/Library/Developer/Xcode/Archives
Share your experience
Be the first to share your experience.