Luis Chamberlain sent out the modules changes today for the Linux 6.6 merge window. Most notable with the modules update is a change that better builds up the defenses against NVIDIA's proprietary kernel driver from using GPL-only symbols. Or in other words, bits that only true open-source drivers should be utilizing and not proprietary kernel drivers like NVIDIA's default Linux driver in respecting the original kernel code author's intent.
Back in 2020 when the original defense was added, NVIDIA recommended avoiding the Linux 5.9 for the time being. They ended up having a supported driver several weeks later. It will be interesting to see this time how long Linux 6.6+ thwarts their kernel driver.
Apple's GPU at least isn't maliciously designed to be difficult to write open-source drivers for. It's up to the community to figure out how it works and write a driver, but Apple isn't actively trying to stop them like NVIDIA is.
The progress on Asahi Linux is a demonstration of the difference I mentioned. People have been working on open-source NVIDIA drivers for ages and still can't get the GPU out of first gear, whereas the M1 GPU driver is mostly functional after only a couple of years.
I know this isn’t going to stop people like you from continually telling me “Apple is bad,“ but I literally said in my other comment, “Apple has a lot of problems” lol
It's not that "Apple is bad" it's that you're commenting about how you're glad that companies like Nvidia can't fuck with you, while being seemingly oblivious to the fact that Apple absolutely can fuck with you because you're running a proprietary OS using proprietary drivers on proprietary hardware. Apple has more power over you than Nvidia does over Linux users, yet you're commenting here like Apple is a better choice.
Dude please read what I said. This is what I’m talking about. Apple screws with me in other ways. I am saying this is one specific angle they do not. It does not mean I think they’re squeaky clean. Actually read the words I’m writing. These aren’t long comments.
You specifically state that you're glad that your CPU and GPU aren't a vector for companies to fuck with you, but they are a vector for Apple to fuck with you. Apple just hasn't done it (yet?)
I would love to avoid being locked in by my vendors. I've spent an inordinate amount of time doing that at the software level. Mullvane, FF, I'm on fediverse now and don't use any mainstream social media, I run a bunch of open source privacy software and security programs, the works. Hardware is just a lot more difficult to break free in. For now, Apple is the least-worst of my real options. And I'm glad that at present there are no issues with the silicon chips on the same playing field as we see with Nvidia.
Ultimately this computer is my tool for a job. I'd love to go to Linux running on hardware I can trust and control, but I simply can't. I cannot do my work with it.