Not owning a Mac used to feel like a deal-breaker for app development. Everyone online was swiping through Xcode screenshots or showcasing their latest build in a sleek iOS simulator. Meanwhile, I was on a Windows machine trying to get anything to compile without setting my laptop on fire.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need a Mac to build great apps. You just need a workflow that works for you. Here’s mine.
Code Anywhere, Test Later
I build apps using cross-platform tools like React Native or Expo. This lets me write once and test on both platforms – without touching Xcode. For Android, I use a local emulator or real device. For iOS, I rely on Expo Go or cloud builds.
Expo for the Win
Expo has been a game-changer. It handles the messy native stuff behind the scenes and lets me preview on my iPhone instantly using the Expo Go app. No cables, no configs. Just scan and run.
Cloud Builds When Needed
For production iOS builds, I use services like EAS Build from Expo or GitHub Actions paired with Mac cloud runners. They handle the signing and App Store prep remotely. I don’t have to touch a Mac – I just connect my Apple Developer account and let the pipeline do its thing.
Design on Figma, Ship from Anywhere
All UI design happens in Figma. I reference components there while coding, making tweaks without switching devices or screens. It’s a browser tab, not a bottleneck.
Bonus: Android Dev Is Easier Without a Mac
On Windows or Linux, Android development is actually smoother. Everything from emulators to Gradle builds runs faster for me than it ever did on older Macs.
Final Thoughts
Not owning a Mac might limit some tools – but it doesn’t limit you. With the right stack and a bit of patience, you can build, test, and ship apps just fine. And if you ever do need a Mac… rent one in the cloud.
Curious about my setup or stuck trying to go Mac-less? I tweet about this kind of stuff over at @declandadev.
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