Do you have a good idea if you want to capture it as an iOS app or macOS? Looking for a code development team? You've reached the right place. In this article we show you the computer configuration recommended for software development.
If it turns out you are an experienced app developer who wants you to upgrade your Mac to build and upgrade applications faster, we help you find a Mac that can best meet your needs.
What Macro should have to develop iOS or macOS programs
In addition to the computer configuration that allows you to upgrade applications, we also list below some features to consider:
- He is Apple Development Program. In fact, late last year, the company launched a A program to enhance the development of business applications, which you can find here.
To test and run applications you just need to have an Apple ID that you can introduce yourself to the Developer program if you want to sell your applications in the App Store.
- You should know that, even if you have developed an app using something other than Mac, you will need a Mac computer to make the final product uploaded to the App Store.
- Xcode is the main tool for macOS and iOS development and is only available on Mac free music available in the Mac application store and the current version is 10.1.
It includes some additional tools like Swift 4.2.1 and SDK to get the latest versions of iOS, watchOS, tvOS and macOS. Remember that Xcode requires MacOS High Sierra 10.13.6 to run.
- Xcode 10 also requires a Mac that can run MacOS Sierra 10.13.6 or later.
Above all else mentioned, there are many benefits to being an Apple developer community. Even if you are not integrated into one of Apple's platforms, you can work on all major systems on Mac, whether it is Windows, Linux or others.
So, you can use your Mac to develop programs for any other platform. Do you want to make your app version for Android devices? No problem, you can integrate it.
You should know that while it is currently possible to use macOS on computers other than Mac, it is something we do not recommend. You can turn to what is called hackintosh, something other people do, but this article gives a long and hard talking about another topic.
How to choose the best Mac to program
We just told him he would need a Mac that couldto use MacOS High Sierra 10.13.6 to run the latest version of Xcode, and here are computers that meet these requirements.
- MacBook (late 2009 or later)
- MacBook Pro (mid-2010 or later)
- MacBook Air (late 2010 or later)
- Mac mini (mid-2010 or later)
- iMac (from late 2009 or later)
- Mac Pro (mid-2010 or later)
- iMac Pro
Obviously, you might want to use Mojave, which is where this Mac list is supported:
- Mac 2012 or later models
- iMac Pro (from 2017)
- 2015 MacBook models or later
- 2012 or later MacBook Pro models
- 2012 or the latest MacBook Air models
- Mac mini 2012 models or later
- Mac Pro models from late 2013 (in addition to mid-2010 and mid-2012 models with compatible Metal GPUs)
That said, which Mac would be the best upgrade system?
As you have seen, there are many aforementioned compatible models, both handheld or in desktop or Macac mode. Some are more adaptable to development, but others can give you good coding times if you are one of those who make a living.
So, to find the best Mac that allows you to upgrade apps, you should consider the following:
- Will it provide a great place to code?
- Is the configuration I'm buying a bet in the future?
- Does the Mac cost more than I want to spend?
Let's take a closer look at all the exciting features, such as screen, carry, navigation, s torage, battery life, connection ports, and CPU and RAM.
Screen
One of the most deciding factors to consider. As a developer, you may have multiple applications and windows open at the same time, such as a web browser, text editor and Xcode IDE (integrated development environments), to name a few.
It is for this reason that you will be able to have a large format screen so you don't feel overwhelmed (even more so when using Unity3d to improve the game).
Here, the 27-inch Macac plays the advantage of having the largest screen, with a Retina 5K model that will be one of the best from Apple's you can buy today. In fact, if you want a 5K screen with these adjustment numbers, it's better to buy a 27-inch Mac than to choose a single screen.
But do developers need a 27-inch Macac? Obviously not, because if you choose a MacBook you'll have a number of edits of planning anywhere (when inspiration comes to you), with the incentive to be able to add a second monitor.
You might consider a 15-inch MacBook Pro model, but would it be enough with a 13-inch MacBook Pro or a cheap MacBook Air? And a 12-inch MacBook?
The difference between a 15-inch Macbook and a 13-inch Macbook doesn't seem very cut except for the slight difference in inches on their screens. Choosing a MacBook Air wasn't a good option, but after Apple's 2018 update, things have changed for the better.
And that beyond the screen size, it's nice to see that it's compatible with retina mode. All Apple retail equipment includes Retina observations, including the Macbook Air 2018, but you should know that the older ones do not have one when selecting the best handheld market.
The 12-inch MacBook option only works if it's more important to have a compact and lightweight computer, but you should know that the MacBook Air 13 and MacBook Pro 13 are larger but offer more.
