The short answer is: it’s possible to run a MacBook Pro with Ubuntu, but it varies based on chip. Ubuntu can be installed on a USB stick and be booted with Intel, and it can be installed together with macOS or replace it. Ubuntu Asahi is a community project that Canonical does not officially support that works on Apple Silicon models (M1 and later), and there is hardware support that varies from model to model.
Verify the chip BEFORE anything else.
The vast majority of failures begin on the 1st step which is to follow the wrong guide. If you’re going to install Linux on a Mac, you first need to know if you have Apple Silicon or Intel. The instructions for Intel Macs you see online won’t work on an Apple Silicon Mac.
Click on the Apple menu and select About This Mac. If it indicates an M-series chip, take the Apple Silicon route. If it includes Intel, take the Intel route. All the rest in this article relies upon that response.
Why to run MacBook Pro with Ubuntu in 2026?
The primary motivator is support life. According to one retailer’s writer, Apple is phasing out Intel support in 2028, and macOS Tahoe is said to be the last version to support Intel chips. Owners with aging Intel equipment, can use Ubuntu to make their equipment last longer. Another source states that Ubuntu 26.04 LTS also provides a sign-up for Ubuntu Pro during setup, as it’s meant for long-term use.
The reasons are different for the owners of the M-series. They’re looking for a native Linux desktop–not a virtual machine–and one reviewer said it’s pretty good overall, albeit with caveats for games.
A USB cable for MacBook Pro is required.
The process of creating a Ubuntu Desktop USB for older Intel Macs is fairly similar to the classic Ubuntu Desktop USB process. The steps are:
- Refer to Intel/AMD 64-bit Desktop ISO download page.
- Using a tool like balenaEtcher, write it to a USB drive.
- Boot from the disk, and select to try Ubuntu, install Ubuntu alongside macOS, or erase the disk.
You can look for two common issues to watch out for. First of all, the USB drive might not show up in the Startup Manager. Second, Broadcom wireless is likely to require additional drivers, so be sure to have an Ethernet cable or phone tether available to install firmware packages.
2018–2020 models need extra care. According to one report, Intel MacBooks 2018–2020 can be jailbroken to bypass the security chip restrictions by leveraging custom kernels and patched ISOs. I found that claim in one source, check the community documentation to ensure that its true before erasing anything.
MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon support: The Ubuntu Asahi Way
On M-series machines, the default option is Ubuntu Asahi, a community project that has enabled a full Ubuntu desktop on Apple Silicon machines. It is based on the Asahi Linux project which has already taken the time to reverse engineer and re-create drivers for the hardware that isn’t documented. It is NOT a Canonical-sponsored project. It is mentioned in the Canonical documentation, but considered as a community project of model-dependent support.
Support has progressed. According to one of the 2026 reports, Ubuntu Asahi added GPU acceleration, PipeWire audio and support for 120 Hz displays to the 14-inch and 16-inch versions of the Macbook Pro. Do not consider that as a complete warranty for your particular machine.
Two cautions apply. First, there is an example of Ubuntu Asahi that is published just for M1 and M2 chips, so please consult the feature support list before resizing any disks. Second, leave macOS installed as it will be required for firmware and recovery.
The Chip First Decision Path (Original Framework)
This is an editorial decision table, NOT tested benchmarks. Use it for choosing a starting point.
| Your MacBook Pro | Best First Move | Main Risk |
| Pre-2018 | Boot Ubuntu from a USB stick, test Wi-Fi drivers | Intel |
| T2 (2018-2020) | Research current T2 guidance first | Needs patched ISO or kernel |
| M1 or M2 | Ubuntu Asahi (if on support list) | Some hardware missing, gaming limits |
| 3+ | Check if Asahi is up to date before trying | Partial or in progress support. |
| Not sure | Identify what the chip is and repeat with the next chip at the top of the guide |
Ubuntu can be also tried in a virtual machine on any Mac. That will help you determine if you are comfortable with the software side, but won’t test hardware drivers.
Pre-Flight Checklist (Linkable Asset)
- Determining the chipset is either Intel or Apple Silicon.
- I took a Time Machine backup as well as a secondary backup.
- I have looked at the current list of Ubuntu Asahi support (Apple Silicon only)
- I am having a problem with my drivers for Wi-Fi (Intel) adapters and would like to know how to fix it.I have Ethernet adapter or phone tether for Wi-Fi drivers (Intel)
- I’m using macOS (for firmware and recovery)
- Tested Ubuntu in a virtual environment or live disk first, before changing disk
- I know what features I want: Wi-Fi, audio, display, GPU and Touch ID
- I have a plan B if it doesn’t work out.
Guest Post Angles
These are ideal for the Linux, developer, hardware-reuse magazines:
- Sustaining an Intel Mac’s lifespan: the 2028 support cliff and Linux as a possibility.
- Ubuntu Asahi or Fedora Asahi Remix: which is better for everyday use.
- An honest hardware report: What still doesn’t work on Apple Silicon Linux.
Test First Wipe Last
If you’re thinking about getting a MacBook Pro with Ubuntu, boot it from a live USB on Intel, and then test Wi-Fi, display and audio using a virtual machine on Apple Silicon. Wait until these basics are running and your backup has been verified before repartitioning the disk. If it’s crucial, macOS will still be around for you to fall back on.
