Although it is possible to compile R using tools from other package managers such as Homebrew, MacPorts or Fink, such binaries are by definition incompatible with macOS native libraries and applications. NOTE: In order to retain compatibility with native R we recommend using above tools. You can download an installer package (242MB) - for more details and other download options see R 4.3.0 and higher uses universal GNU Fortran 12.2 compiler.

Unfortunately Xcode doesn't contain a Fortran compiler, therefore you will have to install one. R and some contributed package require a FORTRAN compiler. Which installs Xcode command line tools which are sufficient to build R (however, if you want to also build the R.app GUI you do need the full Xcode installation).

On modern macOS versions you can simply use Older versions are available in the 'more' section of the Developer pages (Apple developer account necessary). Xcode can be obtained from Apple AppStore and the Xcode developer page.

In order to compile R for macOS, you will need the following tools:

Installing xcode on mac