Asahi Linux is approaching a significant milestone, with the project close to releasing a version that brings support for M3 Apple Silicon. Development for the M4 and M5 chips remains ongoing, meaning owners of the newest Macs will need to wait a little longer before native compatibility arrives.
The project is dedicated to bringing Linux to Apple Silicon, allowing the operating system to run natively on Apple’s ARM-based processors. Support already exists for earlier Mac models, while efforts to accommodate more recent machines continue to advance.
Steady progress towards M3 compatibility
Although development has been gradual, the initiative is now near a key release. Work on supporting the M3 series has undergone considerable change over recent months. The chip was demonstrated running as far back as January, albeit in a semi-working state, but it has since reached a far more capable position.
According to a project update published on 26 August, the improvements to M3 support represent a substantial step forward. The forthcoming release is set to mark one of the more notable moments in the project’s history, bringing native Linux functionality to a wider range of Apple Silicon hardware.
M4 and M5 support still in development
While M3 compatibility edges closer to completion, support for the M4 and M5 chips is still being worked on. The project’s characteristically measured pace means these newer processors are not yet ready for native Linux use, though development is actively underway.
For those interested in running Linux directly on Apple’s ARM-based Macs, the project continues to expand the list of supported devices as each generation of Apple Silicon is addressed in turn. The impending M3 release will extend that coverage, with the M4 and M5 chips positioned as the next targets on the roadmap.
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Image: appleinsider.com
