So #Apple just announced their plan to kill general purpose computing.
They're switching to their own ARM-based SoCs and while I have no love for Intel or x86 in general, Apple's solution is designed to ensure you won't be able to run anything but #Apple signed images on the hardware you supposedly own.
Native #Linux? Forget it. But don't worry, you'll still be able to run it in a VM for those pesky containers you're using at work.
#Linux is going to be a permanent second stringer there.
@isagalaev They won't kill it completely, they won't kill it for you or me, there's always going to be options, but that's not the goal.
It's about how easy it will be to try Linux for the ever increasing number of Apple customers. Right now it's still fairly simple and so it is an option to at least try on an existing Mac HW when macOS frustrates and optionally transition fully if they like the experience, (personal experience with dozens), however if it doesn't boot because of a T3 chip etc.
@isagalaev A lot more people will simply give up.
It's not a problem for me, but am already here. If however back when I first tried Linux I couldn't simply plug in a live USB to try it, I don't know if I will be on Linux today, but at least I wouldn't be on it for as long as I am now, because the barrier to entry would've been so much higher.
Repurposing your existing hardware to try things you're unfamiliar and uncertain about is a great way to discover #Linux with minimal investment.
@MatejLach @isagalaev , I think Ivan is right here. Consumers have the choice to buy an Apple Fun Machine or general purpose computers.
I agree Matej that going from general purpose to specific purpose appliance (because that's what it'll end up being in the end) is not nice, but I think Apple can only go so far until they start shooting their feet.
I'm not defending Apple, just giving an observation. I'm a diehard Debian user.
@indirection
I don't disagree per se, but I also think this underestimates the power of "default", Windows has majority market share because it's the "default". Many get Macs at work by "default" and as an extension end up with personal machines also being Macs.
Many buy Mac as a fashion/status symbol etc. too.
The realization that you now have a special-purpose machine vs a general purpose computer will take a while to sink in, maybe a good while.
What I've also seen, even among technical audiences, is to resort to blaming Linux, rather than the vendor, even after evidence is presented that being incompatible design decision was made explicitly and purposely by the vendor.
I think this will result in many more "well, Linux doesn't even boot on my machine, so fuck Linux" forum threads than we have now.
It won't block anyone who is already determined to run Linux anyway, but that's not the point of it.
@MatejLach @isagalaev , I agree that it will ultimately mean less Linux users.
I agree that it furthers vendor lock-in.
But thinking about it, these users would've never lasted on Linux. They may want to try Linux, but they'll want it to behave like a Mac (or Windows). Linux is just not user friendly yet, but we are getting there!
@MatejLach @isagalaev , and not only is it not user friendly, but it's still not industry friendly.
Linux (or anything other than Mac or Windows) is for users who are tired of certain aspects of computing, and will put in the time to get what the want.
For some this means re-paying for Windows every 5 years. For others this means customization. For others, a consistent, stable interface that will never change until they die.
Matej Ľach ✅
Ivan Sagalaev 
LenFalken