Can I use C++11 with Xcode?

I am considering the use of some C++11 features (like auto for instance) in some cross-platform projects (Windows+Mac). On Windows, Visual Studio supports parts of the upcoming C++11 standard that would allow me to simplify parts of the code base so naturally I would be interested in starting to use these features.

But as far as I am aware, the current XCode version (3.2.4 + GCC 4.2) does not support any C++11 features at all. Can I upgrade the GCC version or the CLang version somehow? Or should I just bite my tongue and wait for Apple to package a new version sometime in the future?


Xcode 4.2 had finally added support for C++0X:

  1. In the project build settings screen, switch on "All" options.

  2. In the "Build Options" section, set compiler to "Apple LLVM compiler 3.0".

  3. Scroll down to "Apple LLVM Compiler 3.0 - Language" section and set "C++ Language Dialect" to "C++0X" and "C++ Standard Library" to "libc++".

The std::move(), move constructor and R-Value reference are known to work as expected, and I'm testing on the std::thread and std::atomic.


======= Update 2012: =======

Start with Clang - Many C++11 features are now available in Clang. It's included with Xcode.

======= Original answer from Jan 2011: =======

intel's compiler may be the cleanest way to go at this time. http://software.intel.com/en-us/articles/intel-composer-xe/

clang's promising, but not particularly stable or featured wrt c++0x features. c++ is still very new for clang.

gcc: relatively mature, but you'll have to write and maintain your compiler plugins for xcode.

you can also specify custom scripts, but that is a pain to maintain... unless you go all out and create an adaptor tool.


Xcode uses the GCC or the Clang C++ compilers. Any features supported by those compilers are fair game. GCC's C++ compatibility page is here and the Clang C++ compatibility page is here.