Asahi Linux devs merge effort to run Linux on Apple M1 silicon into kernel

The Asahi Linux project, an effort to bring the Linux kernel to Apple’s M1 silicon, has merged its work and is on track to have it accepted in version 5.13 of the kernel. A merge from kernel hacker Arnd Bergmann of Linux-on-Arm outfit Linaro and a kernel mailing list post from Asahi Linux backer Hector Martin delivered the …

[A.P. Veening]

I notice Apple wasn't approached for comment ;)

[shayneoneill]

Re: The next generation will attempt to port the kernel to Javascript...

I can't imagine them objecting. They've never really had a problem with users running windows or linux on macs, as long as they buy the hardware.Though they dont encourage it either.

[A.P. Veening]

Re: The next generation will attempt to port the kernel to Javascript...

Apple refuses to acknowledge The Register and usually there is a line like "Apple refused to comment", which was and is missing from the article.

[Graham Dawson]

Re: The next generation will attempt to port the kernel to Javascript...

Perhaps they did comment, leaving the reg editorial board so flummoxed that they didn't know how to proceed.

[Anonymous Coward]

A nice idea

But looking at the hoops you have to jump through to get anything other than MacOS to boot on an M1 I think its probably only for the extremely dedicated linux and Apple hardware fans who have absolutely nothing else to do with their time. Even though I own 2 linux boxes and an x86 Mini I've never tried to install Linux on the mini, lifes just too short to deal with all the Apple security BS.

[Zolko]

Re: A nice idea

actually, it's easy to install Linux on old Macs, once the drivers have been found/reverse-engineered. I do it all the time (cos I like their hardware but I dislike the walled garden)

[A.P. Veening]

Re: A nice idea

This article and the post you replied to both refer to the new M1, not old Macs.

[Dan 55]

Re: A nice idea

"Even though I own 2 linux boxes and an x86 Mini I've never tried to install Linux on the mini, lifes just too short to deal with all the Apple security BS."

Which is entirely correct.

So while I should be enthusiastic Linux is running on a 2020 iMac, it just doesn't seem worth the hassle, because Apple obviously doesn't want you to, because they didn't really want you running Linux on the 2018 iMac (x86) either.

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: A nice idea

Old Macs were new once and the new M1 will eventually be the old M1. If this can be made to work it would give those with Apples an alternative. Personally, I don't care because I've never bought an iAnything.

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: A nice idea

"once the drivers have been found/reverse-engineered"

Oh well, piece of p1ss then!

I think you just proved my point.

[marcan]

Re: A nice idea

The final end-user installer for Asahi Linux will be something like "hold down the power button, select Options, open a terminal from the menu, type 'curl https://alx.sh | sh' and follow the prompts."

That installer will happen once the actual drivers are working well enough, until then there isn't much point ;)

[cornetman]

Re: A nice idea

The issues seem to be entirely lack of knowledge about the hardware. Apple have a boot option for other OSes in this case.

They seem to be fairly ambivalent rather than hostile. For older hardware there was Bootcamp so I think it unlikely that Apple are against this endeavour. They probably just don't care.

[ecarlseen]

Relax already

I don’t know if the results need to be integrated into the official kernel, but reverse-engineering bleeding-edge hardware enough to make Linux even semi-functional is a cool project that builds and exercises all kinds of worthwhile skills. I’ll probably never do anything with it, but I have tons of respect to this team for their work.