iLinux: Exploring Linux on Apple Hardware
Introduction:
Are you an Apple user curious about exploring Linux on your device? Whether you have an old, unsupported, or brand-new Mac, there's a way to run Linux on Apple hardware[1]. In this guide, we'll walk you through the various methods, from virtualization to dual-booting, and everything in between[1,2].
Running Linux on Old Apple Hardware:
Older Apple devices, such as the original iPhone, iPods, and early iPads, can run Linux through various projects and exploits[1]. For instance, the checkm8 exploit allows Linux to run on devices like the iPhone 3G and iPod Touch (1st generation)[1]. Projects like iPodLinux and postmarketOS have made it possible to run Linux on iPods and older iPads[1].
Running Linux on Unsupported Apple Hardware:
For unsupported Apple hardware, such as older Macs with PowerPC processors, Linux can be run through emulation or dual-booting[1]. Tools like QEMU and Microsoft's Virtual PC can emulate PowerPC Macs, allowing you to run Linux distributions like Gentoo and Debian[1]. Dual-booting involves partitioning the boot drive and installing a bootloader like Yaboot to choose between Mac OS and Linux at startup[1].
Running Linux on New Apple Hardware:
Newer Apple hardware, including Intel-based Macs and Apple Silicon Macs, offers more straightforward options for running Linux[1,2]. For Intel-based Macs, virtualization tools like VMware Fusion, Parallels Desktop, and VirtualBox can be used to run Linux distributions[1]. For Apple Silicon Macs, projects like Asahi Linux and Fedora Asahi Remix allow you to run Linux natively on M1 and M2 processors[2].
Virtualization vs. Dual-Booting:
Virtualization is a popular method for running Linux on Apple hardware, as it allows you to run Linux within a virtual machine without altering your primary operating system[2]. This is ideal for users who want to experiment with Linux without committing to a full installation[2]. Dual-booting, on the other hand, involves partitioning your hard drive and installing Linux alongside your existing operating system[1]. This method offers better performance but requires more technical know-how.
Conclusion:
Running Linux on Apple hardware opens up a world of possibilities, from reviving old devices to exploring new operating systems on the latest Macs[1,2]. Whether you choose virtualization or dual-booting, there's a method that fits your needs and technical comfort level.
Disclaimer:
Please note that running Linux on Apple hardware may void warranties and could potentially cause issues with your device. Always backup your data and proceed with caution.
Source:
- Linux on Apple devices - Wikipedia
- You Can Now Run Fedora Linux on Apple Silicon Macs | OSXDaily
- Have an old iPad lying around? You might be able to make it run Linux soon - Ars Technica
- Creating and Running a Linux Virtual Machine | Apple Developer Documentation
M.S. in Cloud Computing Systems Graduate Student @ University of Maryland Global Campus/Asia
8moI'm literally trying to install arch on my macbook pro. Last Apple device i have and it was just sitting around
Red Hat Architect / Red Hat Certified OpenShift Administrator / Red Hat Certified Engineer / AWS Certified Solutions Architect / RHCE / DevOps Engineer / Linux RHCSA / USC
8mowhy you want to do such thing when you have a freebsd like os? almost any gnu library is available. in old hardware intel you can install Fedora
Principal Software Engineer working on AI at Docker, Inc
8mopodman machine is another way of running Linux on Apple Silicon, it's worth a mention, it even has GPU passthrough powered by krunkit.
Software Engineer / Architect, Atomlogik. Haskell, C++, Elixir, Elm, PureScript, etc.
8moBeen there; done that. Horrible experience. Apple keeps changing their hardware a lot to the point it makes it difficult for Linux to keep up with. Wisdom had it that if you slipped Linus the new hardware then Linux would work on it. Not sure if he's interested in trying to keep up with Apple, though.