Hi, I want to start deving apps, I have tried using hackitosh, but i couldn't stand it. I'm a student, so i don't have a lot of money. I've searched the internet and this sub reddit to find out whether the standard mac mini has the ability to develop applications. Mac mini features the Apple T2 Security Chip — second-generation custom Mac silicon designed by Apple to make Mac mini even more secure. The T2 Security Chip consolidates several controllers into one, and includes a Secure Enclave coprocessor that provides the foundation for encrypted storage and secure boot capabilities. The iMac is a very fast machine and will be more than suitable for iPhone development. In most cases, a Mac Mini with maxed out ram is good enough. Keep in mind that out of the box, the Mac Mini can only accommodate one monitor. IOS App Development. If you want to develop apps for the iPhone, you need to become a registered Apple Developer, and then download the iOS Software Developer Kit to your Mac Mini. Mac Catalyst. Create even more powerful Mac versions of your iPad apps. Apps built with Mac Catalyst now take on the new look of macOS Big Sur and help you better define the look and behavior of your apps. You can choose to turn off automatic scaling of iPad controls and layout, allowing you to precisely place every pixel on the screen.
Iphone Good App Settings
edited January 2015
You're going to have to work on it to use the Simulator and to plug in devices for debugging. The Simulator doesn't run on Windows, it runs on a Mac. You'll have to work on it regularly if you're going to be writing iOS applications, even if you develop with Visual Studio. But to answer your question, a Mac Mini will suffice.
Accepted Answer
Hi @MarkFredrickson,
As @rmacias has stated, a Mac Mini is more than adequate for developing Xamarin.iOS apps.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks,
Kevin
edited January 2015
Also, for what it's worth, I've bought several refurbished Macs and all of them have been great. Like brand new. It'll save you a few bucks.
Thanks for the info. I can get a Mac Mini with Lion for $160. If I hook it up to a KVM switch, can I switch between my Windows and the Mac for development or do I need a separate monitor/kb for the Mac?
XCode 6 doesn't support Lion. You'll need at least Mavericks. If the Mac Mini is capable of running at least Mavericks, you're good, but if not, you'll need a newer Mini.
I personally would use a separate monitor and have it side by side with your Windows Monitor. It's easier interacting with the simulator and stepping through code than constantly switching a KVM. At least, it's easier for me. I guess it's preference though.
For example, they may come with image editing or optical character recognition. Some compress and clean up images and others allow storage in different formats.
This part of the manufacturer is called as a device driver. You may also SeeScanners sometimes come bundled with software which provides other utilities other than scanning.
If you know which version of the Mini you're looking at, this chart should help you determine the latest OS version it can run.
I was able to get an iMac (silver 2009) for around $270 on amazon. Works GREAT and supports latest Mac-OS
@rmacias - thanks for the links. I think Xamarin ought to update this link which is what I was going by.
But I thought Lion was Mountain Lion. Didn't realize it was different. Wonder why they didn't call it Cougar instead of Mountain Lion, or named Lion African Lion.
That Mac Mini is too old so now I know what to look for I can look around. I'll check Amazon too.
edited January 2015
Yeah, looks like the doc needs to be updated. Under the hood, Xamarin relies on XCode and the Apple Developer tools to build iOS Apps. One thing you'll learn is that Apple is very aggressive when it comes to dropping support for older tools and operating systems. And this happens every year when a new version of iOS or Mac OS comes out. In turn, new versions of XCode are required, thus new versions of Xamarin are needed to support the newer tools. And Apple is very aggressive in dropping support for older operating systems when updating XCode.
Good luck with your search! iOS development is a completely different beast, especially if you have a .NET (C#) background, but once you get the hang of it, it's kind of fun actually.
All,
Thanks for point out the issue with the Getting Started guide. I've updated those to bring that up-to-date with the current requirements.
Thanks,
Kevin
What about a MacBook Air? A 2009+ runs Yosemite and a 11' wouldn't take up much desk space. Or would a 13' be better?