Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
No Unix based
VSkCU.jpg
 
If only there were a command to allow me to keep the computer on with the lid closed! Some of us use our computers for heavy-duty computation that can take hours and don't want the screen to get damaged because the lid was left open.
 
What's the use case for opening the laptop and not wanting it on?
Unfortunately, I've had to replace the battery in several MBP 2017 models for work. I learned this trick from iFixit looooong ago. You don't want the MBP booting while you're trying to replace a battery.
 
If I'm opening my MacBook it's because I want to use it. If it's off it has to turn on. Why would anyone want to modify this? It's less wear and tear on a button.

What's the use case for opening the laptop and not wanting it on?

I regularly set up my home office space in the evening when I got home from work if I planned to work from home the next day. This involved connecting two VESA arm mounted monitors and adjusting them around the laptop screen. Absolutely zero reason for the laptop to be powered on to do any of it, especially since it would not be used until the next day.

I honestly don’t understand Apple’s aversion to a simple, old-fashioned “off really means off” state with these things.
 
Several hundred man hours? That's a lot of hyperbole.

There are countless settings that can confuse computer-illiterate individuals. Like the keyboard shortcut that turns on/off full keyboard access or VoiceOver. Just because people don't know more than the basics doesn't mean we shouldn't have options to configure these things. And I'm saying this as someone who's completely comfortable doing server admin via ssh.
I'm sure there are countless settings that can confuse the computer-illiterate, as you say, but you really think a setting that allow one to define what opening the lid does (1. turn on Mac or 2. no nothing) is going to confuse everyone? Are Mac users really that stupid?

You know what IS confusing? Not having a "Power" section in settings to configure power-saving/performance options. Where's any control to put the system to sleep after a period of time that I set? Turn off the display after x minutes? Buried under "Lock Screen". THAT's what's confusing.
 
Last edited:
If I'm opening my MacBook it's because I want to use it. If it's off it has to turn on. Why would anyone want to modify this? It's less wear and tear on a button.
"less wear and tear on a button"? Touching literally ANY KEY on the keyboard turns it on! Not even sure why, with the current settings, there is even a dedicated power button when every key on the keyboard is a power button. It's a PITA when I've shut down and want to clean my keyboard and can't do so without the damn laptop turning back on again (which then I have to log in and shut down again).
 
“Make sure that your Mac laptop with Apple silicon is using ‌macOS Sequoia‌ or later.”

Nice try Apple, but that commend has been around for many years.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DianaofThemiscyra
I hate how the power button works (or doesn't) on my MacBook (M1). I can't be the only one. Never know if I need to press it, just put the finger on, or hit a keyboard key? It's still confusing after using it for many years.

At least you can hack/tweak the lid behaviour. Hopefully there will be a setting for this soon.
 
  • Like
Reactions: rchornef
Apple designed Macs with Apple silicon chips to automatically turn on and start up when the Mac's lid is opened or when the Mac is connected to power, but there is a workaround in macOS Sequoia if you don't like this behavior.
That's right folks! It is only available on the latest software release!
 
Turned them both off. That feature feels like something designed to delight Mac novices but after the initial excitement you realize it's a dumb design that gets in the way
 
Lots of "cleaning" responses.

Firstly, pressing a key will boot the laptop anyway, and secondly just open the laptop and clean it.

Sure, some random characters will be entered into the password field, but why does that matter? If you want to use the laptop after cleaning, enter the password or use Touch-ID. If you don't, close the lid (for sleep/standby) or press the power button for a few seconds (for powering down).
 
If only there was an option to keep the lid open but use 2 external displays on the Macbook Air M3 (for cooling purposes).
Is this not possible? Yesterday I bought my first MacBook (an m1 air) and I was planning to use it with an external monitor with the lid open but the built in display off
 
What's the use case for opening the laptop and not wanting it on?
Cleaning. I’ll turn it off to better see the fingerprints on the screen and so I’m not just mashing keys, typing nonsense, and possibly inadvertently turning on/off settings while taking a cloth to the keyboard.
 
Lots of "cleaning" responses.

Firstly, pressing a key will boot the laptop anyway, and secondly just open the laptop and clean it.

Sure, some random characters will be entered into the password field, but why does that matter? If you want to use the laptop after cleaning, enter the password or use Touch-ID. If you don't, close the lid (for sleep/standby) or press the power button for a few seconds (for powering down).
Yes, and now they should fix the “any button is the power button” issue too. If I want my computer on, I’ll press the power button. Why would anyone want their computer to boot up at the touch of any button?
 
Yes, and now they should fix the “any button is the power button” issue too. If I want my computer on, I’ll press the power button. Why would anyone want their computer to boot up at the touch of any button?
Yep - I agree with this. After I relearn this behaviour, it'll also stop me banging the spacebar on my old 2013 MBP and wondering why the thing won't boot up 😁
 
  • Like
Reactions: WarmWinterHat
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.