It runs macOS so you can install any stuff that you want. With asahi Linux showing you can also install other operating systems. I think a retrograde lockdown might be possible, but it’s unlikely.
The reason I ask is because I tried to install something on Mac OS the other day, and it made me jump through a lot of hoops to install something not approved by Apple. And in the end, I wasn’t able to just blanket allow software from untrusted sources. I had to click a button each time. So it seems like there’s nothing stopping Apple from just removing your ability to press that button in the future.
I install tons of software with homebrew and nix every day. Yes, sometimes you need to allow a new version explicitly. Also yes, Apple could probably disallow that globally, but that would be a big change for something they allowed for 50 years.
Something I’m still curious about: can these new ARM Apple devices run arbitrary software? Or do you have to install things via the App Store only?
Could Apple someday decide that you’re not allowed to install whatever software you want and only install their approved software?
It runs macOS so you can install any stuff that you want. With asahi Linux showing you can also install other operating systems. I think a retrograde lockdown might be possible, but it’s unlikely.
The reason I ask is because I tried to install something on Mac OS the other day, and it made me jump through a lot of hoops to install something not approved by Apple. And in the end, I wasn’t able to just blanket allow software from untrusted sources. I had to click a button each time. So it seems like there’s nothing stopping Apple from just removing your ability to press that button in the future.
I install tons of software with homebrew and nix every day. Yes, sometimes you need to allow a new version explicitly. Also yes, Apple could probably disallow that globally, but that would be a big change for something they allowed for 50 years.
Seems like they’re getting closer every year though
They have not changed anything in forever. Even the boot loader is unlocked.
Here are some of the changes making it more difficult to install arbitrary software in the name of security:
https://www.computerworld.com/article/3483921/macs-are-becoming-more-locked-down.html