Dual-booting Linux on an Apple Mac involves
creating free space via Disk Utility, creating a bootable Linux USB (e.g., using Etcher), and selecting the ”EFI Boot” option while holding Option/Alt during startup. For Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3), specialized projects like Asahi Linux are required, while Intel Macs use standard ISOs. YouTube +2
Key Considerations
- Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3): Requires specialized ARM-based Linux distributions, such as the Fedora Asahi Remix.
- Intel Macs: Generally support standard Linux distributions, but may require specific drivers for Wi-Fi or, on T2 chip models, specialized kernels.
- Backup: Always back up important macOS data before partitioning. Reddit +4
Installation Steps (General)
- Prepare Space: Use macOS Disk Utility to shrink your main partition, leaving free space.
- Create Installer: Use BalenaEtcher to flash the Linux ISO to a USB drive.
- Booting: Shut down, plug in the USB, turn on while holding the Option/Alt key, and select the EFI Boot.
- Install: Select the free space for installation, ensuring not to overwrite the macOS partition. Reddit +1
Intel-Specific Tips
- T2 Security Chip: You may need to use T2 Linux for Wi-Fi and audio drivers.
- Bootloader: rEFInd is a recommended boot manager to handle the dual-boot menu.
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Apple Silicon (Asahi Linux) Tips
- Asahi Linux is the primary, actively developed project for running Linux natively on Apple Silicon.
- Installation is done directly from macOS using a terminal command provided by the project.