Linux on 2023 MacBook Pro

Question

I am following the instructions for the ARM 64 FedoraWorkStation installion, but I am failing. I am trying to partition a mechanical Toshiba 2tb HD for my image. I am willing to purchase an SSH for this process. I appreciate your help and input ```

KFSys · Answer

There are a couple of considerations you might need to have

. Prepare the Hardware and Software

External Drive: Since you’re using a 2TB Toshiba mechanical hard drive, ensure it is formatted properly and connected securely to the MacBook.
SSD Option: Mechanical drives are slower and less reliable for an OS. Consider upgrading to an SSD for a better experience.
Download Fedora ARM64: Make sure you’ve downloaded the correct Fedora Workstation image for ARM64 architecture from the Fedora website.

3. Bootable Media Creation

To install Fedora, you’ll need to create a bootable USB:

Use the Fedora Media Writer tool or an alternative like balenaEtcher to flash the ARM64 image onto a USB drive.
Insert the USB into your MacBook and reboot while holding the Option key.
Select the USB as the boot device.

4. Booting Fedora on Apple Silicon

Booting Linux on a MacBook Pro with an Apple Silicon chip requires additional steps:

Asahi Linux: Asahi Linux provides a kernel compatible with Apple Silicon. Fedora’s ARM64 release might not include the necessary patches.
Check out the Asahi Linux installation guide and follow their instructions to prepare the bootloader and kernel.
Fedora may require these patches to run on your device.

5. Install Fedora

Once booted into the live Fedora environment, launch the installer.
Select the partitions created earlier:
- Boot: Mount at /boot/efi.
- Root: Mount at /.
- Optionally, set up /home.
Proceed with the installation.

6. Post-Installation

Enable Secure Boot Support: Use the macOS firmware settings to allow Linux to boot if needed.
Update GRUB: Ensure GRUB or the Asahi Linux bootloader can manage Fedora properly.
Configure Drivers: Install any missing drivers for Apple Silicon, especially for Wi-Fi, GPU, and other hardware.

alexdo · Answer

Heya, @adams617

On top of what’s already been mentioned, If Secure Boot is enabled on your Mac, you may need to disable it or add the Asahi Linux bootloader key to the firmware. This step ensures Fedora can boot properly.

Also after installation, reboot into Fedora and ensure that you install Apple Silicon-specific drivers (e.g., Wi-Fi, GPU) through Asahi Linux or Fedora’s package repositories. Update GRUB or Asahi’s bootloader configuration to reflect Fedora’s presence.

Regards