Linux on an M1 Mac now possible
The latest Linux update 5.13 offers support for multiple chips based on the ARM architecture, which is also used by the Apple M1. It was already possible to use Linux on a Mac through a virtual machine. But soon it will also run natively on the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini and iMac, provided you have the latest model equipped with M1 chip.
This also means that you can get the most out of it. the performance of the M1 chip. However, there is still limited functionality, as not all drivers are present. Hardware acceleration for video, for example, doesn't work yet. But that is a matter of time.
The now released version is Linux Kernel 5.13 RC, or Release Candidate. This is not the final version expected in June or July. Furthermore, it is good to know that you cannot use Linux on your M1 iPad yet, since this platform is much more boarded up and has limitations.
It is striking that Torvalds claimed in December last year that it Linux was unlikely to run on the M1 chip. Torvalds would like to use one of the new M1 MacBooks, but thought it wouldn't work well with Linux in the end and felt it wasn't worth getting started as they wouldn't get Apple's cooperation. Developer Hector Martin then started a fundraiser to enable Linux on Apple Silicon Macs. According to Martin, M1 Macs are quite capable of running Linux, but it takes a fair amount of work, comparable to a full-time job. That is why he was looking for sponsorship.