iOS development without a mac?
2I need to make a relatively simple app to manage photos and digital permissions. Ideally, it’s supposed to work on iOS and Android. I know Java and C++ reasonably well, so I figured Swift wouldn’t be bad to pick up, but it looks like I can’t deploy iOS apps without a mac. Anyone know a way around this?
I do have a vmware pro license if that helps.
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There’s a quick and dirty solution: Hackintosh.
Not technically within the terms of an EULA but it should work.
https://techsviewer.com/how-to-install-mac-os-x-el-capitan-on-vmware-on-pc/
@djslack This looks perfect, thanks!
Check out Webkit.
@cranky1950 Thanks, is this only for browser based apps? I need this to be able to run locally and sync later since it’s primarily going to be used in countries without widespread internet access.
At work we use PhoneGap on a Windows machine to make a cross-platform mobile app. Another developer is the one using it so I don’t know many details. I think it’s based on JavaScript/HTML/CSS.
There’s also Xamarin. After we started this project, Microsoft bought Xamarin and made it free. It looks like a good platform. I’m relatively sure it lets you make iOS apps without a Mac.
I wouldn’t rely on a Hackintosh for anything mission critical. You never know if it’s going to work with a new version of macOS or Xcode. In other situations you can choose not to update, but when you’re submitting to the App Store Apple makes you stay fairly current.
@SSteve Hm… that does complicate things. On one hand, it’s a good cause so I’d hate to leave them in the lurch, but on the other I’m only responsible for this until May or June. At that point, they’re going to need to hire a real employee or contractor to maintain these rather than relying on an intern.
I think I’ll just talk to them on Tuesday and lay out the options.
@Pantheist Good luck with whichever path you take.
@SSteve Thanks!
@SSteve
@Pantheist
I do believe that you’ll still need a Mac of some kind to deploy apps developed with Xamarin.
https://stackoverflow.com/a/44021304 is the most recent comment I could find. Went looking in the Xamarin documentation (personal curiosity), but it didn’t leap out at me.
All of the normal things I’d mention have already been said (Xamarin, Phone Gap), so I’ll just mention that you can rent Macs (either physically or virtually)- (no affliation with these, just what showed up in a search): https://www.macincloud.com/
https://www.hostmyapple.com/macvps.html
https://www.macstadium.com/mac-mini/
If you’re looking for a physical one, this is really what the Mac Mini is made for- the person who needs a Mac but doesn’t want one. It’s super tiny, and can be brought up just when you need it.
@dashcloud Thanks for the extra options