“pod init” creates error that says “You need at least git version 1.8.5 to use CocoaPods”

It needs to set your command line tool version, in your Xcode (Preferences).

You can download latest command line tool from Apple Download Portal, if you have paid apple developer account/id.

Here are current stable and beta Xcode Tools and supporting command line tool download links. (Ensure you’re logged in using premium developer account on Apple Developer Account to access these links)

Xcode 11

• Xcode 11.2 beta 2
  
  – (Command Line Tool (Xcode 11.2 beta 2) – for macOS 10.14)

• Xcode 11
  
  – (Command Line Tool (Xcode 11) – for macOS 10.14)

Xcode 10

• Xcode 10.2.1
  
  – (Command Line Tool (Xcode 10.2.1) – for macOS 10.14)

• Xcode 10.2
  
  – (Command Line Tool (Xcode 10.2) – for macOS 10.14)

• Xcode 10.1
  
  – (Command Line Tool (Xcode 10.1) – for macOS 10.14)
  
  – (Command Line Tool (Xcode 10.1) – for macOS 10.13)

• Xcode 10
  
  – (Command Line Tool (Xcode 10) – for macOS 10.14)
  
  – (Command Line Tool (Xcode 10) – for macOS 10.13)

Once you’ve latest command line tool installed in your system, set it from Xcode Menu.

(Xcode Menu Items) Xcode ► Preferences ► Location ► Command Line Tool ► Select appropriate command line tool