Hardware for iOS development 2022?

Question

iOS

Hello, could you tell me if mac mini late 2012 will be enough for learning iOS development? So I understand that the power of the device itself may still be enough (i5 2.5 GHz, 8-16gb RAM), but there is a question regarding supported versions of macOS. Now Xcode when downloading requires a version of at least 11.3, that is, BigSur. If my Mac won't support it (according to Apple's docs, BigSur needs at least late 2014), can I just download an earlier version of Xcode and work with it? What kind of limitations can you face if the old device does not support the latest versions of macOs and, as a result, Xcode?

PS How does this direction feel now? I’ve been working in desktop development for a couple of years and I wanted to try my hand at mobile or front-end, but I’m already a little over 30, and there aren’t so many vacancies for iOS, especially for juniors ... in the front-end, I’m afraid the youth will trample)) I live in Moscow time

Answer 1

With an outdated version of the OS, there are chances to catch problems, especially if there is an official requirement for a more recent version. Most likely you will be able to bypass the restrictions, but you should be prepared for problems up to the impossibility of registering a developer account and uploading the application to the store. Yes, and debugging on current versions of iOS may not start, and, unlike Android, most iPhones are still updated to the latest version.
If you are so drawn to budget mobile development, you can start with Android, the entry threshold (financial) is much lower.
The direction itself is alive, but highly competitive. True, as I always say, if you feel that it is interesting for you personally - try it. Like a hobby, for example. Because no one will give big money right away, and many companies will not consider a junior 30+ in principle (a junior is taken to teach coding in the style of a company, and in 30+ there is already a lot of knowledge that will interfere). And do not take this as my opinion, this is the situation on the market. On the contrary, I think that changing activities at any age is not bad. On the contrary, sometimes you have to shake yourself up.
And further. in the question, you did not at all reveal your experience in addition to mobile development, and this experience often allows you to apply for positions above juniors.

Answer 2

as the owner of MD387 (late 2012, I have, if not the first copy brought to the Russian Federation, then one of them), I can say that it is no longer necessary to buy it for development. if you already have one, you can play around with it, and in principle, it will go to learn. the old version of Xcode can be both downloaded from the store and found on torrents (any) poppy not an iPhone, here you can install applications yourself from the installation package.
better look for something from the current devices. I sold an old macbook late 2013 for a dozen more than that minik now costs ...
about "for 30" - to be honest, I'm tired of this topic, I won't comment. I will say that - no, this is not a decrepit old age and you can do anything. learn English to be less dependent on the ageist complexes of post-Soviet motherfuckers.
PS. and don't delay

Answer 3

I started developing ios just a little after 30. Now almost 40 and have already left it for new directions :)
So it's never too late. If only a pearl!