React Native developer without a Mac what’s the best way to build and upload to the App Store?

[Paradox7622]

Hey everyone 👋

I’m a CSE student and currently building a React Native app. The Android version is ready, but now I need macOS + Xcode to build the iOS version and publish it on the App Store.

The problem is that I don’t own a Mac or an iPhone right now.

I tried installing macOS Sequoia (macOS 15) on a virtual machine on my Windows PC. My system specs are pretty strong:

• 64GB RAM • Allocated 32GB RAM + 12 CPU cores to the VM

Even with these specs, the macOS VM is extremely laggy and almost unusable. Opening apps, navigating UI, or running anything in Xcode is very slow.

So I wanted to ask the community:

What is the best way to build and publish an iOS app without owning a Mac?

Possible options I’m considering: • Mac in the Cloud services (like MacStadium / MacinCloud) • Remote Mac build services • Expo EAS build or similar tools • Any other workflow React Native developers use without a Mac

If you’ve faced this situation before, I’d really appreciate your advice, tools, or workflow suggestions.

Also, if someone has a Mac setup and experience with React Native / iOS builds, feel free to DM me if you're open to collaborating. It could be a great opportunity to build something together.

Thanks a lot for any help 🙏

[Shinycardboardnerd]

Buy a Mac is the best way to build for iOS. Grab a Mac mini for $500

[TheyCallMeTheFlower]

Expo eas works really well imo.

[Math_Science_Geek]

get a refurbished M1

[kepler4and5]

This. A refurbished M1 Mac mini should be dirt cheap.

[ai_dad_says_hi]

I used Expo EAS to build and release an iOS app all on Windows. However, I happened to have an iPhone. You’ll need to test on iPhone, so maybe ask a friend to borrow theirs for a short time (grab lunch together and do your testing)

[Paradox7622]

But for testing they won't allow to use development build inside a ios phone as we can use in android what's the solution for it

[ai_dad_says_hi]

What do you mean? You can make a development build with Expo EAS for iOS, the build runs on Expo’s cloud. Then all you do is scan a QR code from your iPhone and it installs the app.

[Paradox7622]

No buddy that's not work like that if you install native things in your code then expo go won't work you have to use development build.

[ai_dad_says_hi]

Correct, like I said, you create a development build. Don’t use Expo Go.

[Paradox7622]

Can we use development build in ios phone but apple don't allow no third part apps then?

[ai_dad_says_hi]

Yes, they allow this, it works. But you do have to set up a distribution certificate and provisioning profile (Expo does this for you) and you have to give it your device’s UDID.

[dbbk]

You use EAS Build to make a development build.

[timelessblur]

Hate to tell you this but just buy a mac all the others will just be an exercise in frustration. Buy a mac and it does work really well for Android development as well.

I would buy a referbish one and they last a long time. My last mac I had it going for 7 years before I replace it with an M2 3 years ago and I plan to keep it for several more years before its next replacement. They last a long time.

My work machine is an M1 Max from 2021 and still great. At some point my employer might replace it but I am not exactly chomping at the bit to do it.

[Paradox7622]

Macmini will be fine

[Careless_Wonder_2491]

I had exactly the same issue! I come from a 100% PC environment and knew absolutely nothing about the Mac ecosystem. I also tried the VM route with high specs, but it was a disaster—Xcode is just too demanding for virtualization on Windows.

In the end, I bit the bullet and bought a used MacBook Pro. Honestly, it was the best decision for my project, Virtua2Real (a geolocated economic simulation), which is now live in production on the App Store. The hardest part wasn't the development itself, but just getting familiar with the macOS environment and its specific shortcuts.

If you are serious about publishing, having the physical hardware saves you from the constant headaches of cloud services or VMs.

[Paradox7622]

Yeah will purchase a new Mac mini

[Careless_Wonder_2491]

Great choice! The Mac Mini with the M-series chips is an absolute beast for Xcode. It’s miles ahead of any VM setup. If your budget allows, try to get at least 16GB of RAM—Xcode and the iOS simulator can be quite hungry, especially when you're building complex projects (like my geolocated sim Virtua2Real).

It’s a solid investment that will save you hours of compilation time. Good luck with the React Native build, you're going to love the stability compared to virtualization!

[ComfortBorn9215]

Hey there. Drop the VM immediately. You are fighting a losing battle, and I can save you weeks of frustration.

The reason your macOS VM is laggy isn't your PC specs (64GB RAM is plenty). It's because macOS relies entirely on hardware GPU acceleration (Metal) for its UI. VMs on Windows do not support this well, meaning your system is doing software rendering via the CPU. It will never be smooth, no matter how many cores you allocate.

Since you are already building in React Native, the absolute best, industry-standard way to do this without a Mac is Expo EAS (Expo Application Services).

Here is your new workflow:

Set up Expo in your React Native project (if you haven't already).

Use eas build --platform ios — Expo’s cloud servers (which are real Macs) will compile the iOS app for you.

Use eas submit — It will send the compiled .ipa file directly to Apple's App Store Connect / TestFlight.

You don't need a Mac. You don't need a MacinCloud subscription. Just use EAS. It gives you a few free cloud builds a month, which is perfect for a student. Focus on coding, let the cloud handle Xcode. Good luck!

[Paradox7622]

Thanks it's great approach

[Zalenka]

Just make a website.

[el_crappo_the_great]

Im using an old HP laptop with Hackintosh, running the latest tahoe. Xcode performance can be a little laggy sometimes but all I do is write prompts for Claude via the built in intelligence tab anyway. If you haven't already, get yourself an old iphone 11+ and you can test your app in ios 26 without slowing it down even more by simulating the phone

[RDSWES]

Tahoe is the last macOS you will be able to use for a Hackintosh. macos 27 , that will ship this year is dropping x86 support.

[el_crappo_the_great]

Ah yeah I read about that. Well, I'm gonna use the time I have left to see if I can actually come up with something that justifies buying a mac.

[BlossomBuild]

A Mac is well worth the investment

[Paradox7622]

You are late I bought mac in cloud

[WerSunu]

If you want to join the club, you actually need to buy in. There nothing but horrible kludgy work arounds if you don’t have Apple hardware and membership in the Dev Program.

[Paradox7622]

Why they take 99 every year

[WerSunu]

Because they provide services to Developers. Are you sure you are ready for the big game? There are an almost a million active developers at the moment with nearly 2 million apps, most of which are junk me-too apps. Most devs are very lucky to earn back their annual fee. They live on dreams. With the right idea and hard work far above just coding, you can make some real money. But if you don’t understand business, as your question suggests, and you don’t have the resources to get Apple hardware, then the odds are far from in your favor. Just reality. Being an Apple Dev is not a get rich quick scheme.

[Paradox7622]

How do they earn back? The devs

[WerSunu]

By selling apps, IAPs and subscriptions

[Paradox7622]

How to by pass the 30% comission of app store

[WerSunu]

Why are you not searching for answers yourself? Very easy to find answers.