Linux on a Mac

Linux Compatibility on MacBooks and iMacs

Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3, 2020 and newer)

Asahi Linux

Primary Option: Asahi Linux is the most optimized Linux distribution for Apple Silicon Macs, offering tailored kernel support for Apple's ARM-based hardware.

• Download: Asahi Linux Installer (script-based installation, not a traditional ISO)
• Hardware Support:
  • CPU/GPU: Basic acceleration (M1/M2 GPU support is experimental as of 2023)
  • Wi-Fi/BT: Partial support (depends on model)
  • Touchpad/Cameras: Functional with drivers
  • Unsupported: Thunderbolt 4, Touch ID, and some sensors
• Installation Notes:
  • Partitions macOS automatically during setup.
  • Uses Arch Linux ARM as its base (command-line installer).

Other ARM64 Linux Options

• Ubuntu ARM64: Ubuntu Server ARM64 ISO (desktop requires manual setup)
• Fedora ARM: Fedora ARM64 ISO (UEFI boot required)
• Debian ARM64: Debian ARM64 ISO

Intel-based Macs (2015–2019)

Recommended Distributions

• Ubuntu LTS (Ubuntu 24.04 LTS on USB)
  • Best for: Broadcom Wi-Fi driver support via bcmwl-kernel-source.
  • Hardware Compatibility: Works out-of-box on most models (pre-T2 chip).
• Fedora Workstation (Fedora 41 on USB)
  • Best for: Newer kernels with T2 chip fixes (e.g., SSD support).
• Pop!_OS (Pop!_OS Intel USB for Macs)
  • Best for: NVIDIA/AMD GPU switching (System76’s auto-configuration tools).

Common Intel Mac Hardware Issues and Fixes

• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (Broadcom):
  • Install proprietary drivers: sudo apt install bcmwl-kernel-source (Ubuntu/Debian)
• T2 Chip Macs (2018–2019):
  • Disable Secure Boot via macOS Recovery (Startup Security Utility).
  • SSD access may require kernel 5.6+ (use Fedora or Ubuntu 20.04+).
• Dual GPUs (Intel + AMD/NVIDIA):
  • Use prime-select (Ubuntu) or optimus-manager (Arch) to switch GPUs.
  • Disable discrete GPU at boot: Add nouveau.modeset=0 or radeon.modeset=0 to kernel parameters.
• Touch Bar (2016+ MacBook Pro):
  • Limited functionality with macbook12-spi-driver.

Installation Tools for Intel Macs

• Boot Manager: rEFInd (simplifies dual-boot with macOS)
• USB Creation: Use dd (macOS Terminal) or BalenaEtcher.

Summary

Apple Silicon: Asahi Linux is the only viable option with active hardware driver development. Expect beta-level stability.

Intel Macs: Ubuntu, Fedora, and Pop!_OS offer near-complete hardware support with minor tweaks for Wi-Fi, GPUs, or T2 chips.