Install Linux directly on your MacBook Pro using native tools.
Install Linux directly on your MacBook Pro using native tools.
Your search results are varied, showing mixed outcomes with options ranging from definitive yeses to more nuanced answers. You have a 2016 model with an i7 processor, 16 GB RAM, and 512 GB SSDs. Considering you want a home setup without OSX or any OS, it’s feasible to install a Linux distribution directly on the drive. This would give you full control over the system and ensure it boots only Linux.
There’s always a chance if you’re committed and skilled. I used an older iMac with a 17" C2D AIO that ran Ubuntu 16.04 LTS using a custom .ISO file, but it seems hard to find a simple setup. Apple makes sure you’ll have to navigate several steps to install something outside their system.
This resource might assist you. Refer to the link provided for more details.
It's straightforward to run multiple operating systems side by side, especially on Linux. However, there are reasons behind this setup. macOS runs on a Unix system and can be installed easily via Homebrew, making it the preferred choice for its refined experience.
OSX differs from Linux and isn't particularly useful for beginners. It looks like Ubuntu is the more common choice. I was aiming to stay within the Red Hat category. I could try getting one and testing it, but it might not be worth the time if non-Apple devices lack support.
It seems the latest MacBook Pros and T2 chip details aren’t clear to me. From what I see, secure boot might be turned off easily, regardless of the distribution you choose. Some users might manage a better bootloader setup for the OOTB version, but it can also be adjusted manually. I suggest using ReFind. My setup is Manjaro on a Macbook Pro 5.5 (2009). Be careful: the main complaint about Linux desktops on this machine is the poor touchpad and multi-touch functionality. You can improve it, though it’s decent compared to OS X. Curiously, why would someone choose a MacBook Pro for Linux? There are superior laptops with stronger Linux support and higher build quality. In fact, I think Macbook Pros have degraded in build quality over time (possibly true), and the only real reason I’d consider one is to run OS X without using Hackintosh.
Thanks for the details. These are old laptops that were swapped out at work, so I wasn’t planning to purchase one. I’m considering getting one just to experiment with.