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Mac’s version is a bit more systemwide, with some older Windows dialogs still not darkened. The Windows 10 May 2019 Update adds a Custom option, which lets you decide whether you want dark. The best monitor for programming that we've tested is the Dell UltraSharp U2720Q. It's a 27 inch model that provides plenty of screen space for multitasking, and its 4k resolution results in a high pixel density, making text look incredibly sharp. It has a good build quality, and its excellent ergonomics allow you to adjust it.
Mac TipsUpdated: September 11, 2020 | 15 min readEver wondered why programmers use Macs? So did we. We’ve talked to our developers and found out why Macs are so great for programming—and not only on macOS and iOS. In this article, we’ll talk about the best Macs for app and web development and the best configurations of MacBook Air and MacBook pro for coding. We’ll also cover the minimum tech specs a computer should have for you to code comfortably.
Here’s our personal ranking of Macs for programming:
- Absolute best: MacBook Pro (16-inch or 13-inch)
- Best alternative: MacBook Air (2020)
- Best desktop computer: 27-inch iMac with 5K Retina display
Why choose a Mac for app development?
Just a few years ago the IT world was dominated by Windows-based computers. However, Apple machines have been steadily gaining popularity among developers in recent years. Why did programmers suddenly get so into Macs?
In a nutshell, the answer lies in the Unix command line. Most of the currently existing servers and file systems are built on top of Unix, so the Unix-based OS X / macOS is now everyone’s favorite. You can also benefit from macOS cross-platform compatibility and easily run both Linux and Windows.
On top of everything, the architecture of any Mac is exceptionally attractive. However, some models are more suited for coding than others—let’s see what the essential features are in the next section.
Recommended system requirements
First of all, it’s important to keep your Mac up to date—not just for coders, for any user. But programmers will especially benefit from it, since some essential software, such as Xcode, only works with the latest versions of the operating system.
Other specifications of high importance are listed below.
Screen
Having a large screen with a high-definition Retina display is important for app development. It’s likely that you’ll be using at least three windows simultaneously. A big display is what you need to fit all of them on the same screen and eliminate the need to constantly switch.
A 27-inch iMac with a 5K Retina display is the number one candidate in terms of screen size and quality resolution. The pixel-dense screen with 500 nits of brightness will make small letters and numbers of code look pleasantly smooth and pretty much perfect.
However, is a 27-inch screen really worth the money for a programmer? Not so sure about that. After all, nothing is preventing you from plugging in one or two separate displays to a smaller and more affordable MacBook Pro, or even an Air. You save money and you gain portability—what’s not to love.
When it comes to GPU, that’s not an important specification in programming unless you’re creating something very graphics-heavy, so we’re not covering that here.
CPU
Having a processor that is powerful enough to manage all of the essential app development software is crucial. It doesn’t have to be the best one on the market—a Mac Pro with its 28-core beast would definitely be an overkill. However, you want to make sure that you’re getting the best value for money.
In general, you don’t need to get anything too fancy. A dual-core i5 or even an i3 will suffice, even though you will benefit from a faster processor with more cores. If you’re running the latest versions of Xcode, i5 is the minimum requirement. However, if you use an IDE, a virtual machine, or work on a graphics-heavy project, you’ll need a Core i7 and substantially large RAM.
GPU
Unless you are working in game development, you shouldn’t be concerned about your graphics card. The default option that comes with any up-to-date Mac will do a perfectly fine job for creating an app.
RAM and storage
Of all the things that we have listed so far, random access memory is the most important. Xcode alone is very RAM-heavy, and along with other apps getting any work done will be a real struggle.
Currently, the minimum amount of RAM you need for a comfortable coding experience is 8GB. Older MacBooks that have 4GB are out of the picture unless you manage to upgrade their RAM and install the latest versions of macOS. Ideally, you should be looking at 16GB and more to create a safety net for future updates.
As for storage, you don’t need much for programming, although we do recommend that you opt for a solid-state drive rather than a hard drive.
