Xcode and iOS Version Mismatch: Troubleshooting "Incompatible Build Number" Errors
Have you ever encountered a frustrating error while trying to run your iOS app in Xcode, leaving you scratching your head? A common issue arises when your device's iOS version is too new for the Xcode version you're using. This often manifests as an "incompatible build number" error, and looks like this:
DVTDeviceOperation: Encountered a build number "" that is incompatible with DVTBuildVersion.
This usually happens when you are testing with beta versions of either iOS or Xcode, and can prevent Xcode from properly compiling your storyboards. Let's explore why this occurs and what you can do to resolve it.
Why This Error Occurs
The core problem lies in the mismatch between the iOS version on your test device and the Software Development Kit (SDK) supported by your Xcode installation. Xcode uses the SDK to understand how to build and run apps for specific iOS versions. When your device runs a newer iOS version than Xcode anticipates, Xcode might not have the necessary tools to work correctly with it.
For instance, imagine you are using an internal or beta version of Xcode 16.3 alongside a device running iOS 18.4. Given that public Xcode releases only reached version 15.x around early April 2025, iOS 18.4 is likely beyond the scope of even beta SDK support, causing this incompatibility.
Your Options for a Solution
Fortunately, you have a few options to tackle this issue. Here's a breakdown of the most effective solutions:
Option 1: Use Simulator (Recommended for Now)
The quickest and often simplest solution is to use the iOS simulator that comes with Xcode. Simulators allow you to run your app on a virtual device with a supported iOS version. This is a temporary workaround, especially useful for development and testing.
To run your app on a simulator, use the following command:
npx expo run:ios --device "iPhone 15"
If you prefer a manual approach, launch the simulator first:
open -a Simulator
Then, proceed with running your app:
npx expo run:ios
Option 2: Wait for Expo SDK to Support iOS 18.4
If you're using Expo, the issue might stem from the expo-dev-launcher not yet supporting the iOS 18 SDK. To resolve this, you'll need an updated version of expo-dev-client or expo-dev-launcher, along with an Expo SDK version built using a compatible Xcode.
First, determine which Expo SDK version you're currently using:
npx expo config | grep sdkVersion
If you're not on the latest stable or pre-release version, update Expo using:
npx expo install
Upgrading the Expo SDK will bring in necessary updates to support the newer iOS version. According to the Expo documentation, incremental upgrades, one SDK version at a time, are recommended for pinpointing breakages during the update process. Also remember to check the release notes and SDK changelogs for breaking changes or deprecations that may affect your app!
Option 3: Install Matching Beta Tools (Risky)
If you are part of Apple's beta program and comfortable with potential instability, you can try installing a beta version of Xcode that supports the iOS 18.4 SDK.
Here's how:
Install the Xcode beta that includes iOS 18.4 SDK support.
Update CocoaPods and Expo native builds.
Rebuild your project with the following commands:
npx expo prebuild --clean
cd ios && pod install
npx expo run:ios
Warning: This approach carries risks, as Expo might not officially support these beta versions, leading to unexpected issues.
Quick Solutions Overview
Here's a summary of the available solutions:
Solution
Action
✅ Run on simulator
npx expo run:ios --device "iPhone 15"
๐ Wait for Expo iOS 18 support
Keep device, wait for Expo + iOS SDK update
๐งช Risk using betas
Update Xcode + rebuild w/ iOS 18 SDK
In Conclusion
Dealing with Xcode and iOS version mismatches can be tricky, but understanding your options is the first step toward resolving the "incompatible build number" error. Starting with the simulator option is generally the safest bet, while waiting for official Expo support or using beta tools may introduce risks. Choose the solution that best fits your development needs and risk tolerance. By ensuring compatibility between your Xcode version and your device's iOS version, you'll pave the way for smoother development and testing.
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