For any MacBook you choose, we recommend that you include in your budget a second screen purchase when working from home, because as a program, you'll benefit from a larger viewing area.
Both Air and Pro support two additional 4K type screens, or a 5K screen. You might also consider a Mac mini, because it is compatible with a 5K screen, or two of the 4K version.
We can't ignore the advent of the new 16-inch MacBook Pro, which, despite being a big budget, opens up a large 16-inch retina display, larger format than it used to be, where everything is a screen with more than 500 feet of display once and a variety of colors.
Setup
The application encoding process provided will not require the same resources that Mac wants to play when playing a large graphics theme. However, if you are developing a lifecycle and developing applications, you will be able to fine-tune the encoding, even though many processes are already taking place in the cloud.
So, what are the best indicators to consider on your Mac? Let's talk about CPU, RAM and storage.
RAM
When we talk about programming, the amount of RAM is the key. Xcode uses a lot of memory and if you use other applications, such as Photoshop, your system will soon have problems or delays.
This way, you'll need a computer with at least 8 GB of RAM, so get rid of previous generations with 4 or 2 GB. If you happen to be buying a new device, consider getting it already with 16 GB of RAM thinking about the future.
As a rule, Macs have shown that it is difficult to update. In some cases it is possible to do so, but it is probably never easy, and you generally risk even going for a warranty. Don't expect to save money by updating it over time, because the components are expensive.
CPU
At this point, you should remember that in programming environments you will not need to find the fastest or latest generation processor. Now, among the various Apple computers, it is not uncommon for you to find Intel processors of a generation or so ago.
Some Macs were renewed in 2019, while others did in 2018. But there is also a configuration for 2017 or earlier. The older generation processor may have more GHz, but the newer with less GHz keeps it faster and more efficient.
Another factor to consider is the type of processor and its cores. Do you need Six-Core, Quad-Core, or will a double key be enough? What about the Core i3 or i5 models compared to the more powerful i7?
You should be aware that you will not need to install Intel Xeon processors, as supplied by Mac Pro or Mac Pro, unless you are planning something for high graphics use.
Therefore, choosing a Core i5 dual-core processor for encoding may not be enough. Or MacBook Air with Core i3. But if you have a high budget, do not concentrate on getting more processor cores as it is something that you cannot replace later.
Storage
Unlike CPU or RAM, basic code does not require much storage. It is always advisable to avoid the use of hard drives, so get rid of the Mac or basic level of Mac mini or older used for Mac models.
You will notice that Xcode integration takes longer when your Mac has a hard drive of machines. Instead, choose models with SSD flash drive. If you worry about running out of storage, you can always choose an external disk.
Battery life
Battery life is an important factor if you are one of those who take the opportunity to travel and travel for moments of inspiration. With the MacBook Air you will have 12 hours of autonomy compared to the standard 10 hours of MacBook Pro.
What not to buy a MacBook Air from 2015 to 2017 as its screen is not Retina. In this case, the best screen of the Pro model is ready, even if you have to consider the loss of two hours of battery life.
Ports and Statistics
Connectivity with ports is always important for equipment, as soon you will have to switch to them even at the right time. It is something that Apple has recently cut to provide lighter and less expensive machines.
A clear example is the 12-inch MacBook where you will find only the USB Type-C port to use to charge your battery. If you want to connect your device to an external display with extra storage, make sure you have enough ports.
Fortunately, the new models come with the Thunderbolt 3 port integrated with the USB C port to offer the best of both worlds. MacBook Pro 13 has 2 ports Thunderbolt 3; the MacBook Pro 15 has 4 ports Thunderbolt; and MacBook Air offers 2 ports Thunderbolt 3. MacBook only offers USB C without Thunderbolt.
It's not the same case of the iMac, because both the 21.5 and 27-inch ports have 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports, 3 USB 3 ports and an SDXC card slot. The 2018 Mac offers 3 Thunderbolt 3 ports alongside USB 3 and HDMI.
Which Mac is the best in the system?
In this section we will see the best and worst of each Mac computer to use in code. If you want to decide between MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac or Mac Mini, read on.
MacBook Pro
There are two different sizes to choose from: 13 or 16 inches (the last to arrive). Both sizes have a Retina display and you'll find them with a touch bar, whether you like it or not, while there's a cheaper 13-inch MacBook Pro version outside the Touch Bar.
Although the bar is not a profitable bar for coding, Apple has prevented the use of faster processes on models with a touch bar, so if you're looking to make the most of the CPU, choose the more expensive model.
The 16-inch model will give you a larger viewing area, which will be useful if you need to have multiple windows open at the same time. It also comes with 16 GB of RAM as a basic configuration.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro would be a good option if you need to have more autonomy, with the encouragement that its price is exactly the same as the MacBook Air, which is slightly cheaper.
