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

If you use a Mac with Apple Silicon and you're tempted by Linux, you're probably wondering which distro to choose, whether it's worth virtualizing or installing natively, and, above all, what actually works these days. The good news is that there are already solid options for M1 and M2 , and the field for M3 is advancing rapidly; the bad news is that not everything is 100% perfect, and it's wise to know what you're getting into.

In this guide we gather the 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 Intel 's switch to Apple Silicon, booting other operating systems on Macs 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 hardware access , the way forward is Fedora Asahi Remix, the flagship project built upon the foundation of Asahi Linux.

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

In short: virtualization is incredibly convenient and secure (especially if you're "not worried about performance" or just want to explore), while Fedora Asahi Remix is ​​the way to truly use Linux on your Mac with M1/M2 and the maximum compatibility currently available on Apple Silicon.

It's worth remembering that support for Apple Silicon is alive and evolving. Project Asahi has achieved milestones such as a functional graphics driver and a user-friendly installer that coexists with macOS, but there are still unfinished components for some models.

Virtualizing on Apple Silicon: Parallels and Fusion

For a quick start, Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion allow you to create ARM virtual machines 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 "just to play for a while" and performance isn't a major concern, virtualization saves you the risks of partitioning. The downside is that GPU support and x86 translation in ARM VMs severely limit gaming , so demanding titles aren't the natural habitat of virtualization.

What about other distributions? It depends on whether a maintained ARM image exists. Pop!_OS is popular on x86, but its ARM desktop availability is key to it "just working" on Parallels. In general, prioritize distributions with official aarch64 images and active support.

Parallels stands out for its ease of use, macOS integration, and polished interface. Fusion, on the other hand, is a solid alternative if you're already familiar with and like its ecosystem. Both options allow you to get started without modifying your main installation.

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

Asahi Linux is a community effort that has made the impossible possible: making Linux run usably on closed hardware with no official documentation. They've had to figure out how macOS interacts with Apple's SoC and create drivers from scratch.

The visible result for end users is Fedora Asahi Remix, which integrates that work and packages it into a ready-to-install distribution. Its official availability covers the M1 and M2 (excluding Mac Pro) and is expanding to include more models, with the expectation that the M3 will be added.

In contrast to "installing Ubuntu on Parallels without problems", the difference is clear: Parallels is convenient and stable ARM virtualization , while Fedora Asahi Remix puts native Linux on your Mac with direct access to the hardware and Apple's GPU support that they have developed, with very competitive performance.

Recent releases have seen ambitious improvements: integrated game-oriented x86/x86-64 emulation, support for AAA games and a Vulkan 1.4 compatible driver , in addition to modern desktops such as KDE Plasma 6.2 and GNOME 47. There is also a server edition.

Install Fedora Asahi Remix step by step (on Asahi)

The installer leverages macOS's partitioning scheme, so you can set up a dual boot without losing your primary system . You'll need free space (30 GB or more is reasonable). The process is launched from Terminal in 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. Balance 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 the first boot, you'll be guided through a Terminal screen. Simply 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 devices like a MacBook Air M2, the display, trackpad, speakers, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, camera, and MagSafe are reported to work . Function key shortcuts (brightness, play, volume) and trackpad gestures are also supported.

Significant shortcomings remain: there's no Touch ID, Thunderbolt/USB4 doesn't work , and on some models, USB-C video output for external monitors is unavailable. If you rely on external USB-C monitors, that's a major drawback.

Visually, on laptops with a notch, black bars may appear at the top because the current interface adapts to the cutout line. It's a minor aesthetic detail, but it's good to be aware of it beforehand.

In day-to-day use, performance is very good and even surprising for tasks like compiling or browsing. Firefox comes pre-installed and performs very well ; if you use Chrome with account synchronization, keep in mind that the official ARM version for Linux is not available, and the immediate alternative is Chromium, which doesn't synchronize as well.

Some observations from real-world use: during intensive updates while playing YouTube videos, the device may run hotter than usual compared to macOS ; in addition, certain measurements suggest that the Wi-Fi signal may be somewhat weaker than on macOS.

First impressions of an M2 MacBook Air

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

The desktop experience with KDE Plasma or GNOME is seamless. Plasma shines for its flexibility and lets you fine-tune the details; GNOME offers a simple base that, with a few extensions, can significantly boost productivity.

The downsides: without Touch ID and without USB-C output to an external monitor on some models, certain workflows suffer . If you absolutely need an additional display and your Mac doesn't have HDMI, wait until that support is fully implemented.

However, for development, browsing, and office work, Fedora Asahi Remix is ​​perfectly usable . And 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, quick testing, and don't want to mess with partitions, Ubuntu ARM on Parallels is your ally . It installs in no time, coexists with macOS, and you're good to go. It's the short answer to "I want something that works now."

If your goal is to play seriously or take full advantage of graphics acceleration on Apple Silicon, Fedora Asahi Remix is ​​the winning card . Its integrated x86/x86-64 emulation and 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 lies in hardware access : native Linux gives you the pure Linux experience, while a VM offers 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 works wonderfully with Ubuntu ARM and also with other distributions that publish aarch64 installers. If a distribution doesn't offer a stable ARM desktop image, installing it on Parallels will be difficult or not worthwhile.

As a rule of thumb: prioritize projects with large communities and up-to-date ARM releases . If 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

For desktops, there are two main paths. The first is KDE Plasma if you need a global menu and extreme customization . You can set up a workflow similar to macOS: dock, top panel, global menu, KRunner (Spotlight), overview (Mission Control), desktops, shortcuts… everything adjustable down to the smallest detail.

The second option is GNOME with extensions (e.g., Dash to Dock) if you're looking for less complexity and a clean environment that's somewhat similar to a Mac. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and its 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 today Plasma offers more possibilities if you plan to stay for a long time.

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

Risks and considerations before changing systems

Installing another operating system on your Mac means dividing your disk space or sacrificing space for macOS. This is especially noticeable on laptops with 256 GB of storage . Furthermore, if you use native Linux, power consumption and certain drivers can negatively impact battery life compared to macOS.

To test without commitment, the most sensible approach is to start in a virtual machine. Another alternative is to use a desktop PC if you want to push the hardware to its limits without touching your Mac. Once you're sure your workflow works, then consider dual-booting.

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

If you decide to revert to a single system, it's easy. Open Disk Utility on macOS and go to Partition . Locate and delete the partitions used by Asahi (they're usually after "Macintosh HD" in order), confirming with the "-" icon.

Do not delete the partition immediately preceding "Macintosh HD". Apply the changes and wait for the system to reallocate the space . Upon restarting, your computer will boot directly into macOS, and you will regain storage on the main volume.

With all of the above in mind, the map is clear: if you want convenience and speed, go for Parallels with Ubuntu ARM; if you're keen to experiment and take full advantage of your Mac's hardware, Fedora Asahi Remix is ​​currently the benchmark on Apple Silicon. Carefully review the support for your specific model (Device Support), be aware of the limitations of external video and Touch ID, and consider your priorities: gaming and native performance versus ease of use and zero risk. And if you're also looking for a macOS-like environment, KDE Plasma and GNOME allow you to get very close without losing the essence of Linux.