The Best Linux Distro for Apple Silicon: A Complete Guide to Asahi and Virtualization

If you use a Mac With Apple Silicon and the Linux bug biting you, you're probably wondering which distro to choose, whether it's worth virtualizing or installing natively, and, above all, what really works today. The good news is that there are already solid options for M1 and M2, and the ground for M3 is moving quickly; the bad news is that not everything is 100% ready, and it's important to know where you're standing.

In this guide we gather key information circulating in the community: Differences between installing Fedora Asahi Remix (the Asahi Linux derivative) and using Ubuntu in Parallels, what limitations are still present, how to install it step by step, and what alternatives exist if you prefer a macOS-like desktop or if you are looking for other distros for specific profiles (beginners, advanced, privacy, older computers, etc.).

What it means to run Linux on a Mac with Apple Silicon

With the jump of Intel to Apple Silicon, start others OS on Macs it changed completely. The easy way for most is to virtualize ARM systems with tools like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion. For those who want native performance and full access to the hardware, the way is Fedora Asahi Remix, the flagship project built on the Asahi Linux effort.

Virtualization avoids touching partitions and is ideal for testing or using development tools without headaches. Installing on bare metal gives you the real Linux experience, with specific drivers for Apple's GPU, power, audio, Wi‑Fi, and trackpad gestures, the result of reverse engineering of epic proportions.

In summary: virtualization is very convenient and secure (especially if you "don't care about performance" or just want to have a look), while Fedora Asahi Remix is ​​the way to go for real Linux on your Mac with M1/M2 and the most compatibility available on Apple Silicon today.

It's worth remembering that support for Apple Silicon is alive and well. The Asahi project has achieved milestones such as a functional graphics controller and a friendly installer that coexists with macOS, but there are still unfinished parts on some models.

Virtualizing on Apple Silicon: Parallels and Fusion

To get started quickly, Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion allow you to create Virtual machines ARM on M-series Macs. Ubuntu ARM is usually the most straightforward option offered by the installation wizards, and works seamlessly on M1/M2/M3 within Parallels.

If your goal is to "just play for a while" and performance doesn't keep you up at night, virtualizing saves you the risk of partitioning. The downside is that GPU support and x86 translation in ARM VMs greatly limits gaming., so demanding titles are not the natural terrain for virtualization.

What about other distros? It depends on whether there's a maintained ARM image. Pop!_OS is popular on x86, but its ARM availability for desktop is key so that it "just works" in Parallels. In general, prioritize distributions with official aarch64 images and active support.

Parallels stands out for its ease of use, integration with macOS, and a very polished interface. Fusion, on the other hand, is a solid alternative if you're already familiar with and you like its ecosystem. Both routes are good for getting started without touching your main installation.

Asahi Linux and Fedora Asahi Remix: project, status, and differences

Asahi Linux is the community effort that made the impossible possible: make Linux run usably on closed hardware and without official documentation. They've had to figure out how macOS interacts with Apple's SoC and create drivers from scratch.

The visible fruit for end users is Fedora Asahi Remix, which integrates that work and packages it into a ready-to-install distro. Official availability includes M1 and M2 (except Mac Pro) and is evolving to include more models, with the expectation that M3 will be incorporated.

Compared to "installing Ubuntu on Parallels without problems", the difference is clear: Parallels is comfortable and stable ARM virtualization, while Fedora Asahi Remix puts native Linux on your Mac with direct access to Apple’s proprietary hardware and GPU support, delivering very competitive performance.

Recent releases have seen ambitious improvements: Integrated x86/x86‑64 game-oriented emulation, support for AAA games, and Vulkan 1.4 compatible driver, as well as modern desktops like KDE Plasma 6.2 and GNOME 47. There's also a server edition.

Install Fedora Asahi Remix step by step (on Asahi)

The installer takes advantage of the macOS partitioning scheme, so you can set up a Boot dual without losing your main system. You will need free space (30 GB or more is reasonable). The process is launched from Bus Terminal on macOS.

1. Open Terminal on macOS and run curl https://alx.sh | sh. Administrator privileges will be requested because the installer needs to operate at a low level.
2. When prompted, press Enter to continue.
3. press r when you want to resize the macOS volume.
4. Confirm with y the resizing process (the device may appear frozen during the adjustment; It is normal).
5. When you see “Resize complete,” press Enter. Then start the installation with f and choose the variant: for example “Fedora Asahi Remix 42 with KDE Plasma”.
6. Indicates the size for Asahi: max to occupy all the free space, min for what is fair, or a specific figure.
7. Enter a name for the new boot entry (e.g., “Linux”).
8. The installer will download and install the components. It may ask for your macOS password or if you want to submit an anonymous report. to help the project.
9. When finished, you'll see instructions for the first boot: the Mac will shut down, wait ~25 seconds, turn it on by holding the power button and choose the new system by the name you gave in the boot loader.

On that first boot you will be guided through a Terminal screen. Just follow the steps and confirm when prompted.After the subsequent reboot, Fedora Asahi Remix should start and complete its setup.

Hardware Compatibility: What Works and What Doesn't

Support varies by model, but on computers like an M2 MacBook Air it is reported that Display, trackpad, speakers, Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, camera, and MagSafe all work. Shortcuts are also taken advantage of Function keys (brightness, playback, volume) and trackpad gestures.

