Virtualizing Ubuntu Linux on Macos with Apple Silicon (M1 Chip)

As of March 2022 VirtualBox supports only x86 and AMD64/Intel64 and doesn't support ARM-based systems like Apple M1.

Parallels Desktop for Mac supports Apple M1 chip but requires you to buy a license.

Are there an open source solution for running Ubuntu Linux virtual machine on MacOS with Apple silicon (M1 chip)?

1 Answer

UTM

UTM is a full featured open source virtual machine host for MacOS that supports Apple silicon (M1 chip) -

Follow the instructions to install Ubuntu on UTM -

In my experience there are a few issues with UTM and there is an easier way to run an Ubuntu VM on MacOS.

Sarah Jenkins

Sarah Jenkins

Senior Technology Editor & AI Specialist

Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.