Linux can run on the M1 chip, which is Apple’s custom ARM-based processor used in their latest Macs. However, there are some limitations and challenges involved in getting Linux to work on these new machines.
1. Lack of Official Support: Apple does not officially support or provide drivers for running Linux on their M1-based Macs. This means that the process of getting Linux to work on these machines is more complex and requires community-driven efforts.
2. Boot Process: The M1 chip uses a different boot process compared to Intel-based Macs. It relies on Apple’s Boot Loader, which requires a signed operating system. As of now, Linux distributions are not signed by Apple, so they cannot directly boot on M1 Macs. However, workarounds have been developed to load Linux using a tool called “PongoOS” or by using a Linux kernel as a payload for the Boot Loader.
3. Device Drivers: The M1 chip has different hardware components compared to Intel-based Macs, which means that existing Linux device drivers are not compatible. Developing and porting device drivers to support the M1 chip is an ongoing process, and not all hardware features may work fully or efficiently on Linux.
4. Graphics Support: The M1 chip uses Apple’s integrated GPU, which requires specific drivers for proper graphics acceleration. As of now, there is limited open-source driver support for the M1’s GPU, and it may not provide the same level of performance as macOS.
5. Apple Silicon Architecture: The M1 chip is based on ARM architecture, while most Linux distributions are built for x86 architecture. This means that software and applications need to be recompiled or ported to ARM64 architecture to work natively on M1-based Macs. While many popular open-source software packages have already been ported, some proprietary or less commonly used software may not be available yet.
It’s important to note that running Linux on M1 Macs is still a work in progress, and the level of support and compatibility will continue to improve over time. As of now, if you are a developer or enthusiast, you can experiment with Linux on M1 Macs, but it may not be suitable for everyday use or for users who rely heavily on specific software or hardware features.