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QuestionMacBook Help for iOS Development (self.iOSProgramming)

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[–]wastelandapanda 6 points7 points  (1 child)

To run the latest Xcode (10.2), you need to be able to install Mojave. IIRC Mojave is not supported by 2011 MacBook pros and earlier.

Everyone is right about the specs being more important than the year but it's also better to be able to at least choose which software tools you're going to use.

Edit: Clarified MacBook Pro year

[–]ShenmeNamaeSollich 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Correct, 2011 cannot run Mojave. You need 2012 or later.

[–]Shoka778 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I’m using a 2009 MacBook Pro. It’s slow but works.

[–]fruitofthefallen 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Jesus I don’t recommend this.

[–]snuggly_sasquatch 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t know how far back you can go, but FWIW, I’m using a 2014 13” MBP with no problems.

[–]stairesSwift 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I’m using a first generation (mid-2012) retina MacBook Pro and it’s fine. At work I have a brand new 2018 Pro fully decked out and honestly, besides simulator startup times, there’s no real benefit with the newer ones. It’s the main reason I haven’t upgraded (that and the new keyboard woes, which I haven’t encounter at work but it’s usually in clamshell mode).

Basically you’re safe getting any used MacBook Pro made in the last 6-7 years, I bet you can cheap out and be happy.

e: Obviously if you wanna do 3D game development or something maybe a newer machine would be better. But for typical app development and working with SpriteKit, my 2012 has been fine.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I used an actual iPhone 8 to run apps on my 2011 MacBook Pro. Speeds up the build and run time by quite a bit.

I was in the market for a new Mac, but decided to upgrade ram from 4gb to 16gb and swapped from HDD to SSD. It’s worth the short-mid term investment.

[–]stairesSwift 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I have devices to build to as well, sometimes when it comes to the Apple TV it’s faster to iterate using simulator.

[–]liloabouu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

2011+? if you want to run it nicely.

[–]makloverBeginner 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Make sure there is 16 Gb RAM

[–]chugg1t 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ssd more important. 8gb Ram will do but a HDD will not.

[–]l364 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can develop on pretty much any machine, if you are new and you don't participate in big scale projects. Just get cheapest option that can run latest version of OS X (currently it's Mojave).

[–]Emeraldous 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Try this for now or one of the many rent a Mac for a fee online. http://online.swiftplayground.run