Why doesnt Mac use Makefile to build?
From Bitfighter
Mac does not use Makefile like linux for a couple of reasons.
First, its much easier this way. All you have to do is open the project, and click build. The settings are all in UI grasp, making it easier to change and edit values. Warnings and errors are easier to find and fix.
Lastly, and the main reason, is someday we will try to host this game on the Apple web site. When we do this, we will also use xcode for a couple of other reasons.