Apple M4 Macs: iMac, Mac mini, MacBook Pro

Exactly, except we can unlike Mac users.

What's so clickbait about it? Apple won't let you run unsigned applications on MacOS15.1. You could if you run Sudo but yea.
https://lunduke.locals.com/post/6304352/apple-removes-ability-to-run-unsigned-apps-in-macos-15-1
They'll let you run whatever you want. You just allow it in the settings under Settings > Privacy & Security > and click allow. The allow option pops up whenever you try to install something unsigned in this section of the Settings. It's similar to Windows when a warning message pops up. It doesn't require sudo. Takes about 5 seconds. You just press Command + Space and start typing "priv" and Privacy & Security instantly pops up because macOS now allows you to access any settings instantly this way. I use macOS 99% of the time. I have many applications that aren't signed because they are GitHub utilities I use for my job. This is clickbait nonsense. They haven't allowed unsigned apps for years. In previous versions of macOS, all you you had to do was right-click the app and click Open and it would whitelist the app. But since normal folks could open unsigned apps this way without knowing what they're doing, they just moved the option to whitelist unsigned apps to the Privacy & Security settings. You clearly don't use macOS so you don't understand why this video is clickbait garbage.
 
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Apple buying game publishers is my idea of purgatory, because that's what Apple would need to do to get the ball rolling if even by a little. People who generally buy powerful computers are not doing so because they need a Speedometer of 40 or even to do video editing, but because of gaming. People who buy powerful computers do it for productivity or gaming, and I think people over estimate how many Mac users are doing productivity tasks. Whoopi Goldberg thought her Mac was a gaming machine. If you wanted to game you could get a lot more for a lot less, while also having access to a lot more games. This is why I feel that Apple hasn't had much success in Mac sales since the launch of the M1, because either people were disappointment in that they couldn't play their favorite games or because the M1 machine is just a glorified Chromebook and they're happy with it and need nothing more. This is why CP2077 is a good thing because Apple needs to show what their hardware can actually do, besides Geekbench and Cinebench.
Apple building publishers I like the idea of, lots of studio layoffs happening, Apple could swoop up talent if they wanted to right now.
Apple could easily out Nintendo Nintendo with first-party titles available to their devices, some decently PS5'esq controller that could be paired to an AppleTV, ipad and ios options available etc...
100% an option.
But Apple buying developers and publishers.... I am less inclined to like, unless it's EA, because really Apple could only do better, and if they failed and EA went away, we still win.
 
They'll let you run whatever you want. You just allow it in the settings under Settings > Privacy & Security > and click allow. The allow option pops up whenever you try to install something unsigned in this section of the Settings.
If you read the article and watched the video you'll know that doesn't work anymore in MacOS 15.1. Now the only way to get unsigned code working is through a sudo command.
Code:
sudo spctl --master-disable
I would say welcome to being a Linux user except without all the benefits.
I use macOS 99% of the time. I have many applications that aren't signed because they are GitHub utilities I use for my job. This is clickbait nonsense. They haven't allowed unsigned apps for years. In previous versions of macOS, all you you had to do was right-click the app and click Open and it would whitelist the app. But since normal folks could open unsigned apps this way without knowing what they're doing, they just moved the option to whitelist unsigned apps to the Privacy & Security settings. You clearly don't use macOS so you don't understand why this video is clickbait garbage.
99% you say? I got bad news for you then. Why not install MacOS 15.1 and let me know if I'm wrong. This just enforces my prediction that Apple is gonna try to make MacOS more like iOS, instead of the preferred direction of iOS becoming more like MacOS.
 
If you read the article and watched the video you'll know that doesn't work anymore in MacOS 15.1. Now the only way to get unsigned code working is through a sudo command.
Code:
sudo spctl --master-disable
I would say welcome to being a Linux user except without all the benefits.

