Asahi Linux Progresses with Linux 7.3, M3 Support Now Generally Available

Continued Upstreaming Efforts

Asahi Linux continues its work on upstreaming drivers for Apple Silicon. The macaudio driver, a significant component due to Apple's unique audio subsystem, is now ready for submission after requiring core ALSA changes and modifications to existing amplifier drivers. This driver and its Devicetree changes represent approximately 3100 lines of code.

The AVD driver, which manages Apple's video decoder, has been prepared for upstreaming in three months, a rapid turnaround for a major SoC component. This driver and related Devicetree changes comprise around 13000 lines of code. This quick integration indicates a potential shift towards an upstream-first development approach for future components.

M3 Support Reaches General Availability

Following a successful period with minimal issues from early adopters, M3 series device support in Asahi Linux is now generally available. Users no longer need to enable an EXPERT flag during installation. This update includes improvements such as enabled DCP, which contributes to better performance, battery life, and makes the notch area usable on M3 MacBooks.

New Device Support and Development Approach

Initial Devicetrees have been added for M4 Pro and Max devices, as well as M5, allowing these SoCs to boot to a TTY. Further enablement work for these devices is in progress. Asahi Linux is also increasingly adopting an upstream-first development strategy, with changes for TI USB-PD and SPMI drivers, along with initial Thunderbolt support, developed directly upstream.