12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

Subscribe

What is the Difference Between macOS and

Linux?
No macOS is not based on Linux. No, macOS is not entirely similar to Linux. Learn
the similarities and differences between macOS and Linux.
Ankush Das
13 Jul 2023 11 min read 64 Comments

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 1/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

We often compare Linux with Windows, but what about comparing it with macOS?

While the differences between Linux and Windows are quite obvious, Linux and macOS may
seem similar to many.

Both can run Unix commands in the terminal, and the user experience is vastly different from
Windows. And not all Windows applications and games are available for macOS and Linux.

This is why some people even think Apple’s macOS is based on Linux. But that is not the
case. macOS is not Linux despite the similarities.

There are plenty of differences between the two UNIX-like operating systems and I shall
highlight both the similarities and the differences in this article.

So, let’s compare Apple and Orange Penguin.

macOS vs. Linux: Origins

macOS has a fascinating history. The foundation of it was built by Steve Jobs’s NeXT
computer company when he wasn’t at Apple. Technically, it was based on the Mach Kernel
and the UNIX-derived BSD.

Back then, a NeXTSTEP operating system was created to power the devices/computers built
by NeXT. While it got some attention, it wasn’t a big success. Apple later acquired NeXT and
brought back Steve onboard as part of the deal, making NeXTSTEP OS the base for macOS.

This is why macOS has a combination of Unix components along with Apple’s proprietary
technologies.

On the contrary, Linux (the kernel) was built as a free and open-source replacement for Unix.

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 2/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

Linux is not an operating system but needs different components like desktop environments
to form an operating system. There are hundreds of Linux-based operating systems called
distributions.

For simplicity, we tend to address it as Linux OS instead of a specific Linux distribution.

Recommended Read 📖

What is Linux? Why There are 100’s of Linux OS?

Cannot figure out what is Linux and why there are so many of Linux? This analogy explains things
in a simpler manner.
It's FOSS • Abhishek Prakash

macOS kernel vs Linux kernel

The macOS kernel is officially known as XNU. The acronym stands for “XNU is Not Unix.”
According to Apple’s GitHub page:

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 3/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

"XNU is a hybrid kernel combining the Mach kernel developed at Carnegie Mellon University
with components from FreeBSD and C++ API for writing drivers”.

The BSD subsystem part of the code is “typically implemented as user-space servers in
microkernel systems”. The Mach part is responsible for low-level work, such as multitasking,
protected memory, virtual memory management, kernel debugging support, and console I/O.

While the macOS kernel combines the feature of a microkernel (Mach) and a monolithic
kernel (BSD), Linux is solely a monolithic kernel. A monolithic kernel is responsible for
managing the CPU, memory, inter-process communication, device drivers, file system, and
system server calls.

Here’s What They Have in Common

macOS utilizes Unix components, and Linux was built as an alternative to Unix. So, what do
we have in common here?

Both give access to Unix commands, Bash/Zsh, and other shells.

The default shell can be different, but you can always change it as per your preferences.

That’s about it. I can’t think of anything else similar between the two.

Probably a decade back, we could say that both Linux/macOS offered fewer applications.

But that’s not the case anymore.

The software ecosystem and game support for both have evolved over the years, which we
will discuss later in this article.

Codebase: Proprietary vs. Open-Source

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 4/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

macOS is a proprietary operating system, meaning you cannot view the complete operating
system’s source code.

Sure, you have part of the macOS (mostly GNU) libraries’ source code available. There is also
the XNU kernel code used in the development of macOS and iOS operating systems. But you
cannot just take this code and build a macOS clone to be installed on any hardware.

It’s not the end of the world without the source code, but you get less transparency on
Apple’s claims and practices to secure and enhance your computer experience.

Some might argue that proprietary code remains hidden for security reasons. However, both
proprietary and open-source software remain vulnerable to threats.

The difference between them is: open-source software often gets fixed sooner because of
community participation by several developers, compared to limited employees working on
macOS.

Unless you trust Apple without questions, Linux’s open-source model gets an edge.
https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 5/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

Purpose and Usage: macOS vs. Linux

macOS is tailored for desktop and laptop usage. It is well-suited for video editing, graphics
designing, and audio editing.

When it comes to Linux, you get a host of possibilities. You can use Linux for:
Desktop
Toaster (yes! I hope you know about IoT)
Single Board Computers
Server

Of course, it is not the same experience when using it on various platforms, but Linux can run
for various use cases.