Battery life
Software development tends to be energy-costly. Consequently, battery life is something you shouldn’t ignore. Luckily, new generations of MacBooks offer up to 12 hours of battery life, particularly the 2020 MacBook Air. If you are into vintage and would rather buy an old or a second-hand model, be prepared to charge your laptop frequently and remain tied to your desk.
Ports
Make sure that your Mac has enough ports so that you can connect all of your peripherals. As a coder, you might want to use an external display, a keyboard, a mouse, or a flash drive. Some models of MacBook only have a pair of Thunderbolt 3 ports, such as the 2020 MacBook Air—in this case, you would need a USB hub. In contrast, a big desktop computer such as a 27-inch iMac has four USB-C ports and two Thunderbolt 3s.
The best Macs for software development
MacBook Pro for app development
Both the 2019 16-inch and the 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro are the ideal options for app development. In both the devices portability and light weight are combined with a powerful processor, high-definition Retina display, 8GB RAM, and 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports.
The new 13-inch MacBook Pro that arrived in 2020 will be a good solution for those who like the latest technological advances and don’t mind the smaller screen size. The base model has a 1.4GHz quad-core 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor which can be upgraded to a 2.0 GHz quad-core 10th Gen Intel Core i5. Base 8GB RAM can be expanded to 16GB and 256GB storage can be boosted up to 512GB. The price range for this model is from $1,299 to $1,799.
Let’s compare it to the 16-inch MacBook Pro. This model replaced the 15-inch Mac in 2019 and has much better specs. The 2.6GHz 6-core 9th Gen i7 processor can be upgraded to a 2.3GHz 8-core 9th Gen i9, 16GB RAM and up to 1TB storage. The price range here is from $2,399 to $2,799.
Overall, although the 16-inch Pro has much better specs, the 13-inch one is enough for all of your programming needs.
Optimal specs for the 13-inch model:
- 2.0GHz quad-core 10th Gen Intel Core i5 CPU
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB SSD
Optimal specs for the 16-inch model:
- 2.6GHz 6-core 9th Gen i7 CPU
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB SSD
If you would like to have a bigger screen when you’re at your desk, get an external monitor. Don’t rush and buy the Pro Display XDR—there are a lot of affordable options that match its quality.
MacBook Air for app development
MacBook Air has always been a topic of controversy among creatives. It’s kind of borderline meeting the requirements for most professional users, including coders. What did we learn about Air?
The new 2020 release introduced to the world the most powerful Air yet. The tiny 1.27 kg laptop is equipped with an impressive 1.1GHz quad-core 10th Gen Core i5 processor with a Turbo Boost option up to 3.5GHz. 8GB built-in RAM (can be configured to 16GB) is combined with 512GB of SSD storage in addition to two Thunderbolt 3 ports and a 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone. All of this in a cheapest MacBook you can buy—price ranging from $999 to $1,299.
Overall, we can say with confidence that this is a solid option for casual to medium-level app development and will serve you well—just like Apple products always do.
Optimal specs for MacBook Air:
- 1.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 CPU
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB SSD
iMac for app development
If you spend most of your time working at home, you might be looking for a stationary computer. In this case, it’s also worth investing in a device with a large display. Apple has got your back with a 27-inch 5K Retina display iMac.
The base model has 3.1GHz 6-core 10th Gen Core i5 processor with a Turbo Boost up to 4.1GHz 8GB of on-board RAM that can be configured to 32GB, 1TB fusion drive, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, and 4 USB-C ports. The price ranges from $1,799 to $2,299.
Compare it with the 21.5-inch iMac—the base model has a dual-core processor, which is a no-go for programming. A slightly more expensive variant has a 3.6GHz quad-core 8th Gen Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM (configurable to 32GB), 1TB hard drive, and a Retina 4K display as opposed to 5K. It costs $1,299 or $1,499 for a slightly more advanced model.
The 27-inch model is slightly more expensive for something that only adds 6 extra inches to the screen, but if you decide to purchase the smaller iMac instead you will have to swap the hard drive for an SSD and upgrade RAM, adding extra expenses. Is it really worth it?
