More precise question is: Is Intel CPU connected with 3G laptop modem on Mac? If YES: Data can be read/written remotely from/on your Mac (even if turned OFF - as long batteries are installed). If NO: Most probably it can not be done! (Source: http://www.intel.com/content/dam/doc/product-brief/mobile-co...)

I don't think any MacBooks ever had built-in cellular modems…

From the article:

"On some chipsets, the firmware running on the ME implements a system called Intel's Active Management Technology (AMT). This is entirely transparent to the operating system, which means that this extra computer can do its job regardless of which operating system is installed and running on the main CPU."

So it sounds like yes, this would effect any OS.

I think they are asking if Apple ordered chips without this ME, give the former's penchant for security. I wonder similarly.

I'm pretty sure that, for the last few generations of Intel CPUs, the ME is not optional on any (non-Atom) model.

https://www.reddit.com/r/linux/comments/3anjgm/on_the_librem... https://puri.sm/posts/petition-for-intel-to-release-an-me-le...

> All recent Intel systems (made in the last 8 or 9 years) has this. The ME will never be freed

Ah, fair enough. That is a good question.

As others point out, it's an Intel thing, so any Mac running an Intel chip, but I wonder if this is more of an industry thing. Has Apple put something similar in their A-series mobile chips?

Not sure. ME requires coordination/support from other electronic components to do its job. It only applies to Macs if Apple's motherboards have the necessary circuitry (I couldn't find this info so far).

The actual ME is in the chipset itself, though it is true that full AMT functionality may require additional hardware.

Do we know if Apple uses the whole, standard Intel chipset or just the cpu + custom, Intel supplied chipset?

I think most of the time they use standard Intel chipsets, though there are exceptions.

I think it applies to everything using Intel processors.

afaik, the feature is in all newer Intel chips, so yes.