When developing an iOS application using Xcode, you might find yourself wanting to change the name of the app as it appears on a device's home screen or within the App Store. This can be necessary for a variety of reasons like rebranding, correcting a typo, or simply refining the app's identity. Here’s a detailed guide on how you can change the name of an iOS app in Xcode.

Step 1: Change the Display Name

The app's name that appears under its icon on the home screen is referred to as the "Display Name". This is controlled by the CFBundleDisplayName property in your app's Info.plist file.

1. Open your Xcode project: Start by opening the .xcodeproj or .xcworkspace file for your app in Xcode.
2. Navigate to the Info.plist file: You can find this file under the top-level app group in the navigator pane. Click on Info.plist to open it.
3. Locate or add the CFBundleDisplayName key: If this key is already present, you can simply modify its value to the new name you want your app to have. If it's not present, you will need to add it:
   • Right-click on any existing entry and choose "Add Row".
   • In the new row, set the Key field to CFBundleDisplayName and the Value field to the new name of your app.

<key>CFBundleDisplayName</key>
<string>My New App Name</string>

1. Save the changes: Ensure you save the Info.plist file after making the changes.

Step 2: Change the Product Name

If you want to change the name of the app throughout the project (like within Xcode or when generating builds), then you need to modify the "Product Name".

1. Select your project in the Navigator pane: Click on the blue project icon at the top of the navigator.
2. Go to the Build Settings: Make sure your desired target is selected, then navigate to the Build Settings tab.
3. Search for ‘Product Name’: Use the search bar available at the top of the Build Settings tab and type "Product Name".
4. Edit the Product Name: Once located, change the value to the new name you want for your app.

Changing the Product Name will also affect the name of the executable file and can impact coding if path names are hardcoded.

Step 3: Update App References and Assets

If your app name is mentioned in internal code, resources, or third-party services, you need to update those references. For example, if the app name is hardcoded in some user-facing strings or assets, make sure to replace them with the new name.

Best Practices and Considerations

• Check Legal Requirements: Make sure the app’s new name isn’t trademarked or in use by another app, especially if your app will be distributed through the App Store.
• Update Marketing Materials: Don't forget to update your marketing materials, app website, and social media to reflect the new app name.
• Consider Localizations: If your app supports multiple languages, remember to change the name in all localized InfoPlist.strings files.

Summary Table

By following these steps and considerations, you can effectively change the name of your iOS app in Xcode without disrupting the app's functionality or user experience. Make sure to thoroughly test the app after renaming it to catch any issues that might arise due to the change.