



That includes Xcode IDE, Swift, C/C++/Objective-C compilers, Instruments analysis tool, simulators, and SDKs for the latest versions of iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and macOS. It is a free download from the Mac App Store and the current version is 13.3,1 the time of writing. Xcode is the primary tool for macOS and iOS development and it is only available on the Mac.Even if you developed your app using something other than a Mac, you will need a Mac to compile the final product that is uploaded to the App Store.It costs $99 annually (about £80 in the UK) and gives you access to beta software, advanced app capabilities, extensive beta testing tools, and app analytics (more information here.) To just test and deploy applications you only need an Apple ID, but you will need to be a member of the Developer Program if you want to sell your apps on the App Store. Membership of the Apple Developer Program.To develop an iOS or Mac app you will need the following: Why you need a Mac for iOS & macOS development If you want to skip the buying advice, you can jump straight to our recommendation of the best Mac for developers. We’ll take a look at those questions below. You may even be wondering if you should choose a Mac with an Intel processor. You may be wondering if Apple’s M1 or M2 Macs are good enough for developers or if the M2 Pro, M2 Max or M1 Ultra would be better. Whether you are a seasoned app developer looking to update your Mac to something more substantial, or just trying your hand at creating an app for the first time and hoping to find a low cost Mac that’s good enough for the purpose, we will help you find the best Mac for your needs. We also reveal the minimum Mac you need for coding – including whether a MacBook Air will be sufficient.

In this article we will look at why a Mac is necessary for iOS development and why a Mac is a great choice for developers. Do you have a great idea for an iOS app or a Mac app? Looking for the right Mac to code it on? You’ve come to the right place.
