You Can Now Have a ‘Completely Usable’ Version of Linux on M1 Macs

The folks over at the research firm Corellium have just rolled out a “completely usable” port of Linux for Apple’s M1-based Macs. Corellium CTO Chris Wade made the announcement on Twitter earlier today while releasing the port on GitHub for download.

Linux is now completely usable on the Mac mini M1. Booting from USB a full Ubuntu desktop (rpi). Network works via a USB c dongle. Update includes support for USB, I2C, DART. We will push changes to our GitHub and a tutorial later today. Thanks to the @CorelliumHQ team ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/uBDbDmvJUG

— Chris Wade (@cmwdotme)

January 20, 2021

According to Wade, the Linux version is a full Ubuntu desktop operating system booted from a USB. Network compatibility is possible through a USB-C dongle, whereas the current update to the platform will support USB, I2C, and DART.

“We will push changes to our GitHub and a tutorial later today. Thanks to the @CorelliumHQ team,” he added. Wade, however, noted that while the port can take full advantage of the M1 CPU, it won’t support GPU acceleration.

Corellium is a software virtualization firm focused on emulating ARM-based technologies, and is also known for its legal battle with Apple.