Look here our review of the 13-inch MacBook Pro, or the Apple-16-inch MacBook Pro review.
MacBook Air
The last update comes last October 2018, which also gives you gifts for upgrades while keeping the price low, although Apple has raised the price of basic repairs.
The good thing about the new MacBook Air 2018 is that it is no longer related to the old processor, and the new thing that its screen is now a retina-type. RAM is up to 16 GB compared to 8 GB of last generation.
Maybe integrated graphic is not the most recommended, but for users who are first introduced to the system, it can be a valid legitimate tool, with the incentive to travel and the maximum independence you can get in about 12 hours.
Buy the Apple MacBook Air
MacBook
Group code encoding is not a task that is considered to be very demanding, but it may be performing other tasks at the same time. So, if you choose to buy a MacBook, our recommendation is to choose a model with 16 GB of RAM.
An important price hike between the MacBook and MacBook Pro should be considered only if you want more processor power, since the MacBook has no fans, so slow down the CPU speed to avoid overheating.
In the case of MacBook Pro models, the cooling system has an active fan system that helps maintain the optimum temperature without compromising speed or low performance.
Buy the Apple MacBook
iMac
As is the case with the MacBook Pro, there are two iMac sizes that fit the 21.5 and 27-inch screens. Both have high-quality retina screens. In March 2019, most of the iMacs were updated with new generation processors.
So, you will now find models with four, six and eight CPU types (excluding the input range model which has only two core and hasn't been updated since 2017). For the example shown we advise you to get rid of the hard disk installation.
If you think that the size of 21.5 inches is enough (assuming you can pull a second screen), try expanding its DDR4 memory to 16 GB, as well as choosing a 256 GB SSD in front of the seriATA hard drive. Its price will go up but it will compensate for the long-term investment.
Buy the Apple iMac
Mac mini
As with the MacBook Air, the Mac mini was last updated in October 2018 after several years of similar configuration. So, the new Mac mini is now a viable option even for developers looking for a desktop desktop computer.
The new one is not as cheap as the previous one, but it is still the most economical Mac in the market, though it has to be purchased individually, keyboard and mouse.
You can choose six-core at 3 GHz with a 256 GB SSD and extend its RAM from 8 to 16 GB for € 240 more, which is an investment in your pocket that will appreciate you longer if you switch to more power.
Buy an Apple Mac mini
Mac Pro and iMac Pro
At the moment, choosing any Mac Pro or Mac Pro model to upgrade systems seems a long way off because you don't need to invest a lot of money to get the most performance.
You probably need one of them once the software you upgrade is advanced and with the integration you make, you should try it on the iMac Pro itself. Only at this point do we recommend this selection.
Buy Apple Mac Pro
Buy Apple iMac Pro
IPad
There is another option for machines that we have not mentioned before but which can also allow encoding, such as the iPad. However, we think that ultimately the choice of this type of device will be discouraged.
Buy the Apple iPad
What is the cheapest Mac I can buy to upgrade systems?
We often think of that a 13-inch MacBook Pro It was an excellent choice with a price starting at € 1,499. However, it comes with 8 GB of RAM, so you have to add a price of € 240 to increase the figure.
However, since the introduction of the new Mac mini and the 2018 MacBook Air, these machines have been ranked as the best value for money to be used by application developers and entry-level software.
When thinking about traveling, it is clear that the MacBook Air may be your best choice.
Learners
If you happen to be a student, you can also use one of the other Apple offers be able to get a party to save you a few euros.
Rent
One way that some users do is that it is possible to rent Mac computers at a specific time or period without having to pay a large amount for a computer. It is also a way to test which configuration might best suit your needs. Give it a try companies like MacTime at a price of € 60 per day.
It's reciprocal
There are no more exciting things that Apple's fastest offers are available to all your online store, with back-to-back accessories and that it introduced a much lower value compared to the new one.
They are programs that the company reviews before returning them to the sale, which also has their warranty period and after it has been reinstated and certified by Apple itself.
Best Mac Developer
In conclusion, a 13-inch MacBook Air It's a great way to talk economically to improve iOS or macOS programs. We highly recommend the 256 GB version with 16 GB of RAM.
Alternatively, for all those who are very dedicated to this and make a living for themselves, the option would be to choose a Pro model that allows encoding in less time.
13-inch MacBook Pro Comes with 256 GB SSD. Insert 16 GB of RAM and its price will rise to € 2,099. Since program editors will benefit from the big screen, we recommend that you select an additional one.
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