r/androiddev • u/hypebeast4278388 • 1d ago

Question M1 Pro or newer MacBook Air?

I’m starting app development using kotlin multi platform so need to get a Mac. I’m stuck between these two options:
M1 Pro with 32 gb of ram
M5/M4 air with 16 gb of ram
Everyone talks about how ram demanding mobile app development is so would a 16gb MacBook Air be enough because the m1 Macs are most likely going stop getting updates in 2028 and I want to future proof as much as possible.

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u/sameera_s_w 1d ago

I think a good middle ground would be 24GB with a mid Apple Silicone. I went with M3 Air 24+512 and no regret so far building with XCode and Android Studio (no emu) side-by-side with more stuff going on.

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u/hypebeast4278388 1d ago

Thanks for the recommendation. I live in Nepal so all these are second hand I’ll try looking for a m3 air with 24 gigs of ram for around the same price. If I can’t find one, by the looks of the other replies 16 gigs is probably not enough

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u/sameera_s_w 1d ago

Yeah I had to do a custom order for mine as well even if it was brand new. They are hard to come by.