To sum it up, an iMac is an excellent choice for someone who doesn’t move around for work and prefers sitting at the desk.
Optimal 27-inch iMac specs:
- 3.1GHz 6-core 8th Gen Core i5 CPU
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB SSD
Mac vs. PC for software development
Both Macs and PCs are great for software development. When choosing the best computer for coding, we recommend considering the tools you like to use and their compatibility with both Windows and macOS. You should think about the type of language and framework that you work with.
Pros of coding on a Mac:
- Macs are less susceptible to malware (although not completely virus-free)
- Programs native to Apple don’t slow down the performance of a Mac
- Macs are based on Unix, so they are more suitable for creating back-end web server code
- Macs can run all major operating systems including Windows, Linux, Android, etc.
- Apple offers great service and support
Cons of coding on a Mac:
- Macs are usually more expensive than PCs
- macOS is not the most popular operating system
- There aren’t many third-party tools available on Mac
Pros of coding on a PC:
- PCs’ hardware can be easily customized
- There are a lot of third-party tools for graphics, debugging, and profiling
- Windows has a lot of Linux functionality
- There are more software programs, games, and utilities for Windows because of the number of users
Cons of coding on PC:
- Windows devices are manufactured by companies other than Microsoft, so quality is not always guaranteed
- Running macOS on PC creates an unstable environment that can interfere with your app development process
- You can’t run Xcode on PC, so it’s impossible to develop macOS and iOS apps on non-Apple computers
These are the major pros and cons of both platforms. To avoid getting the wrong device, look out for cross-platform and hardware compatibility to avoid disruption to your work.
How to Optimize your Mac for Programming?
Having chosen a perfect Mac for your coding needs, it's high time to pick an app that will do all the routine tasks for you. By routine, we mean cleaning, optimization, and taking care of security and privacy too.
For you to code interruption-free, MacKeeper will be in charge of clean up space on Mac from accumulated junk files, duplicates, logs, and caches. It can even suggest deleting apps that haven't been used for a long time (read more: how to delete Anaconda from Mac or uninstall Java from Mac). In addition, it will keep your apps updated at all times for the seamless work of your Mac.
Finally, to fully focus on programming, let security and privacy tools in MacKeeper shield your Mac from viruses, online threats, or email breaches. Besides, you can use a built-in VPN to surf more securely or access websites that are geo-blocked.
Conclusion
You can go for any type of Mac depending on your needs—a powerful MacBook Pro, a super-light MacBook Air, or a stationary iMac with a big screen. Regardless of your choice of tech, always make sure to have the latest version of macOS installed on your computer to be able to run Xcode and avoid security threats.
FAQ
Is Core i5 enough for programming?
Depending on the type of coding you practice you might want to invest in a Core i7 processor or go with a cheaper Core i5. For example, a front-end web developer that only uses a text editor and a browser on an everyday basis will do just fine with an i5.
Is 4GB RAM enough for coding?
Generally speaking, 4GB RAM is not enough for most tasks required in modern-day programming. You’re looking at 8GB minimum to run Xcode alone, and that is if you don’t embark on anything too heavy. For more intense projects that need additional tools, consider investing in 16GB or more.
Do you need a powerful computer for coding?
As a programmer, you don’t need a powerful computer at all. A quad-core i5 processor with 8GB RAM and 256GB of SSD memory will suffice. As for screen size and resolution, aim for a 13-inch Retina display to get the best coding experience.
Read more:
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If you want to join the Apple family, the question is, do you opt for the MacBook Air, or the MacBook Pro? The answer, in very simple terms, is this:
- Want an all-rounder for general office and home use? Get the MacBook Air
- Need a (just about affordable) laptop for heavy duty graphic work and complex editing? Get the 13-inch MacBook Pro
- Need the best laptop possible as an investment for your career in design? Get the 16-inch MacBook Pro
There’s some nuance to this – including which of the MacBook Pro variants to choose between. The most important thing is to understand what your own needs are ahead of picking up a MacBook. If you’re keen to invest in an Apple laptop, it’s now a decision that boils down to the MacBook Pro or the MacBook Air, as Apple has discontinued the 12-inch ‘MacBook'.
