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Yes—you can develop an iOS app on Windows or Linux and use a hosted macOS environment to build it. For an Expo or React Native project, Expo’s EAS Build is a direct cloud route. Apple’s Xcode Cloud can handle recurring builds and distribution too, but its initial setup requires Xcode, so you will need temporary Mac access or another setup route if you have none.
What you can—and cannot—do without owning a Mac
You do not need to own the Mac that compiles your app: a cloud service can run the macOS build. You can write much of your code on Windows or Linux, then send the project to a hosted runner. However, an iOS build still depends on Apple’s build, signing, and distribution ecosystem; a cloud runner does not remove Apple account requirements, signing configuration, or App Review.
The practical distinction is between not owning a Mac and never accessing one. EAS Build offers hosted iOS builds for Expo projects. Xcode Cloud can be used for ongoing remote builds after setup, but Apple says you must initially configure the project or workspace in Xcode. A rented cloud Mac or other temporary Mac access can meet that setup need.
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Choose a route that fits your project
| Route | Good fit | Mac access for setup | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expo EAS Build and EAS Submit | Expo and React Native projects | The documented iOS build runs on Expo-hosted macOS runners; project-specific setup and Apple credentials still apply. | Builds an iOS app in the cloud; EAS Submit can upload a selected build to App Store Connect. |
| Apple Xcode Cloud | Projects configured for Xcode, including native Apple-platform apps | Yes for initial project/workspace and first workflow configuration in Xcode; subsequent workflows can be managed in Xcode or App Store Connect. | Builds, tests, archives, and can deliver builds to TestFlight or the App Store. |
| Hosted macOS CI runner | Projects whose build can run in the provider’s macOS CI environment | Depends on the project and service; investigate setup and access requirements before choosing. | Can run automated macOS/Xcode build jobs. Capabilities, signing support, storage, upload options, and prices vary by provider. |
| Rented cloud Mac | Developers who need interactive macOS and Xcode access, including for hands-on project work or Xcode Cloud setup | It supplies remote Mac access rather than removing the need for Xcode. | Lets you work in macOS remotely; it is distinct from an automated CI runner. |
For a non-Expo project, do not assume it can be moved into Expo simply to use EAS. Check whether the service supports your stack and the steps you need—compilation, tests, signing, artifact storage, TestFlight upload, or App Store submission. Also compare credential handling, included compute time, queue behavior, recurring build volume, and whether you can test on a suitable device. Current cross-provider pricing and feature comparisons are not established here, so there is no defensible universal “cheapest” option.
#1 Best Overall
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
Build and submit an Expo app from Windows or Linux
- Develop the project locally. Write and maintain the Expo app on your Windows or Linux computer. Keep the project in version control so the cloud build can use a consistent source revision.
- Configure EAS for the project. Follow the current EAS Build instructions and configure the Apple credentials and project settings that your app requires. Credential setup depends on the project and account; do not treat the cloud service as a substitute for Apple signing.
- Request an iOS cloud build. EAS Build runs iOS builds on macOS runners hosted in Expo’s cloud. Follow the current project workflow and retain the resulting build artifact.
- Upload the selected build. Use the documented EAS Submit workflow to send the build to App Store Connect. An upload is not an App Store release.
- Test and prepare distribution. Distribute a beta build through TestFlight, test the app, prepare its App Store Connect information, and submit it for App Review when ready.
Use Xcode Cloud if you can arrange initial Xcode access
Apple describes Xcode Cloud as a CI/CD system that combines Xcode, TestFlight, and App Store Connect. It can build, test, archive, and deliver builds. Its remote environment runs macOS and Xcode, but Apple’s setup documentation says: “You need to use Xcode to initially configure your project or workspace to use Xcode Cloud.” After the first workflow is underway, you can create or edit additional workflows in Xcode or App Store Connect. See Apple’s workflow reference.
Prerequisites Apple documents
- Apple Developer Program enrollment.
- Xcode 15 or later, an Apple Account added in Xcode settings, and initial access to Xcode for setup.
- An App Store Connect app record, or a role with permission to create one.
- A consistent Xcode project or workspace, shared schemes, and an enabled archive action.
Apple’s setup guide covers project preparation. Because upload tooling and minimum Xcode/SDK requirements change, check Apple’s current build upload requirements before selecting a runner image or planning a release.
Rank #2
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
Budget for Apple membership and cloud compute
Apple’s 2026 listings show Xcode Cloud includes 25 compute hours per month with Apple Developer Program membership. Apple lists additional Xcode Cloud plans at US$49.99 per month for 100 hours, US$99.99 for 250 hours, US$399.99 for 1,000 hours, and US$3,999.99 for 10,000 hours. These are Apple-listed monthly plan prices, not a comparison of total costs across cloud providers; confirm the current Xcode Cloud pricing before budgeting.
Apple’s 2026 membership comparison lists the Apple Developer Program at US$99 per membership year, or local currency where available. Qualifying nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities may request a fee waiver. See Apple’s membership comparison. EAS and other providers have separate plans; check their current terms directly rather than assuming the Apple allowance covers third-party builds.
Rank #3
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
Test on devices and distinguish a beta from a release
A successful cloud build confirms that the project compiled in that environment; it does not show how the app behaves on real hardware. Plan device testing appropriate to the app’s features and release risk. TestFlight is Apple’s beta distribution and feedback service, not a substitute for testing or App Review. Apple explains how to distribute Xcode Cloud builds through TestFlight and provides a TestFlight overview.
Before release, the build also needs the required App Store Connect information and review. Uploading a build—whether through EAS or Xcode Cloud—does not itself publish the app.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 15.3-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
Rank #4
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
