This is conspiracy theory at this point. The benchmarks showing the performance and battery-life improvements are a logical explanation to why they moved to their ARM chips.
https://www.anandtech.com/show/16252/mac-mini-apple-m1-teste...
No, it isn't, but I am sure Apple would like all of us to think so. The new macOS already cripples firewalls to ensure that Apple can spy on you better and retain even more control over your device. Lack of drivers for Apple hardware means that you can only run their OS on it. The frog is being boiled ever so slowly, while also being given Kool-aid to make them think everything's fine. /s
It clearly indicates the direction they are moving towards - you need to change both the software and the hadware to create a closed system like ios. The example I cited about crippling the firewall is the changes made to the software towards this goal. The move to ARM processors is the hardware change to this same goal.
Also, to unlock your Mac: 1. `csrutil disable` to disable SIP 2. `sudo spctl --master-disable` to disable Gatekeeper and allow apps from anywhere
And finally, the whole thing about MacOS Spying on every app you opened and bypassing VPNs - turns out, both stories had some fake news to them. It was actually the developer certificate (not the actual app), and Apple has announced they are building a new protocol with more failsafes to prevent a repeat of the previous incidents. As for the "bypassing VPNs," that's actually not true at all. System-wide VPNs still do work in Big Sur, it's just that the API that Little Snitch used for app-specific traffic redirects doesn't work on system apps (although system apps still respect system-wide VPN settings).
> To allow installation of software that uses kernel extensions, select the “Allow user management of kernel extensions from identified developers” checkbox.
It is spying, even if there is exaggeration and minimising of the facts from both sides. The new macOS cripples all application firewalls to ensure that no Apple service can be prevented from spying on you, even if you don't want to.
Apple's profit margins have been pretty consistent for the past 20 years. That isn't going to change now. Though it's likely looking at the performance numbers Apple will make more profit due to increased sales.
> but also to exert even more control over Mac desktops
Well yes, but "more control" in this case means they can do take the CPU in a direction which suits them. Things like moving RAM, neural engine, and Secure Enclave into the main SOC.
> and turn them into ios like spying client terminals where you can't run anything on it not approved by Apple or without their knowledge.
Now we're veering into tin-foil hat territory.