Relevant deficiencies persist: No Touch ID, no Thunderbolt/USB4 And on some models, USB-C video output for external monitors isn't available. If you rely on external USB-C monitors, that's a major hindrance.

Visually, in portable with notch may appear black bands on top Because the current interface adapts to the cutout line. It's a cosmetic detail, but it's worth knowing in advance.

In everyday use, performance is very good and even surprising when it comes to compiling or browsing tasks. Firefox comes pre-installed and performs very well.If you're using Chrome with account sync, keep in mind that the official ARM version for Linux isn't available, and the immediate alternative is Chromium, which doesn't sync as well.

Some observations from real-world usage: during intensive updates while playing YouTube videos The computer may run hotter than usual compared to macOS; additionally, some measurements suggest that the Wi‑Fi signal may be slightly weaker than on macOS.

First impressions of an M2 MacBook Air

After a few hours with Fedora Asahi Remix, the overall feeling is positive: The system feels agile, stable and has a good pulse for common tasks. The audio, network, and input drivers are up to par, and performance profiles allow you to fine-tune power consumption and responsiveness.

The desktop experience with KDE Plasma or GNOME is fluid. Plasma shines for its flexibility and lets you fine-tune every detail; GNOME offers a simple foundation that, with just a few extensions, can boost your productivity.

The least round: no Touch ID and no output to external monitor via USB‑C on some devices, certain workflows sufferIf you absolutely need an additional display and your Mac doesn't have HDMI, wait until that support is completed.

All in all, for development, browsing, and office work, Fedora Asahi Remix it is perfectly usableAnd if you're already familiar with Linux, you'll feel right at home within five minutes.

Asahi or Ubuntu on Parallels? When is each one better?

If you prioritize zero risk, fast testing, and don't want to touch partitions, Ubuntu ARM on Parallels is your ally. You install it in a flash, it runs alongside macOS, and that's it. That's the short answer to "I want something that works now."

If your goal is to play seriously or exploit the graphics acceleration on Apple Silicon, The winning card is Fedora Asahi Remix. x86/x86‑64 emulation integration and the Vulkan 1.4-compatible driver point to a future of gaming on Apple Silicon that ARM virtualization can’t match today.

For normal development (VS Code, containers, web), both work. The difference is made by access to the hardware: Native gives you the pure Linux experience, VM gives you convenience and complete reversibility.

Can I use Pop!_OS or other distros on Parallels?

The key is the availability of ARM images maintained by each project. Parallels plays nicely with Ubuntu ARM and also with other distros that release aarch64 installers. If a distribution doesn't offer a stable ARM desktop image, installing it on Parallels will be difficult or not worth the effort.

As a rule of thumb: prioritize projects with a large community and ARM publications up to dateIf you're coming from Pop!_OS on x86 and rely on its feel, consider Ubuntu or Fedora on ARM while the project you like matures its architecture support.

If you're coming from macOS and want a familiar environment

On desks, there are two main paths. The first, KDE Plasma if you need a global menu and extreme customizationYou can set up a macOS-like workflow: dock, top panel, global menu, KRunner (Spotlight), overview (Mission Control), desktops, shortcuts… everything customizable down to the last detail.

The second, GNOME with extensions (e.g., Dash to Dock) If you're looking for less hassle and a clean environment that's just "just right" like a Mac, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and derivatives are sensible choices for stability and community.

Unity still exists if the global menu is your obsession, and Ubuntu Unity is an interesting alternative, although Plasma offers more scope today if you plan to stay for a while.

To get started smoothly on your desktop: Kubuntu (Plasma) or Ubuntu (GNOME) in LTS version. Install, work, and there will be time to experiment.

Risks and considerations before changing systems

Installing another operating system on your Mac means partitioning the disk or sacrificing space for macOS. On laptops with 256 GB it is very noticeable.. Also, if you use native Linux, power consumption and certain drivers may affect autonomy compared to macOS.

For a no-obligation test, it's best to start with a virtual machine. Another alternative is to use a desktop PC if you want to squeeze out some hardware without touching your Mac. Once you're sure your flow fits, then consider dual booting.

How to uninstall Fedora Asahi Remix (and leave your Mac as it was)

If you decide to go back to a single system, it's easy. Open Disk Utility in macOS and go to Partition. Locate and delete the partitions used by Asahi (usually found after “Macintosh HD” in order), confirming with the “–” icon.

Do not delete the partition immediately before “Macintosh HD”. Apply the changes and wait for the system to rearrange the space.. Upon restart, your computer will boot directly into macOS and you will be back to normal. storage in the main volume.

With all of the above, the map is clear: if you want convenience and speed, go for Parallels with Ubuntu ARM; if you want to experiment and take advantage of your Mac's hardware, Fedora Asahi Remix is ​​the reference today on Apple Silicon. Check your model's Device Support carefully, consider the limitations of external video and Touch ID, and consider your priorities: gaming and native performance versus ease of use and zero compromise. And if you're also looking for a macOS-like environment, KDE Plasma and GNOME get very close without losing the essence of Linux.