The upcoming Linux kernel version 6.19 includes fixes for USB connectivity problems affecting Apple M1 and M2 Macintosh computers. These updates aim to resolve longstanding issues with USB2 and USB3 ports on these devices. The changes are being integrated into the mainline kernel, as reported by Phoronix.
Developers are preparing Linux kernel 6.19 to incorporate patches that tackle USB2 and USB3 compatibility glitches specific to Apple's M1 and M2 chip-based Macs. These machines, introduced in recent years, have faced challenges with USB functionality under Linux, impacting data transfer and peripheral connections.
The fixes, detailed in Phoronix coverage, focus on enhancing driver support for the USB controllers in these Apple silicon systems. While exact technical details of the patches remain limited in available reports, the integration signals progress in making Linux more robust on non-x86 hardware like Apple's ARM-based processors.
This development benefits Linux users seeking to run the open-source OS on modern Apple hardware, potentially reducing the need for custom workarounds. Broader context includes ongoing efforts to improve Linux compatibility with Apple Silicon, following initial support in earlier kernel versions. No specific release timeline for 6.19 was mentioned, but such merges typically precede stable releases by weeks or months.