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Apple's apps bypass firewalls like LittleSnitch and LuLu on macOS Big Sur

(twitter.com)
1183 points robenkleene | 10 comments | 20 Oct 20 15:51 UTC | HN request time: 0.82s | source | bottom
1. coldtea ◴[20 Oct 20 16:07 UTC] No.24839016[source]▶
So? Users expect basic OS functionality (like the App Store, Maps, etc) to function.

Do people really install Little Snitch (which I've used since 2005 or so) for blocking Apple's own apps?

replies(4): >>24839090 #>>24839390 #>>24839475 #>>24839544 #
2. sim_io ◴[20 Oct 20 16:13 UTC] No.24839090[source]▶
It is a firewall, i should be able to decide what goes in and out of my computer
replies(2): >>24839353 #>>24839497 #
3. pnw_hazor ◴[20 Oct 20 16:30 UTC] No.24839353[source]▶
It is pretty clear Apple doesn't think it is your computer. Similar to how they feel about their phones that they let people use.

edit-to-add: further evidenced by Apple's stance on right-to-repair.

4. _qulr ◴[20 Oct 20 16:34 UTC] No.24839390[source]▶
> Do people really install Little Snitch (which I've used since 2005 or so) for blocking Apple's own apps?

Yes, Absolutely! My primary use case for Little Snitch is to block Apple "services" that I don't use or want.

I don't use iCloud at all. I don't want Apple phoning home unless I specifically, manually check for software updates.

replies(1): >>24841036 #
5. OJFord ◴[20 Oct 20 16:40 UTC] No.24839475[source]▶
Firewall users expect the 'App Store, Maps, etc.' to not function if not configured to be allowed through the firewall.
replies(1): >>24841046 #
6. pshirshov ◴[20 Oct 20 16:41 UTC] No.24839497[source]▶
Realistically, you have two options: to use Linux or to trade your control and freedom for convenience.

In case the control and freedom are important for you, why not to switch to Linux, purchase Pinephone or Librem, use DD-WRT/VyOS/pfSense for your router?

7. wl ◴[20 Oct 20 16:45 UTC] No.24839544[source]▶
Sure. I don't want Spotlight making network requests on a filesystem search.
8. coldtea ◴[20 Oct 20 18:53 UTC] No.24841036[source]▶
>I don't use iCloud at all. I don't want Apple phoning home unless I specifically, manually check for software updates.

I don't think a valid buyer of macOS computers is the type that doesn't use iCloud and needs to block it.

Sounds like masochism.

They can of course not use iCloud or the App Store. Blocking it? Might as well use another OS.

I don't doubt there are some users like that. I doubt there are many users like that. And I don't believe an OS maker should cater to such a niche demographic...

replies(1): >>24841127 #
9. coldtea ◴[20 Oct 20 18:54 UTC] No.24841046[source]▶
Well, I'd say most Apple users expect the OS and core features (including iCloud, Maps, Mail, App Store, updates, etc) to "just work" -- and if they install some application firewall it's for other apps -- malware, etc.
10. _qulr ◴[20 Oct 20 19:00 UTC] No.24841127{3}[source]▶
> I don't think a valid buyer of macOS computers is the type that doesn't use iCloud and needs to block it.

"a valid buyer"?

> Might as well use another OS.

Ah yes, the many different wonderful options for desktop OS...

> I don't believe an OS maker should cater to such a niche demographic

The Mac itself is a "niche" demographic and always has been.