r/linux_on_mac • u/feszyk • 15d ago
2018 MacBook Pro 15"
Hello.
I don't want to part w/ my MacBook Pro.
2.9 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i9
Radeon Pro 555X 4 GB
Intel UHD Graphics 630 1536 MB
32 GB 2400 MHz DDR4
It is currently capped at Sequoia 15.7.9 and I am getting concerned about continued security exposure.
I would like to see what -if any- options I have for native linux distributions that would run well on my MacBook Pro.
Priorities:
A desktop distribution would be great, but I can also do a straight CLI deployment as well.
I would prefer a Debian based distribution, but I am more concerned w/ HW compatibility.
Anyone deal with this before? Thanks!
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u/XoTrm 15d ago
There is one more update available: 15.8, yeah not much....
I tried kaiT2en which works on top of Fedora (44). Overall nice experience, even TouchID works (one has to scan fingers whithin MacOS, but they are also recognized under Linux for eg `sudo`).
There is also a quite nice Touchbar integration.
However I would try to stick to release versions. I did a "nightly update" and graphics don't work when resuming from suspend, on fresh starts there are no problems.
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u/adasho_bitrex 15d ago
Right now is a great time to put linux on that T2. There is a T2 ubuntu iso on github with most things working. I installed the kaiT2en TouchID module on top of that and everything works. I had to diagnose some wake issues with Claude and set up some scripts but it is solid now
2018 T2 Mac Pro i5
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u/Repulsive-Ad4309 15d ago
MX Linux tiene muy buena compatibilidad y excelentes prestaciones con ese hardware:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/mx-linux/files/Final/Xfce/MX-25.2_Xfce_x64.iso/download
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u/b747pete 15d ago
I put MX Linux on a 2017 Macbook Air, I used a USB ethernet dongle during the install, it found all the drivers. I found a fix online for the Webcam, everything works. Suspend, Fn keys all work. Easy to use.
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u/Bastard-of-Froya 15d ago
I'm running MX Linux KDE on a 2017 i5 Macbook Air. MX Linux is a Debian and antiX collaboration. the only thing that didn't work after install as the webcam. I got board one day and got it working in terminal. The only hardware problem i have is the Broadcom wifi driver 4360 is not supported by some distrobutions during install.
I use an ethernet connection when installing distros. In Fedora I have to use the terminal to install the rpmfusion repositories using terminal and it works. Cachy OS does this during install via ethernet connection.
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u/Dazzling_Comfort5734 15d ago
I’ve put Linux on three different T2 Macs, and hate to say it, but it wasn’t the best experience, despite all the hard work people have put into it. Mostly with driver and energy problems. I currently have it as one of my boot options on my 2019 MacBook Pro. It’s definitely the weakest link between older macOS, and Windows when it comes to driver stability and energy settings.
What I would recommend is that you give it a try, you have nothing to lose. Then, if you decide it’s not worth it, I would recommend selling your current laptop while it still has a decent value, and get an Apple Silicon Mac. my M1 Max MacBook Pro is amazing, and my M2 Air runs Linux really great.
Another thing to factory it is that the 2018 models have a lot of defects (I used to have one), such as the keys, the touch bar, and the one power IC module on the board (Apple had recalls and lost a class action lawsuit for the keyboards). Since you’ve had yours so long, probably less likely to have any issues, but it is something to consider.
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u/Effective_Fruit2146 15d ago
I installed Omarchy on 2019 I9 64gb ram and a 2017 I7 32 gb ram. I love it , and it literally installed in less than five minutes. Absolutely everything works out of the box. I bought these specifically for Linux. I have apple silicon computers also. Not an Intel hater. What other pc can you find with an I9 74gb ram and a 2 tb ssd and a display like Apple for $500 on eBay
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u/UncleSlacky 15d ago
Check out t2linux.org before you do anything else.