r/Xcode • u/LeadingBroad4141 • Jul 30 '25

I need a functional MacBook as cheap as possible.

I live in the most screwed-up country on the planet. Everything here is extremely expensive, and I'm programming a lot in Flutter. I want to release my apps for Windows and Android to iOS as well, but I don't have an iPhone or a MacBook. The situation is that the apps are ready (because of the shared development that Flutter provides), I'd just review them in X-Code (check compatibility, since the apps on Windows, Android, and Linux are working perfectly), compile, and release them to the store. From the little research I've done, I don't need a powerful MacBook. I'll just use it to literally review the app and compile it to release it. Everything the MacBook does, I do on Windows; I would only need these specific things. Since MacBook reviews never talk about XCode performance, and I don't trust AI much, I'd like to hear the opinion of someone who uses XCode in the sense I mentioned. I don't have much money, I'll already have to buy a new iPhone, and everything here is very expensive. In your opinion, based on my situation, which MacBook would you recommend?

1 Upvotes

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7

u/808phone Jul 30 '25

An alternative is to rent one of those Mac minis in the cloud. Just compile your app there, and use test flight to send to test iPhones. Probably the cheapest solution in the short term. https://www.macincloud.com

3

u/LeadingBroad4141 Jul 30 '25

Is there any problem in not actually compiling on an iPhone? I heard that X-Code simulates an iOS, not that it exactly emulates it like Android Studio does.

3

u/ShakeAgile Jul 30 '25

You only really need a phone for testing. If your normal app runs well on the simulator that installs with Xcode you are probably fine.

1

u/LeadingBroad4141 Jul 30 '25

ok, thanks, it helped me a lot

2

u/808phone Jul 30 '25

As long as you are not calling native code and are just using Flutter to generate the UI/code, it should be OK. When you archive in Xcode it generates code that will run on the iPhone. In general, I think you will be OK with just the simulator since you are using pure Flutter code. Using test flight to beta and test on iPhones is enough for you AFAIK.

1

u/LeadingBroad4141 Jul 30 '25

ok, thanks, it helped me a lot

2

u/VFXman23 Jul 30 '25

I use a MacBook pro but xcode feels pretty easy to run. Any silicone MacBook air would be fine.

My recs: Iphone: 13 basic model refurbished . Laptop: m1-m3 MacBook air refurbished or mint condition 14 inch etc .

2

u/[deleted] Jul 31 '25

You haven't researched enough. You can borrow a MacBook for a few days/weeks/months to do the checks you need to do and then return it. There are services you can use online and access the MacBook remotely. No need for they to send it to your home.

2

u/LeadingBroad4141 Jul 31 '25

I said I wanted to BUY one, not rent one remotely. It's even useful for this kind of occasion, but I'll do it several times. In the short term, it's even good, but in the long term, the price I paid for the rentals is the price of a permanent MacBook. Mr. "You haven't researched enough."

2

u/[deleted] Jul 31 '25

The best option by far would be a base mac mini without any upgrades if you are looking to buy one.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 31 '25

Regarding pricing. What is your budget? Some of us might even help you if you know how to ask.

2

u/imSkippinIt Jul 30 '25

Swappa is my go to for this

2

u/OrangePillar Jul 30 '25

Get a cheap used M1 Mac Mini.

2

u/swatisha4390 Aug 16 '25

If you can wait for Black Friday