So, if you like Linux, you can choose to continue using it on other platforms for a comfortable
experience.

macOS vs Linux: User Experience

When it comes to user experience, it comes down to personal preferences.

macOS offers a pleasing user interface. It is visually appealing with subtle animations and
high-resolution wallpapers/icons.

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 6/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

macOS Monterey

You can expect an easy and seamless experience across the platform.

With Linux, you can get an equally pleasing user interface that is easy to use.

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 7/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

Zorin OS 16 Pro (macOS interface)

Unfortunately, the user experience slightly varies because of the distribution you decide to
install and the desktop environment it comes along with.

You can explore some of the best desktop environments listed. You can even opt for macOS-
like Linux distributions.

For instance, if you are using Pop!_OS, Ubuntu, Zorin OS, or elementary OS, you could have
an excellent user experience.

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 8/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

Pop!_OS 22.04 LTS

If you end up using something like MX Linux, or different, the user experience may not be
comparable to macOS.

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 9/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

MX Linux

Overall, the out-of-the-box experience with Linux is inconsistent, but it is capable enough if
you know what you are doing.

And if you are coming from Windows, the interface could be confusing initially.

Customizability

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 10/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

If you want an operating system that lets you tinker with every aspect of it, macOS is not for
you.

While Apple’s designs could be aesthetically pleasing by default, not everyone likes them.

If you want to personalize, take control, and heavily customize the operating system’s nuts
and bolts, Linux should be the perfect pick.

You can choose to customize the user interface as much as you want, with a wide range of
different elements, and go wild with your preferences. To get started, look at our KDE
customization guide to explore the possibilities.

While that is good, it could backfire when customizing things on a Linux system. So, you need
to learn/explore what you want to customize.

Hardware Requirements to Run macOS vs Linux

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 11/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

This is where macOS suffers a solid defeat.

If you want access to macOS and have a good experience with it, you need to purchase
Apple hardware, which is costly.

For example, the base configurations for macOS-powered laptops start with 8 GB of RAM and
256 GB of storage, available for $1200 or more.

Unless you want to constantly use the swap space for multitasking and already have a cloud
storage space, it would be a terrible idea to get one for yourself.

In contrast, if you would rather not spend a lot but still want a decent configuration for your
system (PC/laptop), it is easy to get a device with 16 GB RAM + 512 GB SSD to run Linux for
around 800 USD.

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 12/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

📋 A personal note: I’m used to 32 Gigs of RAM + 500 GB of SSD storage. To get that
kind of multitasking headroom (without using the swap), I will have to pay a premium
to Apple.

Some skilled tinkerers try running macOS on non-Apple hardware. Such a system is called
Hackintosh but it is certainly nowhere close to the comfort of running Linux on a regular
computer.

Software Ecosystem
macOS offers a top-notch native experience with macOS-exclusive applications or tools
made by Apple.

Yes, you may have to purchase those applications. However, unlike some subscription
options, you get one-time purchase alternatives with macOS for professional applications.

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 13/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

Final Cut Pro on macOS

For users who want to design, edit videos, edit photos, and have a creative workflow,
macOS’s software suite should be a great choice if you do not mind investing in it.

The free Apple tools like iMovie, Keynote, etc. are good. Couple them with premium tools like
Final Cut Pro, Affinity Designer, and more and you get world-class editing experience. Not to
forget that creative tools like Adobe are also available on macOS.

Additionally, Apple has strict guidelines for applications available for its platform that enhance
the native experience with third-party apps (free or paid).

This is why many designers and editors prefer using macOS over any other operating system.

For the Linux platform, you have great FOSS alternatives to some macOS-only apps. Unless
you like or have experience with macOS-specific applications, you should not have trouble
with software available for Linux.

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 14/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

Kdenlive editor (not available for Apple Silicon yet)

The native app experience depends on the Linux distribution you use.

Planner (To-do list app for Linux)

It may not be as seamless as macOS, but if you are not a professional-grade video/graphics
editor, you should not have any issues.

Gaming on Linux and macOS

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 15/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

While Apple’s making good progress on making its new M1/M2 chips as capable as possible,
macOS currently has poor support for games.

A handful of games work, and most aren’t supported officially. To be honest, investing in a
Mac for gaming is not what it is for.

Regarding Linux, numerous AAA games and Indie titles work fine. Sure, there are some
hiccups with certain games. But, with Valve’s push towards official game support for Steam
Deck, even the latest releases like “Spider-Man: Remastered” are Steam Deck verified.

