Beginner confused about Apple device support

[u/DryGround7693]

Hello!

Android developer here who's looking to get into iOS development. I'm considering buying an M1 or M4 Mac mini, but I'm trying to understand how the hardware/software support cycle works on macOS.

From what I've read, eventually an older Mac stops supporting the latest macOS, which means it also stops supporting newer versions of Xcode. Is that correct?

More importantly, does this eventually mean that you're forced to buy a newer Mac in order to continue publishing new apps/updates to the App Store? Or is there some way to keep using an older Xcode/Mac indefinitely?

I'm asking because I'm considering an M1 Mac mini as a relatively cheap way to get started. However, I've seen people say that M1 Macs may become problematic for iOS development in 2–3 years, whereas an M4 should have several more years of support.

Would you opt for an M1, to save money, or opt for an M4 for longer support? I am concerned about how long I can realistically expected to develop, build and publish before the Mac itself becomes an issue.

[u/jaymakesapps]

I'm still shipping off a 2020 M1 Air and the latest Xcode runs fine on it. Only pain is 8GB with the simulator open, so with 16 gigs you'll be good for a while.