Running a Linux virtual machine on a Mac can often demand significant resources. However, with the introduction of macOS 26, Apple has streamlined this process by offering native support for Linux containers. This eliminates the need for third-party applications like Docker, making it easier for developers.
The WWDC 2025 keynote featured various significant updates, including a new Liquid Glass design and numerous enhancements across the ecosystem. Amid these announcements, it was easy to overlook a substantial enhancement specifically designed for developers. Technical educator Xe Iaso, who maintains a blog under the same name, highlighted a quick snippet from an Apple newsroom post about the new Containerization framework.
This innovative framework allows developers to run Linux containers directly on their Macs. Though Apple’s description of the feature was concise, its implications are considerable. The Containerization framework empowers developers to create, download, and run Linux container images directly on their Macs.
This is built on an open-source framework that has been optimized for Apple Silicon, providing secure isolation between container images. Historically, using third-party tools like Docker for running Linux often resulted in an immediate drain on system resources and battery life for MacBooks. Additionally, traditional virtual machines that operate through multiple layers can slow down productivity.
Apple’s new native tool, being open-sourced and tailored for Apple Silicon, promises to streamline the workflow for developers engaging with Linux. Currently, developer betas are being rolled out, enabling developers to test the new feature and evaluate its effectiveness. This could lead to what some have described as an “invincible server-side development experience” that rivals the setups of Google engineers directly on a MacBook.
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