Ultimately, helping improve the game support for the Linux platform.

Additionally, considering that the PC graphics card market is almost back to normal (near or
below MSRP), you can get a sweet PC build or laptop without worrying about performance
bottlenecks.

Would you spend upwards of $1800 for a Mac with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD or get a
PC/laptop with 32 GB RAM (or more), and at least 1 TB SSD (or more)?
https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 16/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

That’s your call.

Package Manager

A package manager helps you quickly find, install, and remove software in your operating
system.

Linux has been the superior force in package management compared to anything out there.

You get options like Flatpak, Snap, Synaptic, and more out of the box.

But, Mac users do not have anything to rely on by default. Fortunately, an option like
Homebrew makes life easier for macOS users. Since it also supports Linux, you can use it
across multiple devices to make things easy.

There's also a dedicated tutorial for Homebrew, which you can check out:

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 17/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

Installing and Using Homebrew Package Manager on Linux

Homebrew, also known as Brew, is a command line package manager primarily created for
macOS. Homebrew grew quite popular among macOS users as more developers created…
It's FOSS • Abhishek Prakash

Operating System Updates

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 18/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

Apple does not share specific timelines for software updates to the operating system.

For instance, macOS Ventura (the upcoming version upgrade at the time of writing) suddenly
ditched all Mac devices before 2017.

Interestingly, the previous operating system versions had average support for about seven
years, but with newer changes, it seems to be about five now.

With Apple silicons, it may not be a straightforward answer. But, it is safe to assume at least
4-5 years of software support.

Linux gives you options. If you want a stable operating system without feature upgrades but
focused on maintenance and security, LTS editions of Linux distributions give you up to five
years of updates for free. This is primarily true for Ubuntu or Ubuntu-based distributions like
Linux Mint.

Furthermore, there’s a subscription plan for Ubuntu, where you can continue receiving
security updates for up to 10 years.
https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 19/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

Featured
And, it does not end there; you can also opt for rolling-release distributions that get constant
bleeding-edge updates with no timeline for an end. As long as your hardware is competent
ZimaCube Review: Almost Perfect Out of Box Homelab Experience in
enough, you Local
shouldCloud
be ableSetup
to update the operating system with no issues.

macOSSave
vs.The
Linux: What Should You Pick?
Tux With Linux Command Knowledge Quiz
macOS can be well worth the price tag if you need it.

It is not an easy recommendation

Running OpencoderforLLM
users
inwho just need
VS Code: to surf Copilot
A Local, the web,Alternative
send emails, and
perform some tasks that are possible on any platform.

macOS remains a niche pick.

However, Linux has improved to become a usable choice for former Windows/macOS users,
computer science students, developers, creative professionals (like us) and a wide range of
potential users.

Here are some funny jokes that compare the three operating system giants:

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 20/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

Windows Vs Mac Vs Linux: 10 Funny Jokes In Pictures

Latest
The Windows Vs Mac Vs Linux debate continues. Their fans continue to be at the each others
throat. The baseline of most debate is that Windows is clumsy and full of security issues, Linux i…
Use Zoom In and Out While Recording in OBS Studio
It's FOSS
18 •Dec
Abhishek
2024 Prakash

There are many Using Cloudflare

reasons Tunnels
to pick Linux overtomacOS,
AccessbutHomelab Services
not the other Out of(ILocal
way around think).
Just like this,Network
we have also compared Linux with Windows:
18 Dec 2024

I Don't See a Reason to Switch to Windows from Linux Anymore in

2025
16 Dec 2024

Become a Better Linux User

With the FOSS Weekly Newsletter, you learn useful Linux tips, discover applications,
explore new distros and stay updated with the latest from Linux world

Your email address

Subscribe

11 Reasons Why Linux is Better Than Windows

Are you wondering if Linux is better than Windows? Don’t wonder. Linux is better than Windows
and in this article, we’ll see the advantages of Linux over Windows.
It's FOSS • Ankush Das

What are your thoughts on macOS vs. Linux? You are welcome to share your thoughts in the
comments down below.

Comparison

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 21/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ankush Das
A passionate technophile who also happens to be a Computer Science
graduate. You will usually see cats dancing to the beautiful tunes sung by him.

What's your reaction?

9 0 2 1 1 0
superb love wow sad laugh angry

64 Comments 1 ONLINE LOGIN

We welcome and encourage civil, courteous, and community-friendly comments.

