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Development Tools

Mac Mini for Beginner iOS Development?

So, I have an ASUS X540LJ with an intel i7-5500U CPU at 2.4 GHz, 1TB of storage and 8GB of RAM as my daily driver / android development PC. However, I intend to develop apps for iOS as well as android (or rather, make my apps accessible from both platforms), and need a device with Mac OS. I don't have a macbook and don't want to spend too much money. Would a Mac mini work for developing apps in Xcode? In particular, a $499 refurbished Mac mini (The same specs as a $599 Mac mini for the same price I think?). I would only be using it for Xcode and iOS simulator. For the rest (Android Studio, Web browsing, etc, I'll be using my ASUS).

Ethan Rivas
Ethan Rivas
9,979 Points

Totally worth my friend, my mac mini works very good with Xcod and Ios simulator :)

2 Answers

The Mac Mini will do just fine for that. I know many freelance devs and even companies that have a Mac Mini just for that specific purpose. My only recommendation is, if you can swing it, go for a Mac Mini that has an SSD instead of a traditional hard drive, that'll make a huge difference speed-wise.

Shezan Kazi
Shezan Kazi
10,807 Points

Hi Raymond, I actually asked myself the very same question and ended up getting a VmWare Image for OS X which now runs on my ThinkPad.

My last experience with a VM didn't go so well. :(