Any way to use a Mac without iCloud ?

As "babowa" explained, if you don't like iCloud -- I don't either -- just don't log in to your iCloud account, and make sure that you don't have any apps or services set up to use it, keeping in mind that some macOS features won't work fully or properly if you don't use iCloud.

Personally, I have never felt comfortable with storing any of my personal data in the cloud on some remote server which is run by people who I know absolutely nothing about.

Aside from that, there are so many online security breaches these days, that I think it is crazy to trust any company or online cloud server with our data. It is an established fact that many online companies place their profit margin above the security of their users. There have been security breaches at some of the biggest online players, such as Facebook, Adobe, and even PayPal as I recall.

Even with my iPhone, my backups are stored on my iMac, and NOT in iCloud. Government agencies and online companies already know so much about us. Why freely contribute even more personal data to them? No thanks.

If you want Apple to read/know about your comments, you'd need to use the feedback approach; these are end user to user only forums; the only "regular" Apple employees are the hosts (moderators) who make sure they are running as they should.

As for your approach - I also do not use quite a few Apple apps; however, I simply ignore them (and leave them installed). I turn off any Notifications, automatic updates, never use iCloud and whatever else - I am not bothered by notices except the OS updates (which would usually include any system installed app updates) or some apps I actually use such as Pages. I do not sync, don't need continuity, and am quite happy with not being bothered. There are different (and sometimes gentler/better) ways to peel an Apple (aka "skin a cat").

FWIW, I've done this for over 25 years.

Wow, sixgunaz, I have to say, that is a rather radical approach to take, and in my view, a very questionable/dangerous one as well. The various components of macOS are so integrated into the system, that I strongly suspect that you will have problems sooner or later, and probably sooner. Considering that the next major macOS upgrade installer will no doubt attempt to replace what you have deleted, I also think that what you have done is an exercise in futility. Your solution may work for a number of months, but I can't help but wonder if you haven't broken something internally, which won't reveal itself until the next OS upgrade.

Many iCloud features are part of the MacOS. You are, however, free to log out of all of them and not use the service.

I would be more interested in seeking solutions for the issues you're facing. I have been using Macs for a few years (having moved over from GNU/Linux and BSD where everything requires a lot more work) and found that everything on my Mac worked quite well once I learned how to use everything.

Of course you can use it without using icloud. You will not be able to use some features. I simply never sign in to an icloud account (I do have one because you need it for the Apple ID, but I have all settings such as syncing, etc turned off. I do not use icloud, mostly because I do not care to trust a nameless online server with my private information as they will get hacked at some point or suffer some other failure.

I’m glad you found a way, but I have a question: what do you mean you “got rid of” all these apps? Did you delete them? As they are built into the OS, you may have a major problem with any OS update since it will be looking for non-existent apps. Not a good idea.

Actually, to a certain degree, I can agree with you. While I have been a solid Mac user since 1990, I have also long believed that macOS has become major bloatware. There are many apps installed which I don't use and have absolutely no need for. However, at the same time, by your very comments, you have made an important point.

It all depends on each person's perspective. That is, what are considered bells, whistles and bloatware to one person, may be considered as absolute necessities to another user. We all use our machines for different things, so Apple seems to have taken the middle ground. That is, it tries to provide apps which will be useful to as many people as possible, which of course makes the overall product more attractive to more potential buyers, and thus more profitable for Apple.

Let me give you an example. You don't like the Mail app, iTunes or the Photos app, and prefer to use Google products. I am the exact opposite. I require and use all three of those apps on a regular, sometimes daily basis. On the other hand, after a few years, I grew to detest all Google products; not only because they snoop all over the place, but also because they install files and folders in so many different places, that they can be very challenging to delete when one decides that he no longer needs a certain Google product. So I no longer use any Google apps, period.

Another point worth mentioning is the following. Considering how large Apple hard drives are these days, and how little memory and processing power a "dormant" app uses, it is really no problem to just leave it sitting there on your hard drive. Yes, I realize that some of us are neat freaks. I am one myself. But I am not going to get all bent out of shape because there is something in the "Applications" folder which I never use. It is just not worth the frustration or aggravation.

I agree that it would be nice if we could easily delete default apps which we have no need for, but I seriously doubt that Apple will ever allow that to happen. Why not? Because they are into uniformity regarding the products that they sell. They have spent years working on a certain look and feel, and people now have certain expectations when they purchase an Apple product.

In the end, it is your machine, and you are obviously welcome to do on it and with it as you please. However, personally, I would not take your approach, because it will eventually spell trouble.

After reading this thread, it seems you purchased the wrong platform entirely. Next time perhaps you should consider a Chromebook. It reminds me of someone who buys a Porsche and tries to convert it into a Jeep. To each his own.

Oh gosh, sixgunaz. First you tear down macOS, and now you indirectly insult Mac users by inferring that we must be "child like" if we use apps like iTunes and Photos? Sir/ma'am, it really does seem like you are on the wrong platform.

I have never used Google G-Suite, and as I said previously, I don't use iCloud either. Years ago I did install Google Maps, the Google Chrome web browser and Google Sky, as I recall. This was NOT via any cloud service. The apps were installed on my hard drive, and they placed stuff all over the place. I didn't like it one bit. Way to intrusive for my taste.