Firstly, thanks for visiting the first part of my blog series becoming an iOS developer. Originally I was going to be creating a 5 post series, however after consideration into what I wanted to cover I decided it might be more on the 10 post side.
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge into iOS development eh? Great! – This short post will go through the things that you need to have before you consider developing your apps.
I will link the products mentioned here to their respective Amazon pages and also note that whilst I have chosen some products out – You can also look around Amazon for cheaper and various other products.
Hardware Requirements
Macbook Pro 17 inch Notebook
If you didn’t know, the developer environment can only be run on a Mac computer. Ive picked out the New Apple Macbook Pro 17 inch Notebook (Intel Core i7 Quad Core 2.2GHz, 4GB RAM, 750GB HDD, Up to 7 hrs battery life) – Not only for its power but its beauty and size. When you’re developing huge enterprising apps, you’ll need the power of this.
iTouch Devices
Recommended: Apple iPhone 4
The requirement for these is a given really, although there is a simulator for you to test your apps you’re still going to want to have an iTouch device to load your app(s) onto.
Click here to get your iPhone 4 today
However, you could also use an iPhone 3GS or Apple iPod Touch device both of which are considerably cheaper.
Software Requirements
Your mac will also need to be running Apple Mac OS X Snow Leopard Operating or later and the latest version of Xcode.
Knowledge
Recommended Reading
We have already created an article, which shows the recommended reading list for the budding iPhone Developer. Click here to take a peak.
You may also wish to check out our Resources for iPhone developers section and AWESOME iPhone development related competitions section.
Well folks that is it. As mentioned earlier this was only meant to be a small post and a quick guide to what is required to become an iOS developer.
If I have missed anything, do let me know. Stay tuned for the next part in this series where ill be giving you an introduction to MVC!
Mark,
This post is a good idea, however I personally feel there are a couple of shortcomings:
You recommend the iPhone 4, and say the 3GS and iPod Touch are cheaper alternatives. You have not pointed out that if one has say the iPhone 4 you will not be able to test earlier iOS versions should you wish to allow your app to run on them. I currently have the 3G and have been able to test my first app OK, testing for multi tasking on the simulator. I guess in an ideal world you would have more than one device, however that is not always possible.
You also say “Your mac will also need to be running Apple Mac OS X Snow Leopard Operating or later and the latest version of Xcode.” Why is this? I believe there are developers out there using Xcode 3.
Like I say, this post is a good idea to let people interested in learning iOS development, I just think it may need a little more expansion in places.
Waaaaaay too much money when starting out. A 17″ MBP costs 2500 USD!
You shouldn’t need more than a 13″ MBA or 15″ MBP.
Hey – thanks for the comment. As I mentioned; this was just my own suggestion of what I WOULD choose and have also stated that other alternatives or also viable solutions.
Nick: Thank you for that very good information, ATM I am unable to edit the post, however I will rectify that information.
I think its great when people contribute like this, making each article better and concise for everyone.
Keep it up folks
Great article. I opted for a cheaper setup when I began – a Mac mini and an 8gb iPod touch. I’ve since upgraded and have a lovely 27″ iMac and a handful of iOS devices – thanks to the success of my apps.
It’s important to mention I think, that while a hyper-powerful Mac makes life easier, it’s quite possible to build great apps on a lower-end Mac.
Thanks for post! Just one thing I need to start create apps is iMac or MacBook
I don’t see any other parts. Are you still on part 1?
I think splashing out on a top end Mac Book Pro when you are starting off and before you know whether this an area you wish to specialise in and are suited is ridiculous.
My recommendations are second hand recent Mac Mini off ebay and a current iPod touch if you don’t have an iPhone. Minimises upfront expenses and you can always sell the MacMini when you decide you want something better.
@Michael Langford a 13″ would NOT suffice any more, as running my 15″ hi-res display does not even suffice to show all of the iphone and ipad retina simulator screens. I realize your post was about a year ago, and it seems apple is nearing retina macbooks, making mac not merely preferred by creatives, but mandatory!