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Short answer: At least 256 GB, better 512 GB+. How much disk space do I need? Analyzing my current Developer folder size with the app DaisyDisk.

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Apple Silicon is also better optimized for specialized tasks such as Machine Learning and comes with a unified memory that helps apps start much faster than with Intel processors.ĭon’t take my word for it: This Xcode real-world benchmark shows that even the base M1 CPU with just 8GB RAM in the cheap Mac mini or MacBook Air models beats out every single Intel processor shipped in MacBooks or iMacs, including a maxed-out i9 3.6 GHz 10-core CPU with 128 GB RAM! Only the Intel Mac Pro can beat it with a Xeon 2.5 GHz 28-core CPU, but that again stands no chance against a much cheaper Mac Studio with M1 Ultra. Not only does every Apple Silicon Mac beat the most price-comparable Intel Mac in performance. Apple Silicon or Intel? Screenshot of this XcodeBenchmark repository table. Some frequently asked hardware questions and my personal take on them. Beware: The base 14' model which costs $500 less comes with only a slower 10-core CPU! Frequently Asked Questions If you prefer the 14' form factor, that is similarly recommendable but comes with some smaller drawbacks such as a shorter (but still amazing) battery life and louder (but still very silent) fans for just $200 of savings.

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When build performance is your main concern (= professional developers) and you don’t want to waste any money on small improvements, get this.

Get M2 Max CPU for double GPU power & 32 GB RAM ( +$800).

Get 1TB SSD if you want to have some extra headroom ( +$200).

Quite expensive (saved built time worth it if coding professionally).

Mobile (Laptop with 16' built-in screen, keyboard & trackpad).

Fast 16 GB RAM large enough for nearly all developer workflows.

Fast 512GB SSD for opening Xcode projects quickly (many small files).

Built-in card-reader and HDMI port & 1 extra USB-C (compared to Air).

Longest battery life in any Mac ever (longer than M2 Max or 14' variants).

Larger & higher quality 4K, 120Hz, HDR screen (compared to Air).

12-core M2 Pro with another ~40% faster build times (compared to M2).

The Best Value Mac for Developers ($2,500+) Hardware:ġ6' MacBook Pro (16GB & 512GB) for $2,500 ($1,930 M1 Pro refurb.) Pros: because you’re a student, and you want to be flexible and take it always with you. When money is a concern but you need a Laptop anyways, e.g.

You will need to buy and take with you a USB-C adapter for compatibility.

Using an external hard drive instead of upgrading SSD is not viable.

More expensive than the Mac mini (even with peripherals included).

Mobile (Laptop with 13' built-in screen, keyboard & trackpad).

Fast build times with future-proof M1 Apple Silicon processor.

The Cheapest Mobile Mac for Devs ($1,000+) Hardware:ġ3' MacBook Air (8GB RAM & 256GB SSD) for $1,000 ($850 refurbished) Pros: Or if you want to use the Mac as a media server as well for your home (with an external hard drive). this is just a hobby for you, and you know you’re going to be coding from a fixed place.

Get the 24' iMac for a 4.5K monitor, Apple mouse & keyboard ( +$700).

Get 16 GB RAM if you want to have many apps/simulators open ( +$200).

OR buy an 8TB external hard drive for the same price (for media only).

Get 512GB SSD if you plan to use it for other purposes as well ( +$200).

8GB RAM limits concurrent simulators & tooling running in background.

256 GB SSD is just enough for development, no space for other media.

Requires additional periphery (mouse, keyboard, monitor).

Built-in ports, no adapter needed (2x USB-A, 2x USB-C, HDMI, LAN).

Cheapest overall option with a total price (including periphery) of ~$750.

Fast SSD for opening Xcode projects quickly (many small files).

Fast build times with future-proof M2 Apple Silicon processor.

+ wireless mouse & keyboard (at least $30) Pros: M2 Mac Mini (8GB RAM & 256GB SSD) for $600 (or $470 M1 refurbished)

The Cheapest Mac for Developers ($750+) Hardware: If 6 months have passed since then when you read this, ping me on Twitter & remind me to update. This article was last updated in May 202 3. In the end, I also answer some frequently asked questions: As a former iOS Team lead in two companies where I had to make informed decisions about which hardware to get for what level of developer and where I could test out different Macs on differently sized projects, here are my current recommendations.

I see people asking questions about which hardware to get for iOS development quite often, especially beginners just starting out but also sometimes more experienced developers who start running into performance issues with their current Mac.

8 min read Photo by Dmitry Chernyshov / Unsplash.

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