Fedora Asahi Remix 44 has arrived, bringing the power of Fedora Linux 44 to Apple Silicon Macs. Developed in close partnership with the Fedora Asahi Special Interest Group and the Asahi Linux project, this release packs all the latest improvements from Fedora 44 while streamlining the software stack. It retires custom Mesa and virglrenderer packages in favor of upstream versions, simplifies the upgrade process, and offers multiple desktop and server variants. Whether you're a developer, a desktop user, or someone who wants a minimal build, this release has you covered. Dive into our Q&A to learn everything about installation, upgrades, and support.
What Is Fedora Asahi Remix 44?
Fedora Asahi Remix 44 is a specialized version of Fedora Linux designed exclusively for Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, M2, etc.). It’s the result of a joint effort between the Fedora Asahi SIG and the Asahi Linux project, ensuring that all the hardware on these Macs—GPU, CPU, I/O, and more—works smoothly. This release marks a major milestone: it fully adopts Fedora 44's enhancements while dropping previous custom graphics and virtualization packages in favor of the upstream versions maintained by Fedora. That means better compatibility, easier maintenance, and a more seamless experience for users who want a full Linux desktop on their Apple hardware.
What Are the Key Changes in This Release?
The most notable change is the retirement of Fedora Asahi’s vendored Mesa and virglrenderer packages. Previously, the Remix maintained its own builds of these graphics and virtualization drivers, but with Fedora 44 they have been integrated into the main Fedora repositories. Existing users will be automatically transitioned to the upstream versions during the upgrade, though some power users may have already made the switch manually. Additionally, the KDE Plasma variant now uses the Plasma Setup wizard instead of Calamares for initial configuration, and the default login manager has switched from SDDM to Plasma Login Manager. These changes only affect new installations; upgrades from Fedora Asahi Remix 42 or 43 will keep your existing settings.
What Desktop Environments Are Available?
Fedora Asahi Remix 44 offers two primary desktop options, plus server and minimal editions. The flagship desktop is KDE Plasma 6.6, which comes with all the latest features from Fedora KDE Plasma Desktop 44. This includes the new Plasma Setup wizard and Plasma Login Manager for a more integrated experience. For those who prefer a different workflow, a GNOME 50 variant is also available, matching the vanilla Fedora GNOME edition. Both desktops are fully optimized for Apple Silicon, ensuring smooth graphics and responsiveness. If you’re looking for a headless system or a lightweight base, the Fedora Server variant and a Minimal image give you the flexibility to build exactly what you need, from servers to custom embedded systems.
How Do I Upgrade from an Older Version?
Upgrading to Fedora Asahi Remix 44 from version 42 or 43 follows the standard Fedora upgrade process, but with one important caveat: you cannot use GNOME Software for the upgrade. Instead, you must use either KDE's Plasma Discover (if you’re on the KDE variant) or the DNF System Upgrade command. The command-line route is the most reliable—run sudo dnf system-upgrade download --releasever=44 followed by sudo dnf system-upgrade reboot. This ensures all dependencies are resolved and the transition to the upstream Mesa and virglrenderer packages happens automatically. If you’re running Fedora Asahi Remix 41 or earlier, you may need to upgrade step-by-step through intermediate versions first. Always back up your data before proceeding.
How Do I Get Support or Report Bugs?
For any Remix-specific issues, the team maintains a dedicated issue tracker where you can submit bug reports or feature requests. Additionally, user support is available through the Discourse forum—a community-driven site where you can ask questions and share solutions. For real-time chat, the project runs a Matrix room where developers and experienced users often hang out. When reporting an issue, be sure to include details about your Mac model, the variant you’re using (KDE, GNOME, Server, or Minimal), and any relevant logs. General Fedora issues should be directed to the main Fedora project resources. The community is friendly and responsive, especially for problems unique to Apple Silicon hardware.
Can I Use Fedora Asahi Remix for Server Workloads?
Absolutely! Fedora Asahi Remix 44 includes a Fedora Server variant specifically designed for headless deployments, such as web servers, databases, or development servers. This edition comes with no graphical desktop environment, saving resources and reducing attack surface. It’s built from the same optimized kernel and drivers as the desktop versions, so it runs reliably on Apple Silicon Macs. For users who want total control, the Minimal image is also available—it provides just a bare‑bones system with only essential packages, allowing you to install exactly what you need. Both server and minimal editions are perfect for power users who prefer to build their environment from the ground up. Just follow the standard installation guide and select the appropriate image.
How Do I Install Fedora Asahi Remix 44?
Installation is straightforward. Start by visiting the official Fedora Asahi website and following the installation guide. You’ll need a supported Apple Silicon Mac with macOS already installed, as the process uses macOS tools to prepare the system. The installer guides you through partitioning, choosing a desktop variant, and setting up your user account. For new installations, the KDE variant now uses the new Plasma Setup wizard instead of Calamares, providing a more integrated KDE experience. If you’re installing the GNOME variant, the default GNOME installer (Anaconda) is used. Remember to back up your data before proceeding, especially if you plan to dual‑boot with macOS. Once installed, you can enjoy a full‑featured Linux environment on your Apple Silicon Mac with excellent hardware support.