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want to start learning developing ios apps. dont have a mac.

whats the cheapest out there that i can start building apps on?

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  • 0
    Cheapest what? Mac computer? Platform? Framework?
  • 0
    @kheftel meant cheapest mac
  • 1
    You're absolute best bet is to buy a refurbished mini Mac.
    Like, don't even attempt to program for iOS without a Apple Mac.
  • 0
    @compSci Mac mini*
  • 0
    Yup Mac mini. Or do what I did and use a framework that lets you develop from PC, but you'll still need a Mac to submit to the app store.
  • 0
    @compSci what year model? or any macmini will do?
  • 0
    @noisyass2 preferably one that's capable of running OS X
    However, you could get a 2012 one an upgrade the ram.
  • 0
    @kheftel u mean like phonegap or something? i wud still need a mac to test it on an iphone right?
  • 0
    @noisyass2 https://tech.trade/apple-laptops/...

    A link to a certified Apple refurbishment company. Not sure where your from but it'll give you an idea on what to look for.

    Best of luck.
  • 1
    You could 'potentially' do most of your development ment without a mac, however you will need to sign the app and submit it to the store. If you have frequent access to a mac that has, or could have, xcode installed you could get away with getting one at all, aside from that your cheapest option is a macmini and upgrading the ram/Hdd yourself.
  • 0
    Question/comment.
    Couldn't you dual boot with Mac os? If so, anyone know if you would still have problems uploading to the store? I would like to think that if they're checking stats from your local machine it would only pick up os info and not be looking at hardware specs.
  • 1
    To upload to the store, you need a modern Mac with the Application Loader program on it. A hackintosh might work if you can get a modern version of OS X on it.

    To program in native code (swift/objc), you need Xcode, which requires OS X.

    So a Mac is still the easiest scenario.

    I make Adobe air apps (works on iOS and android, programmed in as3) and while I have a Mac now, I was able to develop on PC and test on iphone using adobe's tools. I just couldn't submit to the store from PC.
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    @kheftel a vm of OSX is easier than a hackintosh. And it can be run on an AMD card. However I cannot 'claim to have person experience' nor can I claim that the process is 'pretty straight forward if you know how to Google and follow a blog tutorial' nor can I claim that 'a VM of OSX actually runs pretty good even on a low end laptop'. I always follow the end user agreement and I would never break the terms of service to Apple that requires OSX only be Installed on Apple labeled hardware. I think it's reasonable for a multimillion dollar company dictate what hardware I can install their software on.
  • 0
    @brettmoan what vm software may work for an OSX vm? I was 'told' virtualbox had problems running osx on an amd processor
  • 0
    @brettmoan hahaha nice :)
  • 0
    @jckimble vmware, but only if you find some batch scripts with enable the functionality. But "I've never done that before no siree". ;)
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