My MacBook tells me that I can't download Xcode because I don't have the latest version of iOS. Is there a alternative?

Hi Taurean. Welcome to Treehouse!

You don't need to update your laptop, and you don't need to have an Apple Developer's account, but you do need to have an Apple ID. Just follow the link Thomas provided and sign in with your Apple ID.

If your MacBook is running OS X El Capitan, you will need to download Xcode 8.2.1. You may notice some drag with Xcode and even some (many) glitches, this is just the way Xcode is... very buggy, glitchy, and annoying.

You will be fine with this version (8.2.1), as all current courses here on Treehouse run this version or earlier. In fact, while taking courses here, I'd recommend not updating to Xcode 8.3.x until you've completed all current courses here. Once future courses are released and start using 8.3.x, then you may need to upgrade, but for now you will be better off if you are using the same versions of software as the courses.

Hope this helps. :)

Keep Coding!