99% you say? I got bad news for you then. Why not install MacOS 15.1 and let me know if I'm wrong. This just enforces my prediction that Apple is gonna try to make MacOS more like iOS, instead of the preferred direction of iOS becoming more like MacOS.
Please stop. I'm literally on macOS 15.1 and do this every day. I don't need to use the Terminal. Everything you're saying is incorrect. And yes 99% of the time, when I'm not running Windows in a VM for work. Everything else I do is on macOS. Apple is never going to make it to where macOS can only install apps from the Mac App Store. People would leave them in droves, including myself. Apple hasn't allowed unsigned apps to run without whitelisting them for years. It's not groundbreaking news like the YouTuber is trying to make it seem. It's a security measure that is easily bypassed in the Privacy & Security settings, as I outlined in my previous post. That video is clickbait.
 
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Please stop. I'm literally on macOS 15.1 and do this every day. I don't need to use the Terminal. Everything you're saying is incorrect. And yes 99% of the time, when I'm not running Windows in a VM for work. Everything else I do is on macOS. Apple is never going to make it to where macOS can only install apps from the Mac App Store. People would leave them in droves, including myself. Apple hasn't allowed unsigned apps to run without whitelisting them for years. It's a security measure that is easily bypassing in the Privacy & Security settings, as I outlined in my previous post. That video is clickbait.
It's up in the air if this is a bug or an intended feature. Trying running OpenScad since they're having a lot of complaints.
"So far it appears that this forcing is deliberate on Apple’s side, with the FOSS community still sorting through possible workarounds and the full impact."

https://hackaday.com/2024/11/01/apple-forces-the-signing-of-applications-in-macos-sequoia-15-1/
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...lity-to-launch-unsigned-applications.2441792/
https://www.osnews.com/story/141055...oves-ability-to-launch-unsigned-applications/
 
It's up in the air if this is a bug or an intended feature. Trying running OpenScad since they're having a lot of complaints.
"So far it appears that this forcing is deliberate on Apple’s side, with the FOSS community still sorting through possible workarounds and the full impact."

https://hackaday.com/2024/11/01/apple-forces-the-signing-of-applications-in-macos-sequoia-15-1/
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...lity-to-launch-unsigned-applications.2441792/
https://www.osnews.com/story/141055...oves-ability-to-launch-unsigned-applications/
Those articles are literally talking about Gatekeeper, which has been in macOS for years, and is bypassed with the method I illustrated above. I'm not going to explain this again. Allowing apps via Gatekeeper and allowing unsigned apps has been moved to the Privacy & Security settings. That's it.
 
Apple could easily out Nintendo Nintendo with first-party titles available to their devices, some decently PS5'esq controller that could be paired to an AppleTV, ipad and ios options available etc...
100% an option.
I am not sure I would use the word easy, it must be extremelly hard to out Nintendo Nintendo, they seem really good at making their first party-exclusive game, branding, find their niche and so on.

A bit like I would not have said they could easily out Netflix Netflix with their Apple TV+ streaming platform and their hardware advantage (well I think I did around 2013-2014, but I have been proven extremely wrong), there is nothing easy in big reasonably open competitive market like that, nintendo-sony, etc... they are really good with decades of build-in know how and culture, strong brand, strong ips, etc... they could fail at it.
 
I am not sure I would use the word easy, it must be extremelly hard to out Nintendo Nintendo, they seem really good at making their first party-exclusive game, branding, find their niche and so on.

A bit like I would not have said they could easily out Netflix Netflix with their Apple TV+ streaming platform and their hardware advantage (well I think I did around 2013-2014, but I have been proven extremely wrong), there is nothing easy in big reasonably open competitive market like that.
OK well they could at least Nintendo up, but with how lawsuit-happy Nintendo has been lately I am not sure that Nintendo is even Nintendoing correctly right now.
Hell their own museum was caught using windows based emulators for their displays, but in classic Nintendo form their response was to ziplock the cords in so you couldn't unplug them to make the windows boop noise when a USB device is unplugged and put take down notices on the videos of it happening that got posted online.
 
Hell their own museum was caught using windows based emulators for their displays, but in classic Nintendo form their response was to ziplock the cords in so you couldn't unplug them to make the windows boop noise when a USB device is unplugged and put take down notices on the videos of it happening that got posted online.

When you spend so much suing people that can get your shit running that you forget how to get your shit running.
 
