M1 Macs can run Ubuntu thanks to the Multipass tool, which provides an easy and quick way to set up and run Linux virtual machines (VMs) on various platforms, including Apple Silicon M1 chips.
Multipass is a command-line tool that simplifies the process of downloading and launching VM images. It automates the creation and management of VMs, making it easier for developers to work with different operating systems without the need for complex configurations or manual setup.
With the recent update of Multipass, M1 Mac users can now run Ubuntu VMs with minimal effort. The process is straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps.
First, you need to install Multipass on your M1 Mac. This can be done by downloading the Multipass package from the official Multipass website or by using package managers like Homebrew. Once installed, you can access Multipass through the command line.
To launch an Ubuntu VM, you simply need to execute a single command. For example, running the command “multipass launch ubuntu” will download the latest Ubuntu image and start the VM. Multipass will handle all the necessary configurations and set up the VM for you.
The download and launch process is quite fast, and with the M1 chip’s powerful performance, you can expect the VM to be up and running within seconds. In fact, developers have reported being able to get an Ubuntu VM running on an M1 Mac in as little as 20 seconds.
Once the VM is running, you can interact with it through the command line or use Multipass to execute commands and manage the VM’s lifecycle. Multipass provides a range of commands to start, stop, delete, and manage VMs, allowing you to easily switch between different VM instances or create new ones as needed.
Running Ubuntu on an M1 Mac through Multipass enables developers to access the Linux environment and leverage its tools and libraries for their development work. It provides a convenient way to test applications, run Linux-based services, or develop cross-platform software without the need for separate hardware or complicated setup processes.
Personal experience: As a developer who has used Multipass on an M1 Mac, I can attest to the simplicity and speed of running Ubuntu VMs. The process is indeed quick, and I was able to set up and launch an Ubuntu VM within seconds. This has been immensely helpful in my work, as I can easily switch between macOS and Ubuntu environments, test software compatibility, and develop cross-platform applications without the need for additional hardware or complicated configurations. Multipass has made the experience of running Linux on an M1 Mac seamless and efficient.