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4sallypat

macrumors 601
Sep 16, 2016
4,031
3,781
So Calif
No you don't need the Internet to setup out of the box.

But you will have to setup other items like iCloud, iMessage, Find my Mac, once you do connect the Mac to the internet.

I don't like wireless to setup - speeds vary greatly so I use wired Ethernet which is what my new Mac Studio is connected 100% of the time.

Unless the ISP goes down and then I go to a backup and use a wireless hotspot which leverages cellular connectivity.
 
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Fishrrman

macrumors Penryn
Feb 20, 2009
29,175
13,224
Agree with now I see it above.

I would recommend that you set up preferences so that you DO NOT have updates "installed automatically".

Yes, you want to be notified that an update is available to install.
But you also want to reserve the choice as to whether to install it... or not.

I don't want updates installed "behind my back, without my consent".
 

bobcomer

macrumors 601
May 18, 2015
4,949
3,697
No you don't need the Internet to setup out of the box.

But you will have to setup other items like iCloud, iMessage, Find my Mac, once you do connect the Mac to the internet.

I don't like wireless to setup - speeds vary greatly so I use wired Ethernet which is what my new Mac Studio is connected 100% of the time.

Unless the ISP goes down and then I go to a backup and use a wireless hotspot which leverages cellular connectivity.
I thought you needed to activate it over the internet during setup? That's what happened when I reset my M1 MBA. I didn't try to skip it though, so maybe you can...
 

BanditoB

macrumors 6502
Feb 24, 2009
482
258
Chicago, IL
@bobcomer, I believe that the activation only occurs when you re-install the OS as Apple wants to determine if you are eligible to do so or not. An already installed OS can be initialized without checking for eligibility, so an Internet connection isn’t required for setup.
 

ixxx69

macrumors 65816
Jul 31, 2009
1,299
883
United States
I thought you needed to activate it over the internet during setup? That's what happened when I reset my M1 MBA. I didn't try to skip it though, so maybe you can...
macOS isn't "activated" in the same way that Windows is or an app.

There is an "activation lock" that protects unauthorized resetting. For example, if it's lost or stolen, it can't simply be reset.

 

bobcomer

macrumors 601
May 18, 2015
4,949
3,697
@bobcomer, I believe that the activation only occurs when you re-install the OS as Apple wants to determine if you are eligible to do so or not. An already installed OS can be initialized without checking for eligibility, so an Internet connection isn’t required for setup.
That makes sense. I thought it odd that it needed activation in the first place, but in the case of purchased, it is already is past that point when you start up the new machine.
 
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