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iOS

Posted by Alexander Harley
Alexander Harley
Courses Plus Student 88 Points

Windows vs MAC: iOS development?

Im really interested in developing a simple iOS app (for a senior project in college), but I am mainly a Windows user.

Can iOS apps only be developed, using Swift, with a MAC, or can I use objective C on my PC?

What would be the most convenient?

Thank you for any advice!

1 Answer

Stone Preston
Stone Preston
42,016 Points

native iOS apps must be developed using Xcode (in either Swift or Objective-C). Xcode only runs on OS X.

you need OS X, not necessarily a mac, but its definitely the easiest solution. If you think you will be seriously getting into iOS its definitely a great investment

There are ways of running OS X on a pc, but note that it is against apples TOS. here is an article that covers virtualizing OS X on your PC and installing Xcode

Alexander Harley
Alexander Harley
Courses Plus Student 88 Points

Thank you! I don't mind using a MAC, I just don't have one to use. I will definitely look into virtualizing OS X on my PC.

Stone Preston
Stone Preston
42,016 Points

no problem. You should also consider Android since its more "open" to development on all platforms. If you are working with a group and dont want to have to go through the hassle of getting Xcode up and running for everyone it would be a great option and the Android courses here on Treehouse are just as great as the iOS courses.

However, I do personally enjoy developing for iOS over Android, but thats just me