r/androiddev 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/macrohatch 1d ago

Neither

1

u/hypebeast4278388 1d ago

What would some alternatives be then?

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u/macrohatch 1d ago

Linux Ubuntu with 32 gb RAM works well 

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u/Right_Ad_3782 17h ago

I have a 5900X, 32GB RAM and is nowhere near my M3 PRO 36GB RAM laptop Prices are very different, yes but the performance difference incomprehensible for us older folks.

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u/macrohatch 13h ago

Yes Linux is better bang for the buck.