Apple building publishers I like the idea of, lots of studio layoffs happening, Apple could swoop up talent if they wanted to right now.
Apple could easily out Nintendo Nintendo with first-party titles available to their devices, some decently PS5'esq controller that could be paired to an AppleTV, ipad and ios options available etc...
100% an option.
But Apple buying developers and publishers.... I am less inclined to like, unless it's EA, because really Apple could only do better, and if they failed and EA went away, we still win.
At a time when the console industry is slowly fading from existence, but you think Apple making exclusives is going to win them support? Apple would be better off making a Steam Deck version with their M4 chip, as that would be a world of difference for Apple. The problem will always be the same as who would want to buy Apple products to play a dozen games? You know what they already are because you've already played them on PC. A lot hasn't changed for Apple in 20 years. Exclusives don't work anymore.
 
Have my 14-inch MacBook Pro M4. Obviously it’s going to feel a lot like the earlier models, but I’m happy when it’s clearly coping well with my workloads.

One nice thing I appreciate as a newcomer to the 14-inch: the UI scaling allows a ton of usable space for a laptop this size. I’ve tried recent 15- and 16-inch Windows machines that didn’t work as well on that front.

Also, as a veteran Mac laptop user, I get distinct 12-inch PowerBook G4 vibes from it. That “compact but powerful aluminum laptop of doom” experience.
 
I'm sure there will be a way to hack in a universal one. Modding community is very talented.

View: https://youtu.be/USB9xQu97k4?si=eZbHzMyxyc9ec94v

Yeah saw that recently. Would be nice if it were open sourced.

The annoying thing is that older Macbooks had replaceable drives and in fact you could have another SSD in them if you swapped out the optical drive. Yet ever since like 2016 it's been soldered which ostensibly is for performance but even as that video demonstrates makes zero difference in that regard and is just for price segmentation.
 
That's an unfortunate necessary evil due to their corporatist policies which every customer is essentially forced to pay for.
It's not a good thing.
It’s paid for itself many times over on every Apple product I’ve owned. It’s just a warranty coupled with Apple’s excellent customer service. My last laptop had an issue and was actually out of warranty, and they still fixed it for free. You’re not forced to buy Apple Care, so I’m not sure what you’re talking about.
 
No thanks. I enjoy my Apple Care.
You enjoy paying for Apple Care?
It’s paid for itself many times over on every Apple product I’ve owned. It’s just a warranty coupled with Apple’s excellent customer service. My last laptop had an issue and was actually out of warranty, and they still fixed it for free. You’re not forced to buy Apple Care, so I’m not sure what you’re talking about.
Doesn't that mean your Apple products failed many times over? What is going on here?
Yet ever since like 2016 it's been soldered which ostensibly is for performance but even as that video demonstrates makes zero difference in that regard and is just for price segmentation.
If you look at the previous video there's no performance difference. Apple did it to make you pay hundreds for more storage and save themselves money in manufacturing. The reason Apple is now putting in removable storage in minis is because their sales are poor and customers are complaining. Much like how when Apple cut the SSD performance in half in their base model M2's and customers took notice. If people keep not buying Apple products then eventually Apple will have no choice but to do things that other manufacturers already do.
 
It’s paid for itself many times over on every Apple product I’ve owned. It’s just a warranty coupled with Apple’s excellent customer service. My last laptop had an issue and was actually out of warranty, and they still fixed it for free. You’re not forced to buy Apple Care, so I’m not sure what you’re talking about.
And Apple is expensive enough that if you use it once for every 4 devices it’s paid for itself and then some.

We’ve had some pretty obvious damage that should not have been covered and they did anyways.

Upcoming EU laws and requirements for parts availability and easy 3’rd party repair is going to kick Apple hard on their existing policies though.
 
You enjoy paying for Apple Care?
I like having the ability to perpetually extend my warranty. It doesn't expire. I pay 65 dollars a year until I'm done with my laptop.

