Fedora Asahi Remix 44: A Major Leap for Linux on Apple Silicon

Introduction

The Fedora Asahi Remix project is proud to announce the general availability of Fedora Asahi Remix 44. This release marks a significant milestone, bringing the full power of Fedora Linux 44 to Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M1 Pro/Max, M2, and M3 series). Developed in close partnership with the Fedora Asahi Special Interest Group (SIG) and the Asahi Linux project, this remix offers a polished, high-performance Linux experience tailored specifically for Apple's cutting-edge hardware.

Fedora Asahi Remix 44: A Major Leap for Linux on Apple Silicon — Source: fedoramagazine.org

Key Changes in Fedora Asahi Remix 44

Upstream Integration and Package Retirement

One of the most noteworthy improvements in this release is the retirement of the vendored Mesa and virglrenderer packages that were previously bundled. With Fedora Asahi Remix 44, users are automatically transitioned to the upstream Mesa and virglrenderer packages provided directly by the official Fedora repositories. This change ensures better compatibility, regular updates, and a more streamlined maintenance process. If you have manually migrated beforehand, no action is needed; the transition happens automatically during upgrade.

Desktop Environments: KDE Plasma 6.6 and GNOME 50

Fedora Asahi Remix offers two primary desktop variants, each aligning with the latest offerings from Fedora Linux 44.

KDE Plasma 6.6 is the flagship desktop experience. It introduces a new, Plasma-native setup wizard (replacing the previous Calamares-based tool) that makes user account creation and system configuration seamless. Additionally, the Plasma Login Manager now serves as the default greeter and session manager, replacing SDDM on fresh installs. Existing users upgrading from Fedora Asahi Remix 42 or 43 will not have their configuration altered.

For those who prefer a more traditional desktop, the GNOME variant features GNOME 50, complete with all the enhancements found in Fedora's GNOME edition. Both desktop variants deliver a smooth, feature-rich environment optimized for Apple Silicon.

Server and Minimal Variants

Beyond desktop use, Fedora Asahi Remix 44 includes a Fedora Server variant ideal for server workloads, headless deployments, and containerized applications. A Minimal image is also available for users who wish to build their own custom environment from the ground up, offering maximum flexibility.

Installation and Upgrade

New users can get started by following the official installation guide. Existing systems running Fedora Asahi Remix 42 or 43 can be upgraded using the standard Fedora upgrade process. Important: Upgrades via GNOME’s Software application are not supported. Instead, use either KDE’s Plasma Discover or the DNF system-upgrade command. Detailed instructions are available on the upgrade process page.

Installation Guide

Download the appropriate image from the Asahi Linux website or the Fedora Asahi Remix download page. Follow the step-by-step instructions to create a bootable USB, partition your disk, and install the remix. The new Plasma Setup wizard will guide you through account creation and initial settings.

Upgrade Process

To upgrade from Fedora Asahi Remix 42 or 43:

Update your current system: sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Install DNF system-upgrade plugin: sudo dnf install dnf-plugin-system-upgrade
Download packages: sudo dnf system-upgrade download --releasever=44
Reboot into upgrade: sudo dnf system-upgrade reboot

Alternatively, use KDE’s Plasma Discover GUI to initiate the upgrade. After rebooting, verify your version with cat /etc/fedora-release.

Community and Support

If you encounter any Remix-specific issues, please report them in the official issue tracker. For user support, the Fedora Asahi community is active on the Discourse forum and the Matrix room. Whether you need help with installation, troubleshooting, or general questions, the community is ready to assist.

Conclusion

Fedora Asahi Remix 44 represents a significant step forward for Linux on Apple Silicon. With upstream package integration, the latest desktop environments, and robust server options, it offers a compelling choice for both newcomers and seasoned Linux users. The close collaboration with the Asahi Linux project ensures that Apple’s M-series hardware receives the attention it deserves. Download your preferred variant today and experience Fedora 44 on your Apple Silicon Mac.

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