For coding and development purposes, it’s often best to work or at least test the code in a native environment. However, Apple devices are not exactly the most affordable ones to own, meaning that sometimes developers forego the idea of seeing how their code behaves when run on one of these for the sake of saving money.
Fortunately, Mac cloud renting services make it easy to do all that for a fraction of the cost you’d have to pay to actually own the device. Whether it be building, development, testing, or signing, having to fork out a hefty sum of money for one wouldn’t be justified if you know well in advance you’d only use it once, and renting a Mac is the perfect solution in this regard.
How does it work?
Running a Mac in the cloud works similarly to other forms of cloud computing, meaning that you have the freedom of connecting to it with any device of your choosing, whether it be a Windows PC, Linux, or even an Android device (yes, you could technically connect to your cloud-hosted Mac using nothing but your smartphone).
If you’ve ever booted a virtual machine, you’ll be right at home – the experience is similar. You’ll need a special software client to be able to connect, but once you’ve installed it, you’ll be good to go. Upon logging in, you’ll be able to use your rented Mac device just as if it were sitting on your desk; upon pressing a key or clicking a button on your local device, you’ll see the action taking place in your cloud OS.
Depending on the amount of muscle you need to undertake the project successfully, you’ll be able to choose from a multitude of hardware packages ranging from low-end to high-end models. Technically, with the latter, you could even use it for GPU intensive tasks like gaming. For a monthly subscription fee of $50-$100, you won’t break the bank, and you’ll be able to access a unit with at least 8GB-16GB of RAM with no usage restrictions, which should be more than enough for even the most hardware-intensive tasks.
Moreover, most cloud Mac providers will let you choose a location that’s closest to you in an effort to reduce the lag and making the experience as smooth as possible. Keep in mind that, if you’re on a monthly subscription, you could even keep your cloud device running 24/7 without racking up additional costs. It’s on you to think of creative ways to take advantage of this. For instance, you could set up a server or do data mining while you sleep.
If you’re seriously considering buying a physical Mac one day, giving it a virtual playtesting session is also a good way to get familiar with the OS and see if it’s something you could see yourself using. That way, you could get access to the OS right away without having to bother with installing it in a virtual environment on your local machine or physically visiting the nearest Apple store.
To conclude
When all is said and done, renting a Mac in the cloud is a solid choice for developers who are looking to build native applications without having to invest in a rather expensive physical unit. If you only need a Mac for a short period of time, renting one lets you save a hefty amount of money in the process.
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