Doesn't that mean your Apple products failed many times over? What is going on here?
Why do you respond this way? It's irritating. When I needed something repaired, the cost to repair was significantly lower than what I pay for Apple Care. I actually had an older MacBook Pro that was out of warranty, and because I hadn't ever used my Apple Care, Apple still fixed it for free, and also paid shipping both ways. My mother had an old iMac that was outdated and Apple didn't have the parts for it, so they gave her a new model with the RAM/storage specs for free. Apple customer service is top notch.

If you look at the previous video there's no performance difference. Apple did it to make you pay hundreds for more storage and save themselves money in manufacturing. The reason Apple is now putting in removable storage in minis is because their sales are poor and customers are complaining. Much like how when Apple cut the SSD performance in half in their base model M2's and customers took notice. If people keep not buying Apple products then eventually Apple will have no choice but to do things that other manufacturers already do.
It's weird having discussions with you when you're anti-everything-that-isn't-Linux. It makes for a very lopsided discussion.
 
You're going to drop Windows and use your Mac ... for games? Gaming on Mac is balls, unless you play World of Warcraft or something.

Edit: Do you mean just use Windows for games?
It really isn't if MacOS has the games you play.

I game on my M2 Max macbook pro all the time, and the games made for it run great.

Only reason I keep Windows around is because I still have a desktop gaming PC I use, but i'm now at the point that I don't think i'm ever going to upgrade this 5800x3d / 4080 system and just move 100% mac for everything soon.

My primary game War Thunder works great on MacOS, and the only other game I play a lot (elite) works fine using crossovers.
 
It really isn't if MacOS has the games you play.
Of course.

I game on my M2 Max macbook pro all the time, and the games made for it run great.

Only reason I keep Windows around is because I still have a desktop gaming PC I use, but i'm now at the point that I don't think i'm ever going to upgrade this 5800x3d / 4080 system and just move 100% mac for everything soon.

My primary game War Thunder works great on MacOS, and the only other game I play a lot (elite) works fine using crossovers.
I only use my Mac for work now and game on my Switch and PS5. You just use whatever works for you. I've given up on Windows gaming because Windows has become immensely frustrating. I like to just turn my TV and console on and enjoy myself.
 
If you look at the previous video there's no performance difference. Apple did it to make you pay hundreds for more storage and save themselves money in manufacturing.
I mean, that's what I said in the sentence quoted 🤷‍♂️ 'Ostensibly' meaning from outward appearances/how Apple is presenting this but the video shows this justification falls apart.
 
It really isn't if MacOS has the games you play.

I game on my M2 Max macbook pro all the time, and the games made for it run great.

Only reason I keep Windows around is because I still have a desktop gaming PC I use, but i'm now at the point that I don't think i'm ever going to upgrade this 5800x3d / 4080 system and just move 100% mac for everything soon.

My primary game War Thunder works great on MacOS, and the only other game I play a lot (elite) works fine using crossovers.
I’m angry they moved the sea vixen to 9.0 RB…
 
it can be handy. $250 for a lid replacement instead of $600+ is a decent savings. (macbook air numbers up here)
Quick look on Amazon shows Macbook Air M2/M3 Lid for $300. Don't pay attention to the color because they all seem to be $300. You can find the lids for cheaper on Ebay if you buy used. You do need to pull out some tools but I think it's worth saving money. For comparison the Replacement for ASUS ROG Strix replacement screen is only $140. Probably because you don't need the whole lid to replace it.

And Apple is expensive enough that if you use it once for every 4 devices it’s paid for itself and then some.
Sounds like another method to lock people into their ecosystem.
We’ve had some pretty obvious damage that should not have been covered and they did anyways.
Willing to bet that if they didn't then you'd stop paying for it.
Upcoming EU laws and requirements for parts availability and easy 3’rd party repair is going to kick Apple hard on their existing policies though.
Good.
How good are these M4 minis for emulation boxes?
Depends on what you wanna emulate. Switch on the Macbook Air M3 isn't that good. I get better performance on my Ryzen 5500U laptop running CachyOS. We're now up to PS4 emulation which is probably not gonna happen on Apple hardware.

