This is something I can’t figure out, because my understanding is that no matter what OS you install, unless you bought your Mac with cash, your serial number and credit card are now connected…and will always be spilling data about you.
Thanks for any advice…I’m wondering if it’s worth it to install a new OS.
No there is spyware down to the hardware and bios level, but it does limit the data collection. Also if you’re going to switch to GNU+Linux and sill use the same non-free software it wouldn’t really make difference.
Thanks! I de-Microsofted myself and have been using LibreOffice. Also don’t use Apple apps like Pages. I can switch other apps as needed.
Nice, if you need any tips on switching to GNU+Linux don’t hesitate to DM me. Also, if you are on a newer mac the hardware doesn’t allow for you to switch to another os due to apple’s locked down nature
Thank you…I’m CERTAIN I’ll need help!
Why do you want to install it on a Mac when you can get a PC for way less? But definitely.
Yes (see Question about Mac phoning home from 6 days ago, which is answered by the former Asahi Linux lead). There is no firmware-level Apple telemetry, and booting into Linux disables Find My.
Thank you, this is just what I needed! Now I just need to figure out HOW to get it installed on my Mac. :)
all Apple devices are part of a covert peer-to-peer network and its primary purpose is to facilitate the Airtags and find-my-shit apps. it runs on desktops, laptops, phones, ipads, watches, etc., including when they’re supposedly off. you can’t turn it off or opt out of it and what that crap additionally does and how secure it is is unknown.
having said that, if you run linux on an old intel-based macbook or similar (say, up to 2015 models) you’re out of that racket and similarly all Apple or iCloud based crap. they do have a permanently enabled IME but that’s true for the majority of devices sold and, dependent on your threat model, isn’t an issue per se.
not sure about the “credit card” angle as you can’t buy a new Apple device that runs linux, the asahi mess is limited to M1/2 models which are like 5 years old at this point.
the asahi mess is limited to M1/2 models
As of the Asahi Linux blog post from 2 days ago, they’re working on SPMI controller support, which is part of M3 support.
I wouldn’t really call Asahi a mess, they upstream their patches to the Linux kernel and are a part of the Fedora project. Also, Linus uses Asahi Linux for his travel laptop, a MacBook Air.
which are like 5 years old at this point.
M2 models were released in June 2022, they aren’t 3 years old yet.
