Developing for Apple platforms traditionally requires owning a Mac. The author, who avoids Apple products, explores alternatives like virtual machines and CI services, but finds them lacking. After realizing a Mac is necessary, they choose a Mac Mini for cost and power efficiency.

The M1 chip offers great performance-per-watt, fitting their low-power, off-grid lifestyle. They plan to run it headless, avoiding the need for a monitor and peripherals. This setup balances the need for macOS with minimal environmental impact and expense.