View: https://youtu.be/OeklpRyrvx8?si=M6gv7eFQfoWvXp9z

View: https://youtu.be/wmwrTWjWrNE?si=xMV_W7B5Dez4VJHo
Why do you respond this way? It's irritating.
Because you make it sound like you're dealing with a lot of broken Apple products.
It's weird having discussions with you when you're anti-everything-that-isn't-Linux. It makes for a very lopsided discussion.
If you know me then you know that I criticize anything that deserves it, including Linux. Apple is just the most deserving of criticism.
 
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Quick look on Amazon shows Macbook Air M2/M3 Lid for $300. Don't pay attention to the color because they all seem to be $300. You can find the lids for cheaper on Ebay if you buy used. You do need to pull out some tools but I think it's worth saving money. For comparison the Replacement for ASUS ROG Strix replacement screen is only $140. Probably because you don't need the whole lid to replace it.
perfectly fine it theyre out of warranty, but if not, it voids whatever is remaining. done plenty of lid/screen replacements on all sorts off laptops...
we put apple care on every single teachers macbook and probably 80% use it. it saves us while under the 3 year warranty. then i start swapping them, batteries too.
 
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Because you make it sound like you're dealing with a lot of broken Apple products.
No, this is what you do. You make assumptions and put words in people's mouths, which leads to irritating conversations. Your main means of communication leans toward straw man nonsense.

If you know me then you know that I criticize anything that deserves it, including Linux.
Are you trying to convince me? Or you?
 
Now, let me start by saying that I have been an IT professional for 25 years and into computers for 33 years. I have used Macs, Linux on the PC side, Amiga, OS/2 and all versions of Windows starting with 3.11. When I saw this M4 Mac Mini and a couple of videos on it, I wanted it right then and there and bought it straight away.

Now, here is the thing to start, I think it is a fast and really good computer and a good OS. Once I changed the HDMI cable I was using, it worked with my LG 45 Inch 3440 x 1440 OLED monitor straight away. I have a pair of headsets that worked fine with it and all the programs I wanted to install did so mostly without issue.

The real issues I experienced, although others may not, started when the Apple Mail program hung every time I used it. I had to pull the power cord more than once just to get the computer to work again, since it would not restart. I then connected up my TCL 55 inch 4k TV with HDMI 2.1, after I connected the LG monitor with a USB C to display port cable and it worked right away. However, I found that there is no way to turn it off in the OS so I would have to unplug it, which I personally find something I did not like.

Then I found that the TV would flash off and on, work for a bit and do the same thing over again. I tried different cables and also rebooting the computer but that did not help. Then I found that my HP Laserjet M26 printer does not work with the computer, either. I also just remembered that the sound would be selectable for the TV but nothing would play out of it, although originally, it did work correctly.

Basically, for the first MAC I chose to own, I found this to be a fantastic little computer, fun to use but at least for me, to many flaws to bother to keep it.
 
Now, let me start by saying that I have been an IT professional for 25 years and into computers for 33 years. I have used Macs, Linux on the PC side, Amiga, OS/2 and all versions of Windows starting with 3.11. When I saw this M4 Mac Mini and a couple of videos on it, I wanted it right then and there and bought it straight away.

Now, here is the thing to start, I think it is a fast and really good computer and a good OS. Once I changed the HDMI cable I was using, it worked with my LG 45 Inch 3440 x 1440 OLED monitor straight away. I have a pair of headsets that worked fine with it and all the programs I wanted to install did so mostly without issue.

The real issues I experienced, although others may not, started when the Apple Mail program hung every time I used it. I had to pull the power cord more than once just to get the computer to work again, since it would not restart. I then connected up my TCL 55 inch 4k TV with HDMI 2.1, after I connected the LG monitor with a USB C to display port cable and it worked right away. However, I found that there is no way to turn it off in the OS so I would have to unplug it, which I personally find something I did not like.

Then I found that the TV would flash off and on, work for a bit and do the same thing over again. I tried different cables and also rebooting the computer but that did not help. Then I found that my HP Laserjet M26 printer does not work with the computer, either. I also just remembered that the sound would be selectable for the TV but nothing would play out of it, although originally, it did work correctly.

