Linux 7.4 Adds Initial Apple M4 Support, but There’s Still a Long Way to Go

Linux is taking another step toward running natively on Apple's newer Silicon Macs. Developers working on Asahi Linux have submitted initial device-tree support for Apple's M4 chip family, paving the way for the hardware to be recognized and booted by the mainline Linux kernel.

The work is expected to land with Linux 7.4, but users shouldn't expect a fully functional Linux desktop on an M4 Mac just yet. The initial implementation is primarily a foundation for future development rather than something ready for everyday use.

Initial M4 Support Is Coming to Linux 7.4

Asahi Linux developer Sven Peter has submitted the initial Apple M4 device-tree changes for inclusion in the Linux 7.4 development cycle.

A device tree essentially tells the Linux kernel about the hardware components inside a particular machine and how those components are connected. Adding these descriptions is an important early step toward bringing new Apple Silicon hardware to Linux.

The initial M4 work covers Apple's base M4 systems, including several Mac models. However, the implementation is deliberately limited at this stage.

Which M4 Macs Are Included?

The initial device-tree work covers several Macs built around Apple's base M4 chip, including:

• 14-inch MacBook Pro
• 13-inch MacBook Air
• 15-inch MacBook Air
• 24-inch iMac
• Mac mini

According to the current Asahi Linux support documentation, these systems have initial device-tree support in the Linux 7.4 development line, although many individual hardware components remain unsupported or under active development.

Linux Can Boot, But That's About It

One of the most important points is that basic boot support doesn't mean a fully working Linux installation.

The initial implementation is sufficient to get the Linux kernel running on supported M4 hardware, but many of the features users would expect from a normal desktop operating system aren't ready.

For example, Asahi's current support information still lists major components such as the GPU, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NVMe storage and several other hardware functions as unavailable or still being worked on for M4 systems.

That means installing Linux on an M4 Mac today is primarily useful for developers and enthusiasts interested in helping advance support.

GPU Support Remains a Major Challenge

The biggest hurdle is arguably Apple's GPU.

Apple Silicon uses proprietary graphics hardware that requires significant reverse engineering and dedicated driver development. Without functional GPU acceleration, Linux users can't expect the normal desktop experience associated with modern Macs.

The initial M4 support therefore represents an important foundation, but GPU support will be one of the major pieces required before M4 Macs become genuinely practical Linux machines.

Asahi Linux Is Doing the Heavy Lifting

Much of the progress comes from the Asahi Linux project, which has been working to bring Linux to Apple Silicon Macs.

The project has already made considerable progress with earlier Apple chips. Initial M3 support reached the Linux kernel in version 7.2, while additional M3 Pro, Max and Ultra support followed later. However, even M3 Linux support remains incomplete for many users.

The M4 effort continues that long-term process.

The MacBook Neo Is Also Getting Linux Attention

Interestingly, Linux 7.4 isn't only about M4 Macs.

Developers have also submitted initial device-tree support for Apple's A18 Pro-powered MacBook Neo. The inexpensive Mac laptop uses a processor derived from Apple's mobile-chip family rather than an M-series Mac chip.

The initial A18 Pro work is similarly limited, but it provides another starting point for Linux development on Apple's newer hardware.

Current Asahi documentation lists the MacBook Neo's device tree as supported in the Linux 7.4 development line, while many of its other components—including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, keyboard, touchpad, audio and webcam—remain unsupported or unfinished.

Why Linux Support for Apple Silicon Matters

Apple's move away from Intel processors created a major challenge for alternative operating systems.

Intel-based Macs could run Linux using many standard PC components and drivers. Apple Silicon changed that equation because the hardware architecture and peripheral controllers are heavily customized.

Projects such as Asahi Linux therefore need to understand and implement support for Apple's proprietary hardware before Linux can provide a complete experience.

Every new generation adds another layer of work.

M4 Support Is an Important Milestone

Although the initial M4 implementation isn't ready for normal users, getting the device trees into the mainline Linux kernel is still significant.

Mainline support means the work becomes part of the broader Linux development ecosystem rather than remaining entirely separate from the upstream kernel.

It also provides a foundation that developers can build upon as individual drivers and hardware features become functional.

What Happens Next?

The next stage will involve bringing individual components online.

Developers need to continue working on areas such as:

• GPU acceleration
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• NVMe storage
• USB and Thunderbolt
• Display output
• Audio
• Keyboard and trackpad support
• Power management
• Sleep and wake functionality
• Camera support

Asahi's current M4 support table shows that many of these features are still listed as work in progress or without a committed upstream release target.

Don't Expect a Daily-Driver M4 Linux Mac Yet

For enthusiasts, the latest development is encouraging. For ordinary Mac owners, however, it doesn't mean an M4 Mac is suddenly ready to replace a Linux PC.

The current support is better understood as the beginning of a longer process.

Eventually, continued development could make it possible to run a complete Linux desktop on M4 hardware with working graphics, networking, storage and peripherals. But reaching that point will require substantial additional engineering.

Final Thoughts

The arrival of initial Apple M4 support in Linux 7.4 marks another important milestone for the Asahi Linux project.

The new device trees provide Linux with the basic information required to recognize several M4 Macs and begin booting the operating system. The MacBook Neo's A18 Pro hardware is also receiving an initial foundation at the same time.

However, this is still an early stage. GPU acceleration and many essential peripherals remain unfinished, meaning M4 Macs aren't yet ready for a polished Linux desktop experience.

For developers and Linux enthusiasts, though, the direction is promising. As more drivers are developed and upstreamed, Apple's latest Macs could gradually become much more viable Linux machines.