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New laptop for iOS development?

N

nakedsocrates

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jun 28, 2020
6
3
I need to buy a new laptop for iOS development. Leaning towards a 13 inch MBP. While the fastest and most expensive one is probably not required, what would be good enough?

Or should I really wait till later this year or 2021 which I don’t really want :)
 
you need to balance the time lost waiting against the better spec of a newer machine.
I bought the MBA i5 2020 having previously owned and developed using Xcode on a MBA and before that a MBP.
MBP is preferred if you can afford it but MBA is great for Xcode too.
 
nakedsocrates said:
I need to buy a new laptop for iOS development. Leaning towards a 13 inch MBP. While the fastest and most expensive one is probably not required, what would be good enough?

Or should I really wait till later this year or 2021 which I don’t really want :)
Click to expand...
Wait for Apple Silicon so you can test your app natively rather than simulated.
 
nakedsocrates said:
2019 MacBook Air but giving it to my wife.
[automerge]1599220816[/automerge]


Test the apps natively?

When should we expect silicon MacBooks?
Click to expand...

If it's urgent, get one. Otherwise I'd hold off. The transition is expected to take a 2 years, and we'll see the first ARM computers by the end of the year (most likely iMacs from what I've heard). You'll start to see MacBooks early next year.
 
I may be old school, but I always prefer a large screen when doing development in xCode or Visual Studio. So the 16” for me. It is a great machine for development if you can afford it.
 
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nakedsocrates said:
2019 MacBook Air but giving it to my wife.
[automerge]1599220816[/automerge]


Test the apps natively?

When should we expect silicon MacBooks?
Click to expand...

That's because the Apple Silicon will be based on ARM architecture which is the same with iOS devices. Hence, with the new upcoming macbook you will be able to run compiled iOS apps as if it is running on the phone. gestures and some sensors will still have to be emulated though.
 
matram said:
I may be old school, but I always prefer a large screen when doing development in xCode or Visual Studio. So the 16” for me. It is a great machine for development if you can afford it.
Click to expand...

Same here but I'm using a 27" iMac. :)

This is a tough call. That's a lot of lost development time but the benefits of waiting are also compelling.
 
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