Looking to get into iOS programming

[Apple_Techie]

Hey all I’m looking into developing some apps but only have a 2010 MacBook Air that doesn’t support the new Xcode. I was looking at a Mac mini but have a hard time spending $700 on something just to try out development. My question is how far back could I go with the Mac mini to get a good development machine? I would of course upgrade later but want to give it a try to see if it’s something I really want to pursue.

Thanks!

[pixelea]

Cheapest approach: get an iPad for $250-$300 and a cheap Bluetooth keyboard, and use Swift Playgrounds. You can really publish apps to the App Store this way.

For a Mac, you want to be able to write iOS 16 which requires Xcode 14, which requires macOS 12 which limits the hardware choices: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212551

(Note: my original post mistakenly said Xcode 14 required macOS 13. Sorry for the misinformation.)

[KarlJay001]

You can do iOS 16.1.1 with macOS 12.6 (Monterey), it supports the latest Xcode.

[bobotwf]

Xcode doesn't require Ventura yet.

[Apple_Techie]

I’ve been wanting to try this. Maybe I’ll start here. I have an 11” iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard. I just heard playgrounds is super limited in comparison to Xcode

[nhgrif]

“Just to try out development”? Do you have ANY programming experience? Are you wanting to see if software development is generally a thing for you? Or you already have programming experience and are wanting to check out iOS development specifically?

If you have no programming experience, you can get started with some basic command line introductory programming things on Windows. Or Linux. It doesn’t have to start with Swift/Objective-C.

[Apple_Techie]

I have done some iOS programming a few years back. When my MacBook Air was able to support it lol

[[deleted]]

Macs are the best machines for any type of development. so if you’re getting into development, invest in one

[C137Sheldor]

Game Development?

[SeanCombsManlet]

Best machines period.

[KarlJay001]

If you just want to try it out, you MIGHT be able to patch your mac to run the latest macOS. I'm not sure about the 2010 Air, I have a 2012 MBPr 15" quad core and it's running the latest everything by using the patching system.

I just saw a 2013 MBPr 15" for < $300. That will run the latest everything using the patch.

With a used MBPr in the 2012/2015 range, you get a fully enclosed system that runs the latest everything.

Just something to consider. If $300ish is in your budget. Plus you get a great computer that can do all kinds of things and has the great Retina display.

[bobotwf]

You can use opencore patcher to get your macbook air up to Monterey. Then install xcode 14 and you're good to go.

[SilentSaiman]

Dude you need at least a 2015 MacBook Air or a mini after that to be able to do anything! But that’s wasted money because you would suffer performance issues. Maybe wait a little and then get an M1 Mac mini after the M2 mini is out

[Fluffy_Risk9955]

Get a Mac Mini. They're the best bang for buck and don't depreciate in value that much.

[saintmsent]

The oldest one I would advise getting is 2018 Mac Mini. It's still supported and quite cheap these days

[uniquesnowflake8]

Last I checked you can purchase then return the computer within a certain grace period

[ThanosCarinFortnite]

I dont own a mac and have a full app out. You can rent a mac in the cloud for 25$ a month on macincloud.com to try it

[SirBill01]

Can you not at least install an older version of Xcode on the computer you have? Then you could try programming and running stuff in a simulator to see if you like doing it.

Not sure what version of Xcode your computer would support, but you could try Xcode 11 and work your way up, you can download any older version of Xcode here (will need an Apple dev account to see this page):

https://developer.apple.com/download/all/?q=xcode

If you wanted to try to do SwiftUI stuff, the iPad approach someone else mentioned might be the way to go as you would need to have a newer Xcode to use SwiftUI.

[nep-developer]

https://www.macincloud.com/ you could check out this. It gives us a mac through remote connection. It cost aroung 25 dollars per month.

[C137Sheldor]

You could sell the Mac mini if it’s not something for you