WWDC 2026: Device Hub and what it means for CI/CD

At WWDC 2026, Apple introduced significant changes with Xcode 27, notably replacing Simulator.app with a new application called Device Hub, which unifies the management of both physical devices and simulators. This update extends the capabilities of Apple's existing CLI tool, devicectl, to handle simulators, aligning the management interface across both device types. Device Hub, which can run standalone or bundled with Xcode 27, features a three-part interface—Sidebar, Canvas, and Inspector—that streamlines settings adjustments and diagnostics, enhancing developers' efficiency in local workflows. This unified approach is particularly beneficial for CI/CD processes, enabling consistent simulator configurations and reducing manual setup time. While some new simulator capabilities in devicectl are still under development, the tool offers consistent syntax and JSON output support, promising a more streamlined workflow for developers. As Xcode 27 is still in beta, some features are expected to be fully functional in future updates, but the current integration already facilitates more reliable testing and automation.

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