Asahi Linux: the alternative to macOS for your MacBook with Apple M

asahi linux

Apple introduced Apple Silicon processors with the M series, marking a new era in performance and energy efficiency for its devices, especially MacBooks, but with this change it has also brought a problem: the compatibility of other operating systems for Mac, something that is now solved with Asahi Linux, a project dedicated to porting Linux to MacBooks with M processors, giving users more control over their operating system.

Although macOS is optimized to take full advantage of Apple hardware, there are always users who are looking for alternatives, whether for reasons of customization, free software or simply out of technical curiosity, and for that this Linux distribution is ideal.

But if you didn't know it, we'll tell you all about Asahi Linux in this post where we'll tell you how this distro works on MacBooks with M processors, and what advantages and challenges it offers to users looking for an alternative to macOS.

What is Asahi Linux?

what is asahi linux

Asahi Linux is an open source project that aims to bring the Linux operating system to Apple Silicon devices, such as MacBooks with M processors, something that was already “halfway advanced” because there is already

This project began as a response to the need for an alternative to macOS that could take advantage of the performance of M chips, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of Linux on their Apple machines.

The name “Asahi” refers to the Japanese word for “dawn,” symbolizing the beginning of a new era for Linux users on ARM-based MacBooks. Asahi Linux is based on Arch Linux, a distribution known for its simplicity, complete system control, and a large user community.

Why choose Asahi Linux?

There are several reasons why we might consider using Asahi Linux instead of macOS:

  • Personalization: Linux is known for being highly configurable, allowing users to tweak every aspect of your operating system based on your needs and preferences. Unlike macOS, which is more “closed,” Linux offers greater control over hardware and software.
  • Free software: For many users, the free software philosophy is a key factor. Linux, as an open source operating system, aligns with the values ​​of those who wish to have Full control over your software and avoid the limitations of proprietary systems like macOS.
  • Specific software compatibility: While macOS supports a wide range of software, there are certain applications, especially in the realms of programming, server development, and data science, that work better or are only available on Linux. Asahi Linux allows developers to Get the most out of these programs on your MacBooks.
  • Performance: While macOS is optimized for M processors, Linux can offer faster performance on certain tasks due to its lower resource consumptionAdvanced users can tune the system to perform more efficiently on specific tasks, such as server administration or intensive development work.

How does Asahi Linux run on MacBooks with M processors?

Unlock the MacBook using the Apple Watch

One of the key challenges in porting Linux to MacBooks with M processors is the ARM architecture that powers the M1, M2, and M3 chips. Apple Silicon processors are significantly different from the traditional Intel processors used in most devices running Linux, and while they are ARM-based, they have certain unique features that other processors don’t.

The team behind Asahi Linux has worked hard to overcome these obstacles and although the project is still in development and not all features of the M processors are fully supported, the team has made significant progress, such as:

  • Basic graphics support: Although Apple uses a custom graphics architecture on the M processors, Asahi Linux has built basic graphics support into these chips. This allows the operating system to run with a graphical user interface (GUI), although improvements to graphics performance are still being made.
  • Peripheral Compatibility: Many MacBook hardware features, such as USB connectivity, Wi-Fi, keyboard and trackpad, are already supported in Asahi Linux. This allows users to use their MacBooks normally, although work is still being done to improve compatibility for some components.
  • Storage and SSD support: Asahi Linux supports the internal storage drives of MacBooks with M processors, allowing the operating system to be installed on the SSD and run smoothly.

Installing Asahi Linux on a MacBook with M processor

Installing Asahi Linux

Installing Asahi Linux on your M-based MacBook is a relatively simple process, but it does require following certain steps carefully. Here's how to do it:

Create a backup

Before installing Asahi Linux, it is important make a backup of all your data in case something goes wrong during the installation process.

Download the Linux distro

Visit the official Asahi Linux website and download the installer. This is available in the form of an executable file that you can use directly from macOS to install Linux.

Configuring the installer

The Asahi Linux installer will let you choose whether you want to do a dual installation (keep macOS alongside Linux) or a full installation (replace macOS with Linux). Most Users choose dual installation to be able to continue using macOS when they need it.

Installation Process

The installer will automate most of the installation process, downloading the necessary packages and configuring the system to work on your MacBook. This may take some time, depending on the speed of your Internet connection and your hardware.

Restart your Mac to start testing Asahi

After the installation is complete, Restart your MacBook and select Asahi Linux as your operating systemFrom here, you can start using your MacBook with Linux, enjoying its advantages.

Challenges and doubts when using Asahi Linux

doubts about asahi linux

Asahi Linux is an exciting alternative for those looking for a different experience on their MacBooks with M processors, and although the ability to offer a Linux experience on Apple Silicon devices is highly valued, there are still certain things to polish or "challenges" that you may encounter in the transition.

Incomplete hardware support

Despite the advances, Asahi Linux still has some limitations regarding hardware support on M processors.

For example, the Graphic performance is not yet fully optimized, which can be a problem if you need to use applications that require a lot of graphical power, although it is true that you can even use video games more or less well.

Application compatibility

Although many applications have equivalents on Linux, you may Some of the applications you use on macOS may not have a Linux version.

In these cases, you will need to find alternatives or use tools like Wine to use their Windows equivalents or virtual machines to run macOS applications on Linux, similar to the emulators which we told you about some time ago.

Advanced installation process

For some users, the The Asahi Linux installation process can be more complex than simply using macOSWhile the installer makes things easy, users unfamiliar with Linux may face a learning curve, especially when it comes to dealing with Gparted and hard drive partitions.

Still, the Linux installer is not much more complex than the macOS one and we don't think this is a “stopper” to install the system and if you get the “bug”, we encourage you to try it with complete confidence.


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