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iOS We do not own Mac device. For how long should we borrow friend's Mac?

T

Tony321

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 29, 2016
3
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Hey guys,

We're currently developing a game for Android. We'd like to publish it on iOS too.

But there's one problem, none of us do not own Mac device, but couple friends of mine do.

I have somewhere read that Mac is necessary only for App Store publishing process.

I just want to know for how long should we borrow Mac from friend? Yes, I know that if we're serious about iOS developing, we must have our own Mac device, but this would be just a short-term solution.

Also, we're developing the game with Unity Engine.

Thnx! :)
 
Tony321 said:
Hey guys,

We're currently developing a game for Android. We'd like to publish it on iOS too.

But there's one problem, none of us do not own Mac device, but couple friends of mine do.

I have somewhere read that Mac is necessary only for App Store publishing process.

I just want to know for how long should we borrow Mac from friend? Yes, I know that if we're serious about iOS developing, we must have our own Mac device, but this would be just a short-term solution.

Also, we're developing the game with Unity Engine.

Thnx! :)
Click to expand...
I was under the impression that you don't need a Mac for Unity. If it's a mobile app, why would you need a mac?

There are options other than a mac if you need a mac. One is a Mini. It's a mac-in-a-box, that's not very expensive. It uses your monitor, keyboard, etc...

Another option is the Hackintosh. You buy the hardware that a mac uses, tweak the settings and run OSX on your own hardware.

Doesn't Unity allow you to port your work from a PC to all platforms?
 
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KarlJay said:
I was under the impression that you don't need a Mac for Unity. If it's a mobile app, why would you need a mac?

There are options other than a mac if you need a mac. One is a Mini. It's a mac-in-a-box, that's not very expensive. It uses your monitor, keyboard, etc...

Another option is the Hackintosh. You buy the hardware that a mac uses, tweak the settings and run OSX on your own hardware.

Doesn't Unity allow you to port your work from a PC to all platforms?
Click to expand...
If I remember correctly you still need to create an xcode project for it.
 
AxoNeuron said:
If I remember correctly you still need to create an xcode project for it.
Click to expand...
Wow, ok. That seems a bit odd at 1st but maybe it has to do with getting things from Xcode that it needs to create the app.

I could see where Unity would just make the code, then have Xcode finish the job so that Unity doesn't have to keep up with all the internals that Xcode already does.
 
Yep. Looks like you need to embed it into an Xcode project.

I think it'd be best to purchase a cheap Mac Mini that can run El Captian so you always have a box available if you plan on distributing on iOS, tvOS, or OS X - you'll need to maintain your application in the App Stores or else you won't be very successful.
 
I developed many unity apps on windows and then published it on apples app store. In best scenario ( your game is working perfectly, no bugs, etc) you only need mac for 15 minutes. Thats it.
Process:
1. In unity ( windows machine) export ios project build ( must use release option and NOT development) in new folder that you should create and name it ios-build (could be any name)
2. Unity will create folder for ios build (xcode project and all necessary files). Copy this and only this ios-build folder and send it (usb stick is best since folder is couple of houndreds of megs) to mac computer.
3. On Mac Open ios-build folder and find xcode project file. Click it so it opens xcode and loads your project in it.
4. In xcode select "archive" option. It will build project ( 5 minutes or so). When it is done ( and there are no errors) it will open new window with archive file you just created. On right side of the window (with you archive file selected) you will see big green text saying something like "publish this app". Click that and it will publish app to itunes connect. In the beginning it will ask you to select right provision profile and thats it. It will take around 10 minutes to send everything to apple. If it is succesfull, you can turn off mac and go back to windows. You do not need mac anymore for this project.
[doublepost=1454246130][/doublepost]
DennisBlah said:
Did you already tried an virtual machine ?
Click to expand...
It works 100%. You can publish apps just fine.
 
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Thanks for the replies! :)

Boris-VTR said:
I developed many unity apps on windows and then published it on apples app store. In best scenario ( your game is working perfectly, no bugs, etc) you only need mac for 15 minutes. Thats it.
Process:
1. In unity ( windows machine) export ios project build ( must use release option and NOT development) in new folder that you should create and name it ios-build (could be any name)
2. Unity will create folder for ios build (xcode project and all necessary files). Copy this and only this ios-build folder and send it (usb stick is best since folder is couple of houndreds of megs) to mac computer.
3. On Mac Open ios-build folder and find xcode project file. Click it so it opens xcode and loads your project in it.
4. In xcode select "archive" option. It will build project ( 5 minutes or so). When it is done ( and there are no errors) it will open new window with archive file you just created. On right side of the window (with you archive file selected) you will see big green text saying something like "publish this app". Click that and it will publish app to itunes connect. In the beginning it will ask you to select right provision profile and thats it. It will take around 10 minutes to send everything to apple. If it is succesfull, you can turn off mac and go back to windows. You do not need mac anymore for this project.
[doublepost=1454246130][/doublepost]
It works 100%. You can publish apps just fine.
Click to expand...
I have one more question for you. If we want to test the app on iPhone, is Mac required? How do you test iOS apps? :)
 
Tony321 said:
Thanks for the replies! :)


I have one more question for you. If we want to test the app on iPhone, is Mac required? How do you test iOS apps? :)
Click to expand...

Unfortunatly you do need Mac to create ipa files. Unity only creates xcode project and necessary files. There is no other way to send install app on iphone. In my job i develop app on unity windows machine and test it on android. In last stage i switch project to ios, build it in then open xcode on mac.

Do try virtual machine and install os x on it. It is by far the easiest and cheapest way to develop withouth real mackintosh.

Unity does not always give you error free ios project. Right now you usualy have to add security framework, put module language for objective-c to yes and chechk library paths (/ instead of /). It usually is some battle unfortunately.


P.s. Just for info - unreal engine can compile and send app direct to iphone/ipad on windows machine. You still need mac for building and sending app to app store though.
 
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