How to build and ship an iOS app without a Mac

Building and shipping an iOS app without a Mac is achievable through various methods, each with its own costs and benefits. Here are three options to consider:

1. Purchase a Mac: This straightforward approach involves buying a Mac mini, which starts at around $799. While it represents a one-time cost, it's a hardware investment you own, usable for other tasks as well. However, this option may not be ideal for short-term projects or one-off apps, as the initial expense could be a significant barrier.

2. Rent a cloud Mac: Services like MacStadium and MacinCloud provide remote access to Macs on an hourly or monthly basis. These services range from about $20 per month for a shared machine to $100+ for faster, dedicated hardware. This option eliminates the need for ownership but comes with ongoing costs and requires interactive use, similar to owning the machine. It may not be cost-effective for occasional or minimal build requirements.

3. GitHub Actions: This option utilizes GitHub's built-in CI/CD system to provide free macOS build machines for public repositories. GitHub Actions allows you to push code, which triggers the build process using signing certificates and provisioning profiles installed from encrypted secrets. The signed app is then uploaded to App Store Connect/TestFlight, all without the need for a physical Mac.

This approach is particularly beneficial for public repositories, as it offers free macOS build minutes. However, private repositories have a monthly cost for extended usage and billing for usage beyond the free allowance.

While the initial cost of building and shipping an iOS app without a Mac may seem daunting, the GitHub Actions option provides a cost-effective solution for public repositories. For those requiring regular iOS app development, purchasing a Mac remains the simplest long-term solution. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs, project requirements, and budget considerations.