GoKawiilYour iPhone (or any other smartphone) is a computer capable of running a complete desktop operating system, and has been so for quite some time.
A week ago, Apple asked us to say hello to MacBook Neo. It's a very reasonably priced entrant to the Mac laptop line, just $599. It's perfect for students, priced at just $499 with an education discount.
I have no arguments against this device's existence. But I couldn't help but also notice it comes equipped with an A18 Pro chip, the very same chip that powers the iPhone 16 Pro I carry in my pocket. I'm bothered, as I have been since the original iPad introduction 16 years ago, by the unnecessary restrictions placed by corporate powers to run third-party software and operating systems on devices we own.
"Love at first Mac." Welcome to the family! Don't ever think of putting MacOS on your iPad though!
On the MacBook Neo, I can ostensibly go to a browser, any browser, and click links to download whatever software I'd like.
On my iPhone, there is no such ability. As a US citizen, I must go through the Apple-approved App Store to download / install third-party software. Smells like freedom.
On the MacBook Neo, I can run code and build software with no restrictions.
On my iPhone, this ability is heavily sandboxed and there is no full access to the filesystem through a user accessible shell, as much as I may want one.
On the MacBook Neo, I can even opt to not use MacOS at all and instead install Asahi Linux if I so choose (assuming Apple continues to allow custom kernel booting as it has in M-series Macs).
On my iPhone, the only operating system I can use is iOS – the boot loader for iPhones and iPads is locked down as to restrict "jailbreaking", otherwise known as modifications that allow a device owner to install software outside of Apple-vetted channels.
... continue reading