Apple M1 Macs can run Linux and Windows

Since you can already run Linux on ARM, it was only a matter of time before someone figured out a way to run the open source operating system on the new ARM-based M1 Macs.

Using the open source QEMU emulator and virtualizer, developers have now managed to run Linux and Windows on the new Macs.

It is reported that the process is not just a proof-of-concept and that all basic functionalities, including virtualized audio and network interfaces, work as with a native installation.

Nearly native performance

Alexander Graf, a software engineer at Amazon, was the first to do so https://twitter.com/_AlexGraf/status/1333250417891942403 and achieved near-native performance with a Windows 10 Insider Preview for ARM on Apple Silicon.

Graf’s patches have now been used by Linux developer Jon Masters at https://twitter.com/jonmasters/status/1333541297563586561 to be carried out.

It takes some effort to use Graf’s patches to run QEMU on Apple Silicon, but developers are working to simplify the process.

We previously reported that Parallels is working on a new version of Parallels Desktop for Mac, especially for the M1 Macs. This should further simplify the process. Of course, Parallels Desktop for Mac will be a paid proprietary virtualizer, unlike the free and open source QEMU.

Linus Torvalds, the main Linux developer, has expressed an interest in using the new MacBooks. Of course, he wants the laptops to run Linux, but he sees this as a problem given Apple’s reluctance to share details about the hardware in its machines.

A crowdfunding campaign to bring Linux to the M1 Macs is well on its way to achieving its goal. One of the two crowdfunding goals has already been achieved. The campaign was set up by the developer who brought Linux to the PlayStation 4, Hector Martin, and aims to raise money so that Martin can work full-time on the porting process.

Via: MSPoweruser