The June 2024 release of CachyOS introduces support for MacBooks with a T2 security chip. However, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality does not work out of the box due to proprietary firmware from Apple. CachyOS provides detailed instructions to enable these features post-installation, making it an appealing option for Mac users transitioning to an open-source platform while still using their existing hardware.
The new release includes the “cachy-chroot” script, which guides users through the chroot process and properly mounts partitions, particularly beneficial for BTRFS users. This script helps detect subvolumes, making the installation process smoother and more intuitive. Additionally, the ISO now uses the mkinitcpio microcode hook and supports copytoram, improving overall speed and performance during installation.
The latest update also ensures better support and functionality for users with NVIDIA graphics cards. Notable changes in this release include T2 MacBook support, handheld hardware detection, network driver detection, and the addition of the cachy-chroot script. Various packages have been updated, including Linux-cachyos 6.9.3 and Plasma 6.0.5.
Bug fixes include correcting multimedia controls, enabling required services and options for NVIDIA sleep on Wayland, and others. The Handheld Edition of CachyOS, now considered stable, includes several updates to improve compatibility and performance on devices like the Steam Deck, Legion Go, and Rog Ally. This edition features specialized hardware detection and configuration, ensuring a seamless experience on supported handheld gaming devices.
The handheld version has also seen several improvements, such as defaulting to the KDE Vapor Theme, making BTRFS the default file system, and enabling Steam Deck BIOS update capabilities. Ultimately, with its latest features and improvements, the June 2024 release of CachyOS offers a compelling reason to embrace an open-source future, leaving the limitations of proprietary systems behind. Whether you’re using a T2 MacBook or a handheld gaming device, CachyOS provides a versatile and powerful Linux experience.