XcodesOrg / XcodesOrg/XcodesApp

Can't make Xcode 26.1.1 active "because an item with the same name already exists".

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bug
Dominant language
Swift
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Avg merge
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Merged PRs (30d)
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Description

Describe the bug

Installed new version of Xcode and tried to make it active. Got the error:

Unable to create symbolic link

“Xcode-26.1.1.app” couldn’t be moved to “Applications” because an item with the same name already exists.

The downloaded version, Xcode-26.1.1.app, is already in Applications.

To Reproduce
Steps to reproduce the behavior:

  • Have XCode already installed from the App Store as /Applications/Xcode.app (version 16.4 in my case).
  • Set up Xcodes Advanced settings:
    • Install Directory: /Applications
    • Active/Select: Always rename to Xcode.app
  • Use Xcodes to install a different Xcode version (26.1.1 in my case).
    • It installs to /Applications/Xcode-[version].app.
  • Click Make Active.

Got the error:

Unable to create symbolic link

“Xcode-26.1.1.app” couldn’t be moved to “Applications” because an item with the same name already exists.

Expected behavior
At the step "Click Make Active".

  • /Applications/Xcode.app would be renamed to /Applications/Xcode-16.4.app
  • /Applications/Xcode-26.1.1.app would be renamed to /Applications/Xcode.app
  • XCode 26.1.1 would now be the active version of Xcode.

Screenshots
Image

Version

  • OS: 15.7.1 (24G231) on Apple M1 Mac mini
  • Xcodes: 3.0.2 (34)

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Start with the Make Active flow and the symbolic-link error reported when /Applications/Xcode-26.1.1.app already exists. Reproduce the App Store installation scenario, then verify that the current Xcode.app is renamed to its versioned name and the selected version becomes /Applications/Xcode.app.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
macos, swift
Domain
desktop
Issue type
Bug
Difficulty
3/5
Estimated time
1-2 days
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
48/100

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