Resolving Yellow Tint Issues in Xcode 12.3 iOS 14.3 Simulators

28 February 2025 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Xcode

If you’ve recently upgraded to Xcode 12.3 and are experiencing a peculiar yellow tint in translucent UI elements on iOS 14.3 simulators, you’re not alone. This graphical glitch has been reported by several users, and while Apple has addressed it in Xcode 12.4 RC, there are practical workarounds you can implement right now.

Understanding the Issue

The yellow tint issue seems to be associated with certain GPU configurations, particularly affecting discrete GPUs. Additionally, the glitch can cause the background of the on-screen keyboard to appear almost black (RGB(0,0,0)). This problem has been observed on MacBook Pro models running macOS Catalina and Big Sur.

Workaround Solutions

Solution 1: Using Integrated GPU

  1. Open the iOS simulator.
  2. Navigate to File → GPU Selection → Prefer Integrated GPU.
  3. Restart the simulator.

This method utilizes the integrated GPU, circumventing the issue present with discrete GPUs. It’s tested on MacBook Pro models with Catalina and Big Sur, though it might not work on iMacs.

Solution 2: Reduce Transparency

  1. On the simulated device, go to Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size.
  2. Enable Reduce Transparency.

While this won’t completely eliminate the yellow tint, it will lighten it significantly, making it more manageable for UI testing.

Alternative Solution: Reverting to iOS 14.2 Simulator

  1. Open Xcode and go to Preferences.
  2. Select Components.
  3. Download and install the iOS 14.2 Simulator pack.

This approach serves as a temporary workaround until the issue is fully resolved in future Xcode updates.

Enhancing Your Testing with Repeato

While dealing with simulator issues, consider leveraging tools like Repeato for your testing needs. Repeato is a no-code test automation tool that simplifies the creation, execution, and maintenance of automated tests for iOS, Android, and web apps. Its use of computer vision and AI ensures that your testing process remains efficient and reliable. Moreover, Repeato supports data-driven and keyword-driven testing, and its compatibility with version control systems ensures seamless integration into your development workflow.

If you want to explore more about Repeato’s capabilities and how it can streamline your testing process, check out our getting started guide.

Check it out!

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