The developer has promised to port Linux to new Macs with Apple M1 processor
Renowned developer Hector Martin announced his intention to adopt the Linux software platform to run on Mac computers based on the new Apple M1 ARM chip. To do this, he launched a fundraising campaign on the Patreon crowdfunding platform, which will go towards purchasing hardware with Apple’s new reverse engineering chip and enabling full-time port development work.
It is worth noting that the project has already managed to collect the amount that is needed to start work, and the developer plans to start writing the code in January next year. Initially, Martin intends to bring Linux support to the new Mac Mini with the Apple M1 chip. In the future, he plans to implement the possibility of using Linux on the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, which are also based on the new M1 chip.
The source notes that the developer has to do large-scale work, since the Apple M1 chip is not standard, made to order, and has its own architectural features. According to the author of the project, it will be relatively simple to get Linux to boot on a device with an M1 chip, but it is much more difficult to get this bundle to function properly and fully. Developments within the framework of this project will be open, the author plans to upload them to GitHub. It is also worth noting that the open-source code will be distributed under the GPL and MIT licenses so that it can be reused in other compatible operating systems.
Recall that Hector Martin has a lot of experience in adapting Linux for different systems. For example, he has successfully ported Linux to the Nintendo Switch / Wii, Microsoft Kinect, and Sony PlayStation 3/4 in the past.
