Hardware requirements for ipad/iphone application development.

The cheapest current Mac machine

raw power? More than enough to run Xcode.

You asked for minimum. Any new Mac today is enough. Not sure I'd bother with an Air and small screens, tho they will do in a pinch.

Have you walked into an Apple Store and tried using any of the computers on display? What types of apps will you be expected to work on? AirPlay and iCloud part of the apps you'll build? Universal apps or just iPhone or iPad? What do you do when you need several windows on the deskop?

What newcomers seem to overlook are the ancillary demands from the associated text, graphics, movie and audio editors that all seem to be simultaneously required.

I run three monitors and 1/2 dozen test mules. I keep full backups at all times. Do the math. A professional environment doesn't sound like it would require any minimums. You haven't laid out any details so it's difficult to give more than casual advice I think. You're asking questions, tho, so your on the right track.

Good luck in any case and Happy Holidays!

Intel-based Mac.

mac mini with 3rd party max'd ram, twice the hard drive you think you need and the largest monitor you can afford.