[mlex]

This article refers to the "T2 chip" a lot, which I had to google for: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208862

"The Apple T2 Security Chip is Apple's second-generation, custom silicon for Mac. The T2 chip delivers capabilities to your Mac, such as encrypted storage and secure boot capabilities, enhanced image signal processing, and security for Touch ID data. (...)"

[dkdbejwi383]

The T2 chip does some useful things in Mac OS, but it makes running Linux a pain

[cbhl]

If memory serves, the T2 chip was introduced with the touch bar macbooks. There were later macbooks that had regular hardware Fn buttons, but you would be able to tell if they had a Touch ID power button.

Of course, that doesn't help you identify the desktop macs (e.g. mini) that have a T2, since it's just another logic board chip