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Ask HN: Is it possible to build React Native for iOS without a Mac?

7 points by javajosh 3y ago

I ask because I currently don't have a mac and don't want one, but I would like to build a React Native app and publish on the app store.

thesuperbigfrog 3y ago
It's not possible without an Apple Developer account and signing keys. Even side-loading an app for a short time for testing requires the app to be digitally signed. Publishing to the App Store means the app is digitally signed by a valid Apple Developer account and that the app has been reviewed to meet the App Store requirements and guidelines.
- instagib 3y ago
  Free developers accounts work also. See: https://altstore.io/ https://altstore.io/ 2 apps, re-sign weekly maximum. 3 if you do it without AltStore. Unlimited with a $99/yr developer account.
blakdawg 3y ago
https://www.macincloud.com/ https://www.macincloud.com/ might be of interest.
- javajosh 3y ago
  $25/mo for access to a mac seems like an okay deal.
oulipo 3y ago
I guess using Expo app ?
sandreas 3y ago
You could install macOS on a Proxmox Server[1]. It's a hell of a procedure and probably more work than just getting an old MacBook Pro 2015 using OpenCore Legacy Patcher[2] to install current macOS. Once you got it working (signing keys etc.), you may be able to use github actions to build and publish your stuff without having a mac present. Unfortunately it won't work forever, so probably it is the easiest way to buy a mac. [1]: https://www.nicksherlock.com/2022/10/installing-macos-13-ventura-on-proxmox/ https://www.nicksherlock.com/2022/10/installing-macos-13-ven... [2]: https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/ https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/
ryanabyrne 3y ago
Expo Submit: https://docs.expo.dev/submit/introduction/ https://docs.expo.dev/submit/introduction/
mcsniff 3y ago
I highly suggest you look at Expo and EAS, it is dead easy. I have no affiliation, just a previous free->paid->free user. Depending on what type of features/entitlement your app needs, it might be worth virtualizing it, buying a cheap/used Mac, or renting a Mac in the cloud for *testing*, but you don't need one to write, test, or submit it to the App Store. You don't technically need an iPhone either, you can assign others to test in TestFlight. Unfortunately you will need the $100USD/year membership vs Google's one-time $25, but ya gotta pay to play!
deleted 3y ago
[deleted]
stealthcat 3y ago
Kotlin Multiplatform.

7 points by javajosh 3y ago

I ask because I currently don't have a mac and don't want one, but I would like to build a React Native app and publish on the app store.

thesuperbigfrog 3y ago

It's not possible without an Apple Developer account and signing keys. Even side-loading an app for a short time for testing requires the app to be digitally signed. Publishing to the App Store means the app is digitally signed by a valid Apple Developer account and that the app has been reviewed to meet the App Store requirements and guidelines.

instagib 3y ago
Free developers accounts work also. See: https://altstore.io/ https://altstore.io/ 2 apps, re-sign weekly maximum. 3 if you do it without AltStore. Unlimited with a $99/yr developer account.

blakdawg 3y ago

https://www.macincloud.com/ https://www.macincloud.com/ might be of interest.

javajosh 3y ago
$25/mo for access to a mac seems like an okay deal.

oulipo 3y ago

I guess using Expo app ?

sandreas 3y ago

You could install macOS on a Proxmox Server[1]. It's a hell of a procedure and probably more work than just getting an old MacBook Pro 2015 using OpenCore Legacy Patcher[2] to install current macOS. Once you got it working (signing keys etc.), you may be able to use github actions to build and publish your stuff without having a mac present. Unfortunately it won't work forever, so probably it is the easiest way to buy a mac. [1]: https://www.nicksherlock.com/2022/10/installing-macos-13-ventura-on-proxmox/ https://www.nicksherlock.com/2022/10/installing-macos-13-ven... [2]: https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/ https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/

ryanabyrne 3y ago

Expo Submit: https://docs.expo.dev/submit/introduction/ https://docs.expo.dev/submit/introduction/

mcsniff 3y ago

I highly suggest you look at Expo and EAS, it is dead easy. I have no affiliation, just a previous free->paid->free user. Depending on what type of features/entitlement your app needs, it might be worth virtualizing it, buying a cheap/used Mac, or renting a Mac in the cloud for *testing*, but you don't need one to write, test, or submit it to the App Store. You don't technically need an iPhone either, you can assign others to test in TestFlight. Unfortunately you will need the $100USD/year membership vs Google's one-time $25, but ya gotta pay to play!

deleted 3y ago

[deleted]

stealthcat 3y ago

Kotlin Multiplatform.