iPhone development on the new MacBook
Developing on the new MacBook (Early 2015) isn't going to be any harder than using any recent portable:
- Use the simulator (this can be great at first, but you'll need to test on a real device later).
- Build an IPA and upload it through iTunes (works over wifi) or TestFlight (works over cellular too). Both options would be really slow, but they can work combined with the simulator. There's no debugger though.
- Use Apple's $19 adapter and add a USB hub if you need more than one device connected.
You really need to make up your mind whether you want the latest and shiniest product, or whether you want a good development machine. Once you use Interface Builder, a 15" MBP is the smallest that is usable without an external monitor. And once you use an external monitor, you are connected to a desk, and the portability doesn't help much.
The new MacBook is targeted at certain use cases. Serious software development isn't one of them.
I want to do iPhone development with the MacBook.
No, you don't. Really, you don't.
That model is meant for users who value portability over everything else. Developing an iOS application (or, really, any other software product) requires many, many hours at the keyboard. You need screen space for editors, the editor's toolbars, the documentation you will refer to twice a minute, and the simulator to test the results of your labour. You don't do this during spare moments here and there.
iOS code also needs to be compiled - not a process for lightweight, energy-efficient systems. The MacBook isn't for video editing either, Apple has other models for this part of the market.
I do software development with a 27 inch desktop, and it's about the right size. I also have an Air for remote work, but it uses my desktop for the heavy lifting and content delivery. My work would take substantially longer on a 13 inch screen.
You will need the USB-C to USB Adapter for this:
The USB-C to USB Adapter lets you connect iOS devices and many of your standard USB accessories to a MacBook with USB-C port.
Plug the USB-C end of the adapter into the USB-C port on your MacBook, and then connect your flash drive, camera, or other standard USB device. You can also connect a USB cable to sync and charge your iPhone, iPad, or iPod.