A new Linux port allows Apple’s M1 Macs to run Ubuntu for the first time. Corellium, a security company that offers a virtualized version of iOS for security testing, successfully ported Ubuntu to M1 Macs and launched a tutorial for others to follow. The modified version of Ubuntu boots into the normal user interface and includes USB support.
The Corellium team detailed exactly how they managed to get Ubuntu to run, and it’s a good in-depth read if you’re interested in the details. Although several M1 components are shared with Apple’s mobile chips, non-standard chips made it difficult to create Linux drivers to get Ubuntu to run properly.
Apple did not design its M1 Macs with dual-boot or Boot Camp in mind. Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, had previously discarded official support for native boot of alternative operating systems like Windows or Linux. Virtualization seems to be Apple’s preferred method, but that hasn’t stopped people from making their own doors.
Linux is now fully usable on the Mac mini M1. Booting from USB on a full Ubuntu desktop (rpi). The network works via a USB dongle. The update includes support for USB, I2C, DART. We will send changes to our GitHub and a tutorial today. Thanks to @CorelliumHQ time ❤️ pic.twitter.com/uBDbDmvJUG
– Chris Wade (@cmwdotme) January 20, 2021
Hector Martin, a developer who regularly runs Linux on a variety of hardware, is also porting Linux to M1 Macs. Developers seem to be attracted by the performance benefits offered by Apple’s M1 chips and the ability to run Linux on a silent ARM-based machine. “I’m waiting for an ARM laptop that can run Linux for a big ones time, ”said Linux creator Linus Torvalds in November. “The new Air would be almost perfect, except for the operating system.”
Corellium CTO Chris Wade describes this new door as “completely usable”On a Mac Mini M1, and it works by booting the entire Ubuntu desktop via USB. However, you will need a USB-C dongle to make the network work, and the process of making the port work will require some familiarity with Linux and custom kernels. Corellium posted a tutorial on the process, if you are interested in trying out this beta project.
Corellium has some experience working with Apple’s operating system protections. Corellium offers security researchers a virtual iPhone to help exploit vulnerabilities. It is a lawsuit that has angered Apple enough to file lawsuits against Corellium. Apple lost an initial challenge against Corellium at the end of last year, after initially filing a lawsuit against the company for copyright in August 2019. Apple subsequently alleged DMCA violations in January 2020, and a judge dismissed the allegations. of copyright infringement in December. The decision on the DMCA’s separate claims has been postponed.