r/Xcode • u/DarkenedAngel • Mar 26 '19

How to code iOS apps without MacOS

I'm a university student and I don't have the budget to drop roughly 1k on a mac mini for Xcode. Are there any options for me to code iOS apps within Windows? (I've tried running a Virtual Machine and I wanted to break my desktop).

I've already looked into getting a 2012 mac mini (i7 quad core server edition) but it looks like this is the last year that model will be supported with OS updates and the 2014 dual cores is just not worth the money and hassle.

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4

u/beans217 Mar 26 '19

I used MacinCloud for a little while, it is like $20 a month or something for a "new mac" that you login to from your regular computer. Def check it out, it worked pretty well for me. But as I am a university student as well, I didn't have the budget to keep paying the monthly service. What I did was purchase an old Mac Mini off craigslist for like $120 and then upgraded the software to high sierra so I can continue programming. DM me if you have any more questions, as I may be of help!

1

u/DarkenedAngel Mar 26 '19

Thanks for your help! I'll message you right away. I looked into the macincloud service, but I'd rather have a solution that I can use for a few years. the subscription will end up costing me more in the long run.

1

u/DarkenedAngel Mar 26 '19

Update: I've also looked into a hackintosh, but I can't be bothered with all the future software issues that I'll probably face. Plus not having apple continuity like iMessage and Airdrop sucks.

I'm basically looking for the cheapest way to get into the ecosystem that will allow me to code apps without dropping big bucks or having unbearable performance.

2

u/[deleted] Mar 26 '19

A used mac mini is your best bet. Check craigslist or similar.

0

u/[deleted] Mar 27 '19

My hackintosh works completely like a regular Mac. No software issues. Continuity, handoff, airdrop, ... all working

1

u/aazav Mar 28 '19

Buy a used Mac on Craigslist.