Known for their premium design, and a mainstay of coffee shops everywhere, MacBooks have a reputation as speedy, capable laptops that are a joy to use. You’re unlikely to meet a MacBook user with much negative to say about their laptop of choice. Whether you end up with the Air or the Pro, we’re confident you’ll be over the moon with it, and join the legions of MacBook owners who speak so lovingly about their laptops.
MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Head to Head
Below, we compare the key specs of the MacBook Air and the various MacBook Pro models to help you decide which is best. The good news? There’s no such thing as “a bad MacBook”. The most important thing is not choosing a model that’s overkill for your own needs – as the prices get very steep, very fast.
Mobile users scroll right to see full table
Screen Size | Screen Resolution In pixels - the higher the number, the greater the screen detail. | Battery Life As claimed by the manufacturer – actual performance will vary depending on daily tasks. | Storage The built in storage space for files, programs, apps and the operating system | RAM More RAM tends to help a computer to run quickly and multitask | Magic Keyboard For MacBooks, this is the newer style of keyboard, replacing the unpopular Butterfly keyboard | Touch Bar Runs along the top of the keyboard, lets you give certain commands depending on the program running | Touch ID | Price From | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The go-to MacBook for anyone but the most demanding users. Perfect for daily browsing and work, it's slim, light and runs like a dream | Lots of power, a brilliant screen and an improved keyboard make this the perfect MacBook for demanding users, though the Air is cheaper | The absolute pinnacle of MacBooks, and everything a design professional could want – but at an eye-watering price | Discontinued by Apple, this is the smallest MacBook available. It's only worth buying if you find it at a big discount, versus the newer Air | ||||||
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MacBook Air or MacBook Pro: Which is Best?
Both the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro are excellent laptops in their own right, but which one to opt for depends on what you’ll be using it for.
- The Air is the thinnest, and it's lighter than the Pro models
- The Air is a better choice for simple day-to-day use such as browsing and email
- The 13-inch Pro (updated for 2020) is the cheapest Pro model
- The Pro 16-inch is the most expensive model, aimed at design professionals
- The Air only comes with a 13-inch screen, whereas the Pro comes in either 13 or 16-inch sizes, both with sub-variants for processors and RAM
- All Pro models now have the unique ‘Touch Bar’ above the keyboard
Both the Pro and the Air are beautifully designed and offer excellent battery life, at around 12 hours between charges. This makes them excellent travel companions, no matter which model you go for.
Best Programming Software For Mac
As for which is best? We’ve got you covered. Our guide will help you work out exactly which model will work best for you.
MacBook Air: Highlights, Pros and Cons
- Incredibly light and slim
- Apple’s cheapest MacBook
- 2018 redesign offers many improvements
- Retina display
With the 2018 MacBook Air, Apple took the rather neglected laptop and brought it bang up to date. It now packs in an 8th generation processor, and took some design cues from the MacBook Pro too, including finally getting a highly detailed Retina screen. It’s also had its speakers moved to the sides of the keyboard, rather than underneath, making the sound more impactful and clearer.
As you might expect, the Air is light and slim. It’s a great option for anyone who travels a lot with their laptop and doesn’t want to be inconvenienced by a weighty set-up.
The Air doesn’t have the necessary grunt for heavy lifting tasks – think graphics editing, giant spreadsheets full of macros, or video work. For those tasks, that’s why the Pro exists.
For more, see our Full Review of the 2018 MacBook Air
The best MacBook for day-to-day casual users, and beautifully portable
Pros
- Cheapest MacBook
- 12 hour battery
- Light and easy to carry
Cons
Which Mac Is Best For Programming Language
- Storage is limited
MacBook Pro: Highlights, Pros and Cons
- Available in 13-inch and 16-inch sizes
- Powerful specs
- Retina screen
- Touch Bar (two out of three models)
- Dedicated graphics card on some Pro models
In the MacBook line up, the Pro is the pinnacle, making it the most desirable (and costly) laptop bearing the Apple badge. The reason for this is that it is stuffed with tech, from fast Intel processors (up to i7 if you can afford it), to dedicated Radeon graphics cards
The MacBook Pro is a beast of a laptop, designed to tackle complex video editing and graphical processing with ease.
