As a long-time user of Linux and MacOS, I see the advantages of each operating system. I actually use each for specific purposes and they rarely cross paths. However, for many years there have been things I’d like to see Linux borrow from MacOS.
I wrote an article covering the six features I’d like MacOS to copy from Linux – and this time I want to go in the opposite direction.
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Even though I think Linux is the best operating system for my needs, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. So, let’s dive in.
1. Video Stack
One of my biggest pet peeves with Linux is that video isn’t at all what it is on MacOS. Part of the problem that Linux has faced for a very long time is the X Window server, X.org, which never got the features, security and stability that the operating system deserved.
The migration to Wayland means the situation is changing slowly. Still, I can’t imagine Wayland will ever achieve what Apple did with MacOS. The video stack on MacOS is hands down the best on the market. Videos of all kinds play by default looking clear, crisp, and beautiful.
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Linux, on the other hand, is not always capable of playing all video formats without the user first installing third-party codecs. Additionally, even when playing the video, the content never looks as good as it does on MacOS.
2. Audio stack
The situation is similar with the audio stack. If there’s been one persistent problem for me in Linux, it’s audio. Pulse Audio was a nightmare and while Pipewire is an improvement, it still has a long way to go before audio catches up with MacOS.
Take, for example, Audacity. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to restart the audio server to get Audacity to recognize my input or output devices. I even had to restart the computer to record a simple podcast. Technology shouldn’t be this difficult – and MacOS proves that it is. Linux could use more plug-and-play technology for its audio stack.
3. The buttery sweetness of it all
MacOS is smooth, including when displaying animations, videos, window movements, and more. Open Launchpad and it’s smooth. Click on a menu and it’s smooth. I rarely find anything on MacOS that doesn’t look like this.
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Linux, on the other hand, does not benefit from such graphical fluidity. That’s a shame, because Linux offers a lot of fun perks that could greatly benefit from the look and feel of MacOS.
4. Multitouch gestures that work
One of the features on my MacBook Pro that I always miss when running Linux is multitouch gestures. Sure, some Linux distributions offer support for multitouch gestures, but getting them to work – and reliably – can be a chore.
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Why doesn’t a simple one-finger swipe left or right go back or forward on a website? I use this trick all the time on MacOS and would love to see it come to Linux. This feature is simple but it makes navigation much easier.
5. Mobile-desktop integration
MacOS/iOS integration is as good as it gets. Unfortunately, Android’s integration with any operating system isn’t exactly great. Considering how much Android has borrowed from Linux, you’d think this integration would be a no-brainer.
Sure, you can use tools like KDE Connect and GSConnect, but they don’t offer the simplicity or range of features found in Apple’s MacOS/iOS integration. I tried both tools and only had success with KDE Connect (GS Connect will install, but not work on Pop!_OS). Integration should be a priority given that the world now defaults to mobile devices over desktops. It’s not, but it should be.
6. Certain requests
Linux would greatly benefit from certain applications running on MacOS. For example, Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro and Arc Browser would make a big difference. I started using MacOS for video editing and found that the videos I can create on Apple’s operating system are much better than those I produce on Linux.
I’m not just talking about ease of use. There is no application on Linux that rivals the professional-quality results I get with Final Cut Pro. Yes, there is Davinci Resolve, but using this tool on Linux can be a nightmare. Not only do I have to convert the files into a usable format, but the rendered results are often faulty or unwatchable. Final Cut Pro, on the other hand, rarely disappoints.
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There you have it: six things Linux should “borrow” from MacOS. I’m not saying these adaptations are possible, but imagine the growth Linux would enjoy if it could adopt just some of these features.