Exactly. To export and testing is not necessary to have one. You just need a Mac to publish your game. If you want to work with games and want to publish them for iOS, I suggest you purchase a Mac Mini with a low setting. I did it (Mac Mini i7) andafter I decided migrate to Mac. Today I use VMWare to access my Windows programs, including the Construct 2, and I have nothing to complain.
The Phonegap is suitable only for very simple games without much movement, and few images. You'll restrict their games.