How to Install Fedora on a MacBook Pro

Installing Fedora on a MacBook Pro can open up an exciting world of possibilities for developers, power users, and Linux enthusiasts. Apple’s sleek hardware paired with the powerful, open-source Fedora distribution is a match that offers performance, flexibility, and a breath of fresh air for those wanting more control over their computing experience. While the process requires a bit of technical know-how, this guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a smooth installation.

TL;DR: Quick Summary

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview. Installing Fedora on a MacBook Pro involves backing up your data, creating a Fedora USB installer, disabling macOS features that interfere with Linux, resizing partitions, and installing Fedora alongside (or over) macOS. Some MacBook hardware (especially on newer models) may not be fully supported out of the box, so be prepared to perform a few post-install configuration tweaks like Wi-Fi or audio driver setup. It’s achievable with some patience and results in a fast, clean Linux environment tailored to your needs.

Preparation: Before You Begin

Before diving into the installation, there are some critical steps and tools you need on hand:

A MacBook Pro: Preferably from 2015 or earlier for maximum compatibility. Newer models with the T2 chip or Apple Silicon are not fully supported and may require workarounds or alternative methods.
Fedora Workstation ISO: Download the latest version from Fedora’s official site.
A USB flash drive: At least 4GB in size.
Balena Etcher or UNetbootin: To create a bootable USB from the Fedora ISO.
Backup solution: Use Time Machine or any other tool to back up your macOS data before proceeding.

Note: This guide assumes you want to dual-boot Fedora and macOS. If you’re planning to completely replace macOS, the process becomes simpler, but you’ll lose your Apple OS permanently.

Step 1: Create a Bootable Fedora USB Installer

This step creates the medium from which you’ll install Fedora.

Insert your USB flash drive and open Balena Etcher.
Select the Fedora ISO as the source file.
Choose your USB drive as the target and click “Flash”.
Wait for the flashing process to complete; once done, eject it safely.

The USB is now Fedora-ready!

Step 2: Prepare Your MacBook Pro

Getting your MacBook ready is crucial for a smooth boot process.

Disable Secure Boot (if available): On newer Macs with a T2 chip, go into Startup Security Utility and set it to allow booting from external media.
Free Up Space: Open Disk Utility and reduce your macOS partition to create free space for Fedora (around 20GB or more is ideal).
Disable FileVault: FileVault encryption may interfere with partition resizing and installation. Turn it off in System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
Reboot and Test Boot USB: Hold Option (Alt) as the system starts. Select the Fedora USB on the boot menu to test if it boots properly.

Step 3: BIOS and EFI Considerations

MacBooks use the EFI boot system, and Fedora supports this out of the box. You don’t have to change the firmware settings manually, but during installation, make sure the installer chooses EFI boot mode, not Legacy BIOS mode. If prompted in Fedora’s installer, always choose EFI for compatibility.

Use the “Install Fedora” option when the installer loads. Do not begin installation until verifying the touchpad/keyboard is functional. If those don’t work, you may need to connect external USB peripherals and troubleshoot later (especially for newer Macs).

Step 4: Partitioning and Fedora Installation

During the install process, Fedora offers “Installation Destination” for selecting the drive and partition layout. This is where dual-boot is configured.

Choose “Custom” partitioning.
Select the free space you created earlier.
Create at least these partitions:
- / (root) – 15 to 40 GB
- swap – 1 to 2 times your RAM size (optional if using suspend)
- /home – Remaining space if desired
Ensure the bootloader is installed on the same disk — typically /dev/sda.

Click “Begin Installation” and let Fedora do its work. After the installation completes and you reboot, you may need to hold down Option again and select the Fedora entry (or it may boot Fedora by default).

Step 5: Post-Installation: Drivers and Fixes

After your first successful boot into Fedora, you may notice some missing functionalities — notably Wi-Fi, sound, or function keys. These can vary based on MacBook age and hardware.

Fixing Wi-Fi

Most MacBooks use Broadcom chips for wireless, which do not have open-source drivers preinstalled on Fedora. Here’s how to fix it:

sudo dnf install akmod-wl
sudo dnf install broadcom-wl
Reboot and check if Wi-Fi works.

Adjusting Trackpad and Function Keys

Fedora should support your trackpad and function keys, but if not, install xf86-input-mtrack or xf86-input-libinput, and tweak the configuration in /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d.

Backlight and Sound

Sound might require installing additional firmware or using PulseAudio tweaks. Backlight controls can often be managed through kernel parameters. Adding the following to your kernel grub line can help:

acpi_backlight=vendor

Step 6: Dual Booting Tips

The Mac bootloader is somewhat invisible but effective. If macOS no longer boots, insert a macOS USB recovery device and use Startup Disk Utility to select the macOS disk again. Alternatively, install rEFInd, a third-party graphical boot manager that handles macOS and Fedora with ease.

To install rEFInd:

brew install --cask refind

Then run:

refind-install

This will present a boot menu at startup, letting you easily pick between Fedora and macOS.

Final Thoughts

Running Fedora on your MacBook Pro is empowering. It breathes new life into aging hardware and pairs Apple’s industrial design with the open-source spirit. While there are minor trade-offs in device support and the occasional tweak-heavy setup, the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences for most Linux users.

From crisp terminal performance and fast-boot environments to a full suite of cutting-edge Linux tools, Fedora transforms your MacBook into a powerful everyday machine that’s ready for coding, development, and experimentation.

Helpful Links

Embark on the adventure — your Fedora-powered MacBook is just a few steps away!

Jonathan Dough