GUID V4 - Random-Based Identifier (Recommended)
GUID v4 is the most widely used random-based identifier. Learn about its structure, collision probability, advantages and why it is recommended for general-purpose applications.
How to Generate UUIDs in Swift
Generate UUIDs in Swift with Foundation's UUID() for native random v4 values. If your app needs UUID v7, use a third-party RFC 9562-compatible package because the standard Foundation API does not expose it directly.
Recommendation: use native Foundation UUIDs for simple app and model identifiers, and only add UUID v7 through a package when ordered IDs materially help your storage or sync flows.
How to generate UUID v4 in Swift
let id = UUID()
print(id.uuidString)How to generate UUID v7 in Swift
Swift Foundation does not provide native UUID v7 generation. Use a third-party package that explicitly documents RFC 9562 UUID v7 support if you need sortable UUID values.
// Foundation does not expose native UUID v7 generation.
// Use a third-party RFC 9562-compatible package when UUID v7 is required.Native support notes
- Swift uses UUID terminology through Foundation's
UUIDtype. UUID()creates RFC 4122 version 4 random bytes.- UUID v7 is not part of the standard Swift Foundation API surface.
Practical notes
- Use native UUID v4 for app state, local persistence, and network payload identifiers.
- Adopt one UUID v7 package consistently if Swift and backend code must sort by creation time.
- Keep string formatting consistent if your app exchanges UUIDs with Objective-C or server APIs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Foundation provides
UUID(), which is the standard native API for random UUID generation in Swift.Yes. Apple's Foundation documentation states that
UUID() creates RFC 4122 version 4 random bytes.No. UUID v7 requires a third-party package because Foundation does not expose a native Swift API for it.
Learn more
These articles expand on related concepts, formats and practical considerations.