Want to create iOS apps, but have a windows laptop

[unknownindividual]

I have always had ideas for creating apps, and I have wanted to create an iOS app for the longest time, but everytime I look into what is needed to start programming for iOS apps I run into the need to have a macbook/mac. Currently, I have a Dell XPS 13 (9370) with pretty good specs for my use (i7, 16gb, 256gb SSD). I really want to learn how to code for iOS apps, but I am clueless on the options available for someone just trying to build their first complete application.

 

My last resort option is buying a low-end macbook pro (2012-2014, i5 and 8gb ram) just for coding and other iOS only applications. I consider this to be a last resort for me, since it wouldn't be smart economically to have a really nice windows laptop, and then buy another laptop just to code programs.

 

I am asking if there are any other ways besides buying an older macbook in order to save money, while being able to code iOS programs. If there are no other options besides just buying a macbook, what would be the minimum spec model that is possible to run every application in order to smoothly run the software needed?

[Slottr]

Dual Windows and MacOS on your laptop, thats what I do for school.

[unknownindividual]

4 minutes ago, Slottr said:

Dual Windows and MacOS on your laptop, thats what I do for school.

I've heard about it, but never learned how to set it up. Any links to do it?

[DrMacintosh]

Either buy a Mac of some description or run macOS in a VM or turn your existing laptop into a Hackintosh. The XPS 13 should be serviceable as a Hackintosh

 

https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/wip-guide-xps-9570-hackintosh-guide.259844/

 

However because macOS does not work with Nvidia GPUs, you're going to be stuck on the iGPU and a lot of basic features are going to be broken. 

[Slottr]

1 minute ago, DrMacintosh said:

However because macOS does not work with Nvidia GPUs, you're going to be stuck on the iGPU and a lot of basic features are going to be broken. 

 

Had some issues with the killer wireless drivers in particular, so OP if you do go about this route, best of luck

[DrMacintosh]

1 minute ago, Slottr said:

 

Had some issues with the killer wireless drivers in particular, so OP if you do go about this route, best of luck

Yep, the XPS uses apparently all the wrong components for macOS. Non-intel Wifi card, weird audio codec, Nvidia graphics, etc. 

[unknownindividual]

7 minutes ago, Slottr said:

 

Had some issues with the killer wireless drivers in particular, so OP if you do go about this route, best of luck

To be honest, I might just buy an older macbook instead of messing with this computer. Would rather pay ~$400 for an older macbook than to ruin my current computer.

 

What would be a good recommendation for around $400? I am currently looking at a MBP13 (2012) with i5 and 8gb RAM. Would that be enough to run the latest apps?

[Slottr]

13 minutes ago, unknownindividual said:

To be honest, I might just buy an older macbook instead of messing with this computer. Would rather pay ~$400 for an older macbook than to ruin my current computer.

 

What would be a good recommendation for around $400? I am currently looking at a MBP13 (2012) with i5 and 8gb RAM. Would that be enough to run the latest apps?

That's probably a fine option. Depending what you're programming, you'll be fine. It'll take close to zero resources