Running Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin as a virtual machine on your Mac is now more streamlined than ever thanks to advances in virtualization support for Apple silicon. With full compatibility for the Arm64 architecture, Ubuntu 25.04 provides a clean, responsive Linux environment optimised for Apple's M-series chips.
Installations on macOS benefit from native Arm performance, and Rosetta support, ensuring the desktop experience feels snappy within a contained VM. Tools such as UTM or Parallels Desktop provide robust virtual machine hosting with minimal configuration, bue we like 'Liviable' which enables developers and power users to easily deploy Linux workloads directly on their Mac.
Virtualization on Apple silicon has matured rapidly, removing many of the bottlenecks once associated with emulating non-native architectures. Now, booting Ubuntu 25.04 inside a VM offers reliable driver support, access to core system utilities, and a polished GNOME experience with minimal resource overhead.
This setup is ideal for testing cross-platform applications, compiling Arm-native binaries, or simply exploring the latest Linux features on modern macOS hardware. With the Arm ecosystem evolving quickly, combining Ubuntu and a MacBook delivers a versatile and efficient development stack that doesn’t compromise on speed or compatibility.
TL:DR – It is easy to set up Ubuntu 25.04 on a MacBook Pro running macOS Sequoia 15.5, and once installed you have a perfectly usable, fast, desktop Linux virtual machine at your disposal.
Contents
Liviable
Installation is straightforward. Download Liviable from the link above, then download Ubuntu 25.04 taking care to scroll down to 25.04 and to select ARM 64-bit architecture. This will result in an ISO of the distribution which you can start. I chose 32GB and 4 Cores and 8 GB of memory and it runs very nicely. Liviable is in beta but seems very robust so far. Ubuntu has been up for 24 hours on my Macbook so far.
Ubuntu installation screenshots
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin Arm screenshot slide carousel
Installing Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin) in a virtual machine on a Maxbook Pro with Apple silicon
This is a slide show of all the screens captured during installation.
Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin) background
Just before the setup starts the plucky puffin appears as the background.
Preparing Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin)
Almost running setup now, Welcome to Ubuntu, preparing Ubuntu.
Accessibility in Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin)
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin enhances accessibility with robust support for users experiencing challenges in seeing, hearing, typing, or pointing and clicking. The OS integrates advanced screen readers, high-contrast themes, and intuitive zoom functions to improve visual navigation. Audio cues and closed-captioning enhance the desktop experience for users with auditory impairments. Sticky keys, on-screen keyboards, and alternative input methods improve accessibility for those with limited motor control. These refinements ensure inclusivity without compromising performance or usability.
Keyboard layout in Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin)
During installation, the system can automatically detect your keyboard layout, reducing manual steps. Users can choose a variant to suit regional preferences or specific input needs. A built-in utility allows you to test key mappings in real time, ensuring accuracy before proceeding. Whether using a standard UK board or an alternative configuration, layout management in this release is intuitive, flexible, and geared for international usability.
Internet connection in Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin)
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin network setup supports both wired and wi-fi connections out of the box. The installer includes a clear option to do not connect, useful for offline configurations or sensitive deployments. Network detection is fast and reliable, ensuring connectivity is established without unnecessary user intervention.
Try or install Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin)
Although you can Try Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin via a live session without changes this isn't necessary on macOS in a virtual machine. Install Ubuntu for a full, persistent experience on your device.
Type of installation of Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin)
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin supports both Interactive installation for hands-on configuration and Automatic with autoinstall file deployment, enabling streamlined, unattended setups ideal for large-scale or repeatable environments.
Applications for Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin)
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin offers a robust default selection of applications covering essentials, browser and utilities. An extended selection is available including offline office tools.
Proprietary optimisations for Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin)
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin ships with no proprietary software by default, prioritising open-source integrity. However, users can enable proprietary third party graphics and Wi-Fi drivers alongside additional proprietary media formats for enhanced hardware compatibility and multimedia support.
Timezone for Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin)
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin automatically detects your location during setup to configure the appropriate timezone. Manual selection is also available, ensuring precise timekeeping for regional settings, scheduled tasks, and system logs across varied deployment environments.
