Fedora Asahi Remix 44 Brings Fedora Linux to Apple Silicon with Enhanced Desktop Experiences
The Fedora Asahi Special Interest Group (SIG) and the Asahi Linux project are proud to announce the general availability of Fedora Asahi Remix 44. This release brings the latest Fedora Linux 44 to Apple Silicon Macs, offering a polished and feature-rich experience for the community.
What's New in Fedora Asahi Remix 44
Vendor Package Retirement
One significant change in this release is the retirement of the custom Mesa and virglrenderer packages that were previously shipped with Fedora Asahi Remix. Users will now be automatically transitioned to the upstream versions provided by the official Fedora repositories. This change simplifies maintenance and ensures better alignment with the broader Fedora ecosystem. If you haven't manually switched yet, don't worry—the upgrade will handle it seamlessly.
KDE Plasma 6.6 as the Flagship Desktop
The flagship desktop environment for Fedora Asahi Remix 44 is KDE Plasma 6.6, which brings the latest enhancements from Fedora KDE Plasma Desktop 44. A notable improvement is the replacement of the Calamares-based setup wizard with a native Plasma Setup tool. This provides a more cohesive and Plasma-native experience for creating user accounts and configuring the system after installation. Additionally, the default login manager has changed from SDDM to Plasma Login Manager, offering a smoother graphical login. These changes apply only to fresh installations; existing users upgrading from Fedora Asahi Remix 42 or 43 will keep their current configuration.
GNOME 50 Variant Available
For those who prefer a different workflow, Fedora Asahi Remix 44 also offers a GNOME variant featuring GNOME 50. Both desktop variants—KDE and GNOME—are aligned with what Fedora Linux provides, ensuring a consistent and up-to-date experience. The GNOME edition brings the latest workflow improvements, performance tweaks, and GNOME Shell refinements.
Server and Minimal Options
Beyond desktop environments, Fedora Asahi Remix 44 includes a Fedora Server variant designed for server workloads, headless deployments, and other non-graphical use cases. Additionally, a Minimal image is provided for users who want to build their own custom environment from the ground up, starting with only the essential components.
Installation and Upgrade Paths
Installing Fedora Asahi Remix 44
Installing the release is straightforward. Follow the official installation guide for step-by-step instructions. The guide covers everything from preparing your Apple Silicon Mac to completing the setup with your chosen variant. For new installs, you will experience the new Plasma-first setup wizard if you choose the KDE variant.
Upgrading from Previous Versions
If you are already running Fedora Asahi Remix 42 or 43, upgrading to version 44 follows the standard Fedora upgrade process. Note that upgrades via GNOME's Software application are not supported. Instead, use either KDE's Plasma Discover or the DNF System Upgrade command (terminal-based). These methods ensure a reliable transition to the latest release. Be sure to back up your data before proceeding.
Support and Community
We encourage users to report any issues specific to the Remix in the dedicated issue tracker. For questions and user support, the community is active on the Discourse forum and the Matrix room. Whether you're troubleshooting or sharing your experience, these channels are the best places to connect with other users and developers.
Installation Guide Details
For those ready to dive in, the official installation guide provides all necessary steps. It includes prerequisites, download links, and instructions for creating a bootable USB drive on macOS or Linux. The guide also covers post-installation setup tips to optimize your experience.
Fedora Asahi Remix 44 marks another milestone in bringing a fully functional, open-source operating system to Apple Silicon hardware. With the latest Fedora improvements, a choice of desktop environments, and seamless upgrades, it's an excellent time to explore Linux on your Mac.