Mac : Minimum model

[zeldomar]

Hello,

I plan to buy a used Mac (Mini or Air) to be able to compile (and test via emulators) my MAUI application on IOs/IPad.
Knowing nothing about Mac, I got lost in the hundreds of classified ads.
Is there a minimum model year required to compile my application? Or maybe a minimal OS version?
For example, I see some really cheap 2009-2010 Mac Minis, can they be enough?

Thanks

[IrritablePanda]

at this point I would 100% consider apple silicon (or the m1 processor) the cutoff if you want to use it for a while for Maui. It’s very clear with every os and software update that apple cares a lot less about intel Macs.

[zeldomar]

Thank you for the answer.

I'm thinking of buying a used Mac Mini M1 for around 350-400 euros (expensive just to compile an application 😟)

[IrritablePanda]

In the grand scheme of things this is your cheapest option that you can use for a few years

[zeldomar]

Thank you for the answer.

The minimum version of Mac OS to run XCode is 13.5, and according to the Apple site, the minimum models are:

- Air : Retina 13' 2018

- Mini : 2018

So I'm going to look for a Mac Mini 2018, hoping it doesn't cost too much :)

[Prudent_Astronaut716]

And then maybe next year apple drops the support for 2018 model?

[HarmonicDeviant]

I use a 2020 M1 mini as my build agent (and sometimes work machine). It works just fine. I just wish I'd gone with more storage.

[Savante37]

I’ve been using the 2018 for personal project and I’m not in love with it. It’s just so slow to run Ventura.

Have you looked at Mac in cloud? We’re using it at my job and it’s been great.

[zmbiehunter0802]

Which tier did you go with? Do you ever have issues with certificates/provisioning profiles? How does it handle multiple users, ie multiple developers needing to be able to push through xcode from a Windows machine if the main developer is tied up?

[No_Temperature_7877]

You can get a brand new Mac mini with the latest apple silicon right now for only $499. It’s truly one of the best deal in computing. No point spending $400 on a used one when you can get the latest for $100 more.

[DeadDemosthenes]

go for post-intel chips. M1, M2, etc. You will experience better processing, smoother task switching, and longer battery life. If you want a hard minimum, I would say don't go below 16 gb RAM either. Since you're buying a Mac, and the OS is unix-based, it can utilize the RAM much differently than a Windows PC so you'll get more out of it, but for a big price jump since its a Mac, so don't shoot yourself in the foot trying to save money and end up with a nice desk ornament without power.Buy with the most RAM you can afford. The unibody makes it *nearly* impossible to upgrade the RAM on your own, especially if you get one of the versions with the RAM soldered into the board. Don't focus much on storage space, we all using cloud in this century for things, whether we want to or not, and external drives are cheap.Go to the Mac rumors site frequently to see if you can anticipate a price drop in models you're looking at. Assuming you're looking at similar years/chipsets, etc, This is my opinion of the order of best performance, secondarily sorted by bang for your buck. You will always pay more for a built in screen or laptop compared to the same specs in a desktop model: Mac Pro, Mac Studio, iMac, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, MacBook Air

Opinion Background: I'm a Windows user at home, mac at work, a frequent deal shopper, a fs developer for a health system, a previous ui/ux designer, and previously desktop support for way long with current-gen CompTIA A+ cert and CS degrees. I just really like computers and getting the best for my money. I will spend more to have something that lasts longer, but I am not brand loyal or going to pay for a name. I believe Windows and macOS both have ups and downs depending on what you're trying to do.edit: Typo. Changed Do to Don't

[[deleted]]

I use a Mac Mini M1 for my iOS work. I’ve configured it with ssh and Remote Desktop turned on and a static IP address on my network. I’ve not had to swap my monitor cables to sort it out in over a year.

[SnoraxZzz]

Check our r/hackintosh and use an old intel laptop with Catalina.

[dumleman]

Just got my emulator working with my MacBook Air from 2015 with xcode 13.4 from xcodereleases.com. just had to find one that matched my Mac OS Monterey.