Write your comment...

Newest
JP 1 year ago
OSX (or mac OS X as you prefer) lacks the customizable approach that LinuX
allows. On the other hand it is "easier" for unexperienced users to use OSX, no
doubt on that.... Also has better support and updates, while LinuX pretty much
depends on the distro. As far as similarities goes, they re not "brothers", but for
sure are "cousins". The philosophy behind the grandfather (UniX) is there - "X"
https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 22/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

((BSD) is a discontinued operating system based on Research Unix). You have

the same "performance feeling" while working on OSX as well as Linux,
especially when compared with Windows. To conclude, if you ve money and
are lazy, you buy a mac, if you dont and you re not lazy, you buy Linux.
0 0 Reply

Sven 2 years ago

I’m a bit disappointed with the ux chapter. Linux has enough points, you don’t
need to sacrifice credibility to mask its downsides. “It works if you know what
you’re doing” is pretty much the hallmark of bad (or flawed) ux.
0 0 Reply

Ankush Das 2 years ago

I think I've clarified that you get an inconsistent experience overall, and it is
an “unfortunate” state for Linux. However, with the recommended distros,
the UX is fantastic. So, I don't see where I mask its downsides :)
0 0 Reply

Brett 2 years ago

I think a major point missing here for MacOS is the interoperability of it and
iOS. Millions of people have iPhones and the seamless interworkings of the
apps and hardware within are amazing. Messages, FaceTime, even Mail.
Everything between the two are familiar and easy. The H1 chips in the beats or
iWhatever headphones to automatically pair is truly magic to many users I
know. The "Apple closed garden" is wonderful if you are willing to live within it.
No heavy thought needed. The knock against the MacOS, is the desktop apps.
They always want to live in the GUI, never know where your content ever really
is. iPhoto is the worst offender of this. If you have ever tried to migrate off
photos out to a NAS or just want to find your photo files, it is impossible. That
again, goes back to the idea of you never want to 'tinker' or never want to live
outside the 'closed garden.' Apple is great at what they do. But you have to
want to be 'all in' to their environment to take advantage of it, and be bitten by
it.
0 0 Reply

LinuxTheBest 2 years ago

what is the difference??? macos is american sh**t and linux is the best!!! that's
all
0 0 Reply

rune in norway 2 years ago

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 23/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

a friend gave up his macBook Air from about 2011?, when it could no longer
read web pages, and I was allowed to take it over for free, and it runs just great
on mint 19xfce, with only 2gb of ram. This must be called good conservation of
useful resources
0 0 Reply

JP 1 year ago
"Could not read webpages"? xD well for sure no proper maintenance was
being done on the original OS eheh
0 0 Reply

another one 2 years ago

and? we are talking about Os not hardware...
0 0 Reply

DirkDrei 2 years ago

What about streaming online Videos with 2GB Ram? Are they working or
do they get stuck? Also complicated and lousy created Websites? Are they
running fluid? I still have my first Laptop from 2006 32bit core (Toshiba
Satelitte). Two GB Ram actually with antix Linux. Its working fine but not by
Videos or cluttered Websites. Firefox needs minutes. Seamonkey Browser
needs seconds.
0 0 Reply

Load More Comments

READ NEXT

Bluesky vs. Mastodon: Which Twitter Alternative Should You Choose?

VS Code vs VS Codium: What's the Difference?

Bitwarden vs. Proton Pass: Comparing Top Open-Source Password

Managers

The systemd Controversy: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding the Debate

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 24/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

Flatpak vs. Snap: 10 Differences You Should Know

Become a Better Linux

User
With the FOSS Weekly Newsletter, you
learn useful Linux tips, discover
applications, explore new distros and
stay updated with the latest from Linux
world
Your email address

SUBSCRIBE

Making You a Better Linux User

Your email address

Subscribe

Navigation
📰 News Linux Server Side

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 25/26
12/18/24, 7:13 AM What is the Difference Between macOS and Linux?

📬 Newsletter En Español
🧩 Quizzes & Puzzles 🗳️ Feedback
🎒 Resources Impressum
🏘️ Community
📖 About
🪪 Contact
📜 Policies

Resources
Courses 🎓
Distro Resources 📖
Guides 📒

Social
Facebook

Twitter

RSS

Instagram

Telegram

Youtube

©2024 It's FOSS. Hosted on Digital Ocean & Published with Ghost & Rinne. System

https://itsfoss.com/mac-linux-difference/ 26/26