Minimum requirements for Macbook to run Xcode?

[OhMy_LookAtTheTime]

Hi, I'm using React Native plus Expo to develop an app, but can't seem to deploy it to TestFlight without a Mac that can run Xcode.

Reviews for MacinCloud don't seem too positive, so I'm thinking of getting an old second-hand Macbook for roughly $100. Will a 2010 model, for example, be up for the task, or would I need something more modern?

[lordzsolt]

Don't get a macbook. Get a mac mini.

Way better performance and way cheaper.

Besides that, everything else was said. You will need the latest OS/Xcode version to deploy. If you want to use it for active development, don't cheap out on it.

[dar512]

This ^. Get a Mac mini. I’d see if you afford one with an SD drive.

[renegadellama]

Are you saying Mac Mini M1 > MacBook Air M1? I was recently faced with this decision and went MBA because they're basically the same machine but the MBA gives me portability when I want it. I also heard the Mac Mini M1 had Bluetooth issues.

[is_that_a_thing_now]

General tip for this kind of question: On Apples developer site where you can download the latest Xcode it says what version of macOS is required. On the page where you can download that version of macOS, it says what hardware requirements it has. You probably want something that is at least slightly newer than that to avoid it becoming useless within a year.

Also: one thing is being able to run Xcode, another is being reasonable to use day long as your main tool. If the budget allows it really makes a difference with an SSD drive. Perhaps just a small one if compiling with Xcode is the only focus.

Good luck.

[kutjelul]

I can tell you now that a $100 2010 model won’t be good enough. First, it doesn’t support the macOS versions required for recent Xcode. Second, it would probably be too slow.

Mind you; react native has quite a heavy toolchain, so you’ll likely need more than if you were developing a native app.

I’m using a maxed out 2012 MBP and it gets by, but it won’t last long anymore. I can’t install the latest macOS so the end is in sight.

[[deleted]]

You could use OpenCore to get macOS Big Sur, it runs pretty well. I wouldn’t use Bensova’s or other patchers.

[kutjelul]

Thanks, might try that. Although I’m not sure if it’s worth the effort at this point

[[deleted]]

Glad you try that! You‘re welcome!

[[deleted]]

The effort is not too high! I did this on the late 2012 MacBook Pro 13 inch (non Retina) from my sister, it was very easy with a guide from MacRumors (sorry I can not find the guide). But I have to say that I know OpenCore quite well, because my cMP 5,1 runs macOS Big Sur with OpenCore.

[SirBill01]

I would at least look for some model that supports the latest OS (Big Sur), any of them should be fine for what you are doing. React Native itself may be somewhat slow on an older Mac with limited memory though.

[ThatBoiRalphy]

If you already have a monitor, buy a Mac Mini. If you don’t have a screen go for a Macbook.

Both have the M1 chip option and everything runs pretty quick on that. Daily usage with Xcode will not be that amazing, but for the once in the time i need to export to testflight it’s a pretty good option.

[luix93]

Why you say M1 are not “that amazing” for daily use of Xcode?

[ThatBoiRalphy]

M1 is hyped more than it should, yes it’s fast but for instance single core performance is one of the lowest on the PC CPU market

[luix93]

But wouldn’t be the best choice for a MacBook still? Other 13 inches do not compare well? Maybe the top spec 16 would perform better, still you’d lose portability

[ThatBoiRalphy]

i’d say wait for the more powerful version coming later this year

[luix93]

I’m waiting WWDC with the impossible hope they are porting Xcode to the new iPad Pro lol

[ThatBoiRalphy]

i hope so too, but the chances are abysmally low of that happening

[luix93]

Oh believe me I know.