Ready to install Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin)
Before you install Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin, review the type of installation, disk layout, selected applications, and security options. Configure encryption, choose proprietary software, and adjust partitions to suit your deployment strategy.
Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin) - Fast, free and full of features
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin is faster, sleeker, and easier than ever to deploy. Packed with modern productivity tools, it caters to every developer, creator, gamer, and administrator. Whether you're coding, designing, or managing systems, this release offers a polished, feature-rich platform without licensing constraints.
Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin) - Fast, free and full of features
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin is faster, sleeker, and easier than ever to deploy. Packed with modern productivity tools, it caters to every developer, creator, gamer, and administrator. Whether you're coding, designing, or managing systems, this release offers a polished, feature-rich platform without licensing constraints.
Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin) - All the applications you need
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin delivers access to essential apps via the App Centre. Install Spotify for music, Shotcut for video editing, Telegram for messaging, Nextcloud for private cloud storage or thousands of other Snap Store apps. Discovering and managing software is straightforward and secure.
Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin) - Develop with the best of open source
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin empowers developers with top-tier open-source and commercial tools. Use VScodium for lightweight editing, IDEA Ultimate or Pycharm for full-stack development, and GitKraken for elegant version control. It’s a comprehensive, adaptable environment for serious engineering on a free and flexible platform.
Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin) - Enhance your creativity
Unleash your creative potential with Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin. Design in Blender, edit audio in Audacity, craft video with Kdenlive, or build interactive experiences in Godot. This platform offers a stable, open foundation for artists, editors, and digital storytellers to innovate without constraints.
Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin) - Great for gaming
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin is a capable gaming platform although a virtual machine on macOS is unlikely a best environment for that. With Feral Gamemode enhancing performance, Steam offering a vast library, and tools like Discord and OBS Studio for communication and streaming, it provides a comprehensive, stable environment for casual and competitive players alike.
Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin) - Private and secure
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin prioritises user privacy and security. Leverage WireGuard for high-performance VPN connections, manage credentials with Bitwarden, and browse safely using Firefox or Brave. It’s a hardened environment designed for confidentiality, resilience, and digital autonomy.
Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin) - Power up your productivity
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin boosts efficiency with robust tools. Manage communications via Thunderbird, edit documents in LibreOffice which is an open source Microsoft Office compatible suite of applications for documents, presentations and spreadsheets, and collaborate using Microsoft Teams or Slack.
Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin) - Access for everyone
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin ensures inclusivity with extensive language support, the Orca Screen Reader for visually impaired users, and accessible tools like LibreOffice Writer. It’s built to empower users of all abilities to create, communicate, and collaborate without compromise.
Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin) - Help and support
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin offers comprehensive documentation and active community engagement through Ubuntu Discourse and Ask Ubuntu. For enterprise needs, 24/7 support with Ubuntu Pro ensures professional assistance, combining community and commercial resources seamlessly.
Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin) - Installation complete
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin offers comprehensive documentation and active community engagement through Ubuntu Discourse and Ask Ubuntu. For enterprise needs, 24/7 support with Ubuntu Pro ensures professional assistance, combining community and commercial resources seamlessly.
Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin) - First run
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin login screen
Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin) - Welcome to Ubuntu
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin desktop with Welcome to Ubuntu onboarding tool.
Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin) - Welcome to Ubuntu
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin desktop with Welcome to Ubuntu onboarding tool.
Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin) - Get started with more applications
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin desktop encouraging you to open App Centre.
Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin) - Software updater
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin desktop has some updates since the download image was built. Install Now.
Ubuntu 25.04 for Arm (Plucky Puffin) - System details
Ubuntu 25.04 Plucky Puffin running Wayland, under Apple virtualization. Job done!
No need for VMware Fusion on Apple silicon?
Yes and no. I have a Windows 11 Arm VM which runs well on VMware Fusion so I don't think I am about to give up on it yet, but VMware Fusion cannot run macOS virtual machines, Viable can, Viable uses the same simple approach as Liviable so I will be looking in to that next, in order to run macOS 26 Tahoe beta safely.