Basically, for the first MAC I chose to own, I found this to be a fantastic little computer, fun to use but at least for me, to many flaws to bother to keep it.
None of that is typical behavior. The OS is probably corrupt.

You should try a firmware wipe (this requires a second Mac) with the appropriate IPSW file: https://ipsw.me/Mac16,10 (Mac Mini M4 non-Pro) https://ipsw.me/Mac16,11 (Mac Mini M4 Pro)

What cable are you using? I went through about 6 different cables before I found a USB-C to DP cable that worked properly with my Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 OLED. I can now run it at 240 Hz just fine. I was having flashes and glitches and whatnot as well. This is the cable I finally settled on: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C4DB8MLL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

They make a USB-C to HDMI 2.1 cable as well, though I haven't tested it.


A clean install with a USB will also work if you don't have a second Mac: https://swcdn.apple.com/content/dow...rk1g4mmb6l7z3ac6cippqfq0/InstallAssistant.pkg
 
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Now, let me start by saying that I have been an IT professional for 25 years and into computers for 33 years. I have used Macs, Linux on the PC side, Amiga, OS/2 and all versions of Windows starting with 3.11. When I saw this M4 Mac Mini and a couple of videos on it, I wanted it right then and there and bought it straight away.

Now, here is the thing to start, I think it is a fast and really good computer and a good OS. Once I changed the HDMI cable I was using, it worked with my LG 45 Inch 3440 x 1440 OLED monitor straight away. I have a pair of headsets that worked fine with it and all the programs I wanted to install did so mostly without issue.

The real issues I experienced, although others may not, started when the Apple Mail program hung every time I used it. I had to pull the power cord more than once just to get the computer to work again, since it would not restart. I then connected up my TCL 55 inch 4k TV with HDMI 2.1, after I connected the LG monitor with a USB C to display port cable and it worked right away. However, I found that there is no way to turn it off in the OS so I would have to unplug it, which I personally find something I did not like.

Then I found that the TV would flash off and on, work for a bit and do the same thing over again. I tried different cables and also rebooting the computer but that did not help. Then I found that my HP Laserjet M26 printer does not work with the computer, either. I also just remembered that the sound would be selectable for the TV but nothing would play out of it, although originally, it did work correctly.

Basically, for the first MAC I chose to own, I found this to be a fantastic little computer, fun to use but at least for me, to many flaws to bother to keep it.
ive you havent totally given up i might be able to help, most of this is shit ive run into at work...
(maybe a new thread or a pm)
 
None of that is typical behavior. The OS is probably corrupt.

You should try a firmware wipe (this requires a second Mac) with the appropriate IPSW file: https://ipsw.me/Mac16,10 (Mac Mini M4 non-Pro) https://ipsw.me/Mac16,11 (Mac Mini M4 Pro)

What cable are you using? I went through about 6 different cables before I found a USB-C to DP cable that worked properly with my Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 OLED. I can now run it at 240 Hz just fine. I was having flashes and glitches and whatnot as well. This is the cable I finally settled on: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C4DB8MLL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

They make a USB-C to HDMI 2.1 cable as well, though I haven't tested it.


A clean install with a USB will also work if you don't have a second Mac: https://swcdn.apple.com/content/dow...rk1g4mmb6l7z3ac6cippqfq0/InstallAssistant.pkg

Surprisingly, I had no issues using the display port to usb c cable on my LG monitor nor the HDMI cable that did work on it and it is a 240Hz display. The issue I had was on the TV itself, the same one that I had no issues with when using a Powercolor Red Devil 6800XT on Windows 11. The clean install is a good idea, I may try it, since I cannot return the device until tomorrow, regardless.
 
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Surprisingly, I had no issues using the display port to usb c cable on my LG monitor nor the HDMI cable that did work on it and it is a 240Hz display. The issue I had was on the TV itself, the same one that I had no issues with when using a Powercolor Red Devil 6800XT on Windows 11. The clean install is a good idea, I may try it, since I cannot return the device until tomorrow, regardless.
I would give it a go, and see if it fixes anything.
 
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