Sustainable Substitutes for MacOS

MacOS is Apple’s operating system which is pre-installed on MacBooks.

Reasons to avoid MacOS

Avoid MacOS due to Apple’s protective policies that cost loads of money and lock users into their systems. Apple supports the Trump regime with financial gifts and its policies comply with his political views. Opt for an independent operating system.

Ethical and Sustainable MacOS Alternatives

Ubuntu

A Linux distribution based on free software, emphasising privacy, security, and user control.

Ubuntu is fully open-source, allowing users to modify, distribute, and contribute to its development.
Ubuntu does not collect unnecessary user data or include telemetry by default, ensuring user privacy.
The operating system is free from advertisements, providing a clean and distraction-free experience.
Canonical is headquartered in the UK.
Ubuntu is optimised to run efficiently on a wide range of hardware, including older machines, reducing energy consumption and e-waste.
Ubuntu’s architecture is modular, allowing users to customise and replace system components as needed and work with a minimal set of features.
Ubuntu is completely free to download, use, and distribute. There are no licensing fees.
Ubuntu can be installed and run without having to create an account.
Website

Zorin OS

A Linux-based OS designed to provide a familiar experience for users transitioning from Windows.

Zorin OS minimises data collection and provides transparent privacy settings. It does not include proprietary telemetry or forced updates, giving users greater control over their digital environment.
The operating system is free from advertisements, providing a clean and distraction-free experience.
Zorin OS is optimized to run efficiently on a wide range of hardware, including older machines, reducing energy consumption and e-waste.
The base version of Zorin OS is free to download and use. There is a paid "Pro" version available for additional features and support.
Zorin OS is developed by Zorin Group, which is based in Ireland, making it a European project.
Zorin OS does not require registration to download or use the base version. You can freely download and install Zorin OS without creating an account or providing personal information.
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The 5 main issues with MacOS

Support of Authoritarian Regimes - Companies actively supporting, financing and legitimising regimes and unethical policies.

Apple is financing Donald Trumps plans to create a new ballroom in the white house, hoping to benefit from upcoming laws. Apple CEO Tim Cook donated $1 Million to Trumps inauguration fund.Sources: OpenSecrets: Trump ballroom donors poised to benefit from AI plan they helped shape (2026)Gizmodo: Tim Cook Is Latest Tech Exec to Kiss the Ring, Gives Trump’s Inauguration $1 Million (2025)

Misinformation / Manipulation - Spread of false or misleading information, often through algorithmic amplification, which can harm public discourse and trust.

Apple seems to put the most resistance out of all Big Tech companies against Trumps demands to ban scientific findings, especially on topics like gender, elections, vaccines or diversity. Reports say its training guidelines for AI models have been updated to comply though. Sources: The Mac Observer: Apple Accused of Changing AI Guidelines After Trump’s Election (2025)

Tax Avoidance - Aggressive strategies are being deployed to avoid paying taxes.

Apple is trying to avoid paying any taxes in the EU. In 2024 it has been fined 13 Billion Euros for illegal tax arrangements with Ireland Source: Wikipedia: Apple's EU tax dispute (2024)

Big Tech - Big Tech companies do not nourish people and planet. This is especially true in times of political tension.

MacOS belongs to one of the largest tech companies, contributing to market monopolisation and pricey products. NPR: How 5 Tech Giants Have Become More Like Governments Than Companies (2017)

Monopoly - Market dominance that stifles competition and limits user choice.

Apple uses its market position to lock users into its ecosystem, limiting user choice for Browsers, application marketplaces and much more.