Two of the Pro models (one 13-inch, one 16-inch) are also home to Apple’s Touch Bar, a feature you won’t find on the MacBook Air. This is a thin touch screen that sits at the top of the keyboard and offers a context sensitive control panel. Uses include using it to scrub through the frames on a video file, or quickly add emojis to your messages. Is it essential? No. Is it cool? Yes, it really is.
It all sounds rosy for the Pro, but it comes at a price. Literally. The Pro is the priciest laptop in the MacBook line up, and can run you up to $2,800 if you opt for the 16-inch model with 512GB of storage and a blisteringly fast 8-core i9 processor. That’s not one for the budget conscious, but it’s a serious asset for design professionals.
To keep your budget down, but still get plenty of power, we’d recommend the 13-inch MacBook Pro without a Touch Bar. This model is the cheapest Pro, but still packs in enough power for all but the most demanding users.
The MacBook Pro line starts from around $1,300 – click to compare MacBook Pro prices on Amazon
A solid MacBook with a reliable Keyboard
Pros
- Magic Keyboard
- Touch Bar
- 8th gen processor
Cons
- Big price bump from Air
Best All Rounder: MacBook Air
The MacBook Air is pitched as Apple’s entry-level laptop. That’s a slight misnomer, as tech-wise, it blows most entry-level Windows models out of the water. With the Air, you’re paying for a laptop that will cruise its way through your daily tasks. It will let you juggle your social media activity, Netflix binging, web browsing and daily work with ease.
So okay, the MacBook Pro can do all that too. But, it would be like buying a flamethrower to make toast – impressive, but overkill.
The MacBook Air represents the best of Apple’s laptop line up for the everyday user, suiting their needs, and their pocket, too.
Best for Value: MacBook Air
The term ‘value’ might not seem like it has a place in Apple’s line up – if you’re looking for a bargain, you won’t find one here. Apple has long built its reputation on offering high end computing equipment that is desirable, not affordable.
However, its cheapest laptop is the MacBook Air, at $1,199. That’s the price of the 2018 entry level Air, and if you’ve been on Apple’s website looking longingly through the virtual shop window, you might have spotted another Air that costs $999. So, what’s wrong with that one? Well, nothing. While the older Air model is perfectly fine, it’s rather dated – the 2018 model is a vast improvement in almost every way.
We think it’s well worth investing the extra $200 for the newer model, rather than picking up the cheaper Air now and regretting it one or two years down the line. By this point, the old Air will practically be a fossil, specs wise.
If you don’t need the MacBook right away (and we appreciate that’s a bit like asking a kid to not open its presents on Christmas Day), it could pay you to wait a little longer. On a stockholders call in early 2019, Apple promised that it was going to lower the price of the MacBook Air. We don’t know when this will happen, but we expect it to be before summer 2019.
Best for Power Users: MacBook Pro 16
Let’s be clear – while the Pro has more raw processing muscle, the Air is still no slouch, and will happily breeze through most of the tasks that you throw at it without breaking a sweat.
However, it’s the Pro that really kicks things up a gear. If you’re looking to do anything graphically intense, or some serious number crunching, this is the one to go for.
First up, the Pro has a more capable graphics processor than the Air, which relies on the Intel UHD Graphics 617 chip. The Pro leans on the Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 or 655 in its 13-inch form. But, upgrade to the 16-inch model and the Pro comes with a dedicated Radeon Pro graphics card – this gives the 16-inch Pro a significant boost when handling graphics. Sure, you can play Fortnite on it at a decent frame rate, but, more importantly, it can power through intensive media editing or graphic rendering with relative ease.
Then, there’s the processors. The Air comes with an 8th generation 1.6GHz dual-core Intel i5. If all you tend to do is browse the web, stream and email, then this really is more than enough.
The Pro, though starts with a 2.3GHz dual core Intel i5, and works its way there all the way up to a 2.3GHz 8-core Intel i9 in the 16-inch model (should your wallet allow it).
In basic terms, this means that the Pro is a powerhouse. The MacBook Pro series is scalable depending on what your needs (and budget) are. In a 100 meter race, the 16-inch Pro would be signing autographs at the finish line while the Air was still listening for the starting gun.
The premium Apple MacBook, with matching premium pricetag
Pros
- Largest MacBook screen yet
- Stuffed with killer specs
- Future-proof for many, many years
Cons
- Pricey
- 16-inch screen could be overkill for some
Best for Portability: MacBook Air
If there’s one thing that Apple is famed for, it’s design. The company has been responsible for spawning thousands of imitators and a lot of modern tech devices owe their shells to Apple’s influence in some way. Most tablets look like iPads, most phones look like iPhones, and there certainly isn’t a lack of high-end laptops that look rather familiar…
Portability is a key element of Apple’s design philosophy, with its teams constantly shaving millimetres and ounces from line up. The peak of this was the launch of the original Air, which at the time was heavily advertised as being able to fit into an A4 envelope. It might have lost some impact today, but at a time when most laptops were knee-crushing behemoths, it was practically black magic. While there has been some friendly rivalry in recent years between the Air and MacBook models, with both vying to be the thinnest and lightest, the Air holds the current crown, and it is as svelte as an Instagram model’s airbrushed beach shot.
Windows Or Mac For Programming
Weighing in at 1.25kg and with a height of 0.61-inches, it’s a great laptop for slipping into a bag (or A4 envelope, if you prefer). That’s not to say that the MacBook Pro is a chunky brick, by any means. It’s also been shaved down to a satisfyingly slim and compact shape, but the Air is the ultimate laptop for portability.
Best for Screen Quality: MacBook Pro
If screen quality is important to you, then you’ve come to the right brand. Apple’s laptop displays are hard to beat. Even the entry-level 2018 Air has now been bestowed its Retina display, with a 2560×1600 screen that is vibrant and offers stunning color reproduction.
It’s the Pro though that goes the extra mile, though. While the Pro models have the same Retina display as the Air, it’s notably brighter, and also offers ‘True Tone Technology’ on the Touch Bar Pro models. This is effectively a sensor that monitors your environment and then adjusts the display accordingly. It’s a familiar technology for mobile devices, but it’s still rare to find it on laptops.
MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro for College
If you’re stepping onto campus with either a MacBook Air or Pro under your arm, then you’ll be the envy of plenty of students. But, which one to opt for depends on what you’re studying.
![Mac Mac](/uploads/1/2/6/6/126653829/599677489.jpg)
For most students, the Air is a perfect fit, thanks to its lower price point and portability. Chances are that many of your textbooks will outweigh the Air – you’ll barely notice it in your backpack. Its snappy start time and long battery life mean that it’s a great companion during lectures, or throughout those late night study sessions.
Yes, the Pro can do all this, too. But, the caveat is that the Pro is notably more expensive, and likely to be overkill for most students. However, there will be some that find the extra graphical prowess and number crunching beneficial. Media students who are tackling video editing projects, or anyone taking on computer programming or graphic design, will find the extra muscle of the Pro beneficial.
If you’re not sure what sort of specs you’ll need for your course, check with the college ahead of time, who should be able to advise you on what most students use. You can also see our guide to laptop specs explained.
It’s also worth noting that Apple offers discounts for students, meaning that you can make a saving on a new MacBook. Check out its Apple Education site for offers.
More on this – see our guide to the Best Laptops for College
Verdict
Choosing between the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro really comes down to two major factors – Budget and Need. If you go for the Pro, you’re getting a high spec machine that comes with a premium price tag, so make sure you’ll actually get the use out of it before investing. Consider it like a sports car. Yes, it looks great, and it goes fast, but if you’re only using it to drive into town a few days a week, you’re not going to feel the benefit of all those dollars.
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