How Linux Revived 2012 Macbook Pro Retina

In this blog post, I discuss how Linux revived 2012 Macbook Pro Retina. This was a laptop that served as my workhorse for some years. My computer was the Late 2012, 13.3 inch model with 8 GB RAM. MacOs had stopped supporting this computer in terms of OS upgrades, and it was time to look for an alternative operating system. I consider Linux as a a viable alternative, alongwith the advantages of using Linux to extend the lifespan of aging computers. The post explores recommended Linux distributions for the late MacBook Pro 2012 Retina, along with their pros and cons.

Introduction

Since its launch in 2012, the MacBook Pro Retina model has been a popular choice for professionals and avid Apple users alike. However, after several years, even the most high-quality hardware can begin to show its age. Once Apple officially stopped supporting the late 2012 Macbook Pro Retina model from further Operating System updated, many MacBook Pro users including may find themselves feeling left behind. The hardware mostly works fine on my laptop, can Linux help give a new lease of life to this computer?

I had a late 2012 model equipped with an M.2 SATA SSD. Let’s delve into the details of what motivated me to upgrade it and install Linux. I share personal experiences and experiments with different distributions, emphasizing the ability of Linux to rejuvenate the MacBook Pro and enhance its performance. Hardware compatibility, such as Wi-Fi adapters and battery management, is discussed, as well as the environmental considerations of repurposing devices.

The post concludes with remarks on the benefits of Linux, the possibility of dual-booting with MacOS, sustainability, and a call to action for readers to consider installing Linux on their own MacBook Pro 2012 Retina. In a subsequent post, I will provide step-by-step instructions so that you can also install Linux and give your ageing MacBook a significant upgrade, not just in terms of the operating system but also the hardware. But before we get into that, let’s explore why I chose Linux over Windows and the concept of using Linux to breathe new life into old devices.

This post is divided into four parts for better readability.

Part I : Background- Choosing Linux over Windows

How Linux Revived 2012 MacBook Pro Retina

When considering an alternative to MacOS, Linux stands out as a powerful option. In this section, we briefly mention Windows as another possible (but not practical) alternative, and look into the advantages of choosing Linux for the MacBook Pro 2012 Retina.

You may wonder why I opted for Linux instead of Windows, which could have easily been installed on this machine using own logic. All tests and experiments were conducted in 2020 and 2021, and all mention of Windows relates to Windows 10. Numerous Linux distributions are available as choices for installation on Macbook Pro, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In the following segment, I will compare several different distributions. Let us first discuss the overarching idea of using Linux to extend the lifespan of aging computers.

Deepin was one of the many Linux Distributions I tested on the Macbooks.

How Linux can give new lease of life to older computers

Installing Linux can possibly add several years of usable life to an aging computer. The MacBook Pro 2012 Retina was a highly popular MacBook model. Mine, however was a late model equipped with the M.2 SATA SSD, which was slightly less common than its previous version. The Mid 2012 Macbook Pro Retina, in contrast, has the 2.5 inch SATA Drive. Many videos showcase people upgrading the RAM to 16 GB or adding two SATA disks by removing the Super Drive or DVD drive. However, by 2021 the laptop was nearly a decade old. It featured an Intel 3rd generation i5 processor (2.5GHz dual-core) that was showing signs of age. The most significant challenge was that Apple had ceased providing operating system updates. As a result, I couldn’t upgrade to Big Sur or any subsequent MacOS versions beyond Catalina.

Advantages of Installing Linux

In this section, I will discuss the most recommended Linux distributions for installing on a MacBook Pro 2012 Retina. I will briefly explore the pros and cons of each, along with links to download the ISOs or image files. Additionally, I want to touch upon some lesser-known Linux distributions that have performed well on the MacBook Pro 2012 Retina. I wanted to include a mention of alternative operating systems to Linux, such as ReactOS. But I haven’t personally experimented with it, even though I find it intriguing.

Now, let’s dive into the most recommended distributions for Linux on the MacBook Pro Retina.

Linux installation offers several advantages, particularly for MacBook Pro users. As an open-source operating system, Linux provides stability and regular security patches. It allows users to personalize their experience and potentially enhance their laptop’s speed, even with dated hardware. I conducted tests to validate this theory, which we’ll discuss in the next segment.By installing Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian-based options, or Arch and its derivatives, it was possible to revive an old MacBook and give it a fresh lease on life.

MacBook Pros are exceptionally durable and well-designed machines, capable of lasting for several years, as mine had. By changing the operating system, I hoped to extend its lifespan by two, three, or possibly even five more years.

This would bring numerous benefits, including the ability to continue using my favorite laptop, and avoiding the need to spend a significant amount of money in buying a new laptop. Furthermore, it wouldn’t hinder productivity significantly. Lastly, there’s a positive environmental aspect to consider, as repurposing devices aligns with sustainable practices.

 

Part II: Linux distributions tested for MacBook Pro 2012 Retina

Find below a brief description of some distributions, and why it’s a good option for MacBook Pro 2012 Retina.Topics covered in brief:

• Installing Linux on MacBook Pro
• Choosing a Linux distribution
• Booting from the USB drive
• Partitioning the hard drive
• Installing Linux operating system
• Configuring the bootloader and software applications

What is not covered in this post:

• Preparing Your MacBook Pro for Linux
• Backing up important data
• Checking system requirements
• Creating a bootable USB drive
• Other options to consider once your Apple device has reached end of Life. You can check the list here.

Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, Fedora, and Manjaro are some of the major Linux distributions suitable for the MacBook Pro 2012 Retina. We compare and contrast these distributions, discussing their pros and cons. Additionally, we touch upon smaller distributions like elementary OS and SolusOs, highlighting their unique features.

I tried Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, a long-term support version, but my personal preference was Ubuntu Mate. I found it to be an excellent flavor of Ubuntu. When I also briefly tested Fedora, the version was somewhere around version 35 or 36. It worked well, but I faced issues with the update mirror from India, which significantly slowed down the update process. As a result, I switched to Linux Mint, which is an extremely beginner-friendly distribution based on Ubuntu. I opted for the Debian edition (LMD), which introduced some hardware compatibility issues that I’ll discuss in the next section. However, once everything was set up, the system ran beautifully, especially with the Mate edition.

Less commonly used Linux distributions for Macbook Pro Retina

I also experimented with several less popular distributions, including Manjaro (XFCE and KDE editions), elementary OS, Pop OS, and Solus OS. When I mention “lesser-known,” I’m referring to the relatively smaller number of publications, YouTube videos, blogs, tweets, or tutorials discussing these distributions’ performance when installed on a MacBook Pro 2012 Retina. However, across the board, I noticed a common set of patterns. Despite the laptop and hardware showing signs of aging, including cosmetic blemishes and heating issues with the CPU, the MacBook truly gained a new lease on life.

I was able to manage and monitor CPU temperature, battery life, and power management settings effectively. One consistent issue I encountered was with the Wi-Fi adapter, a Broadcom adapter. I often had to tether my iPhone to install the driver. Additional hardware challenges included the battery life, which required separate battery management software, and occasional high CPU temperatures, even at idle. To upgrade the MacBook Pro 2012 Retina, I purchased a small adapter and installed a 440GB Kingston M.2 SATA drive, significantly increasing storage capacity without major impact on speed. Another option would be to replace the battery, which I haven’t done yet.

 

In terms of hardware maintenance, I opened the laptop casing and replaced the thermal paste for the CPU. I also replaced the rubber shoes at the base and upgraded the speaker, as the left speaker had stopped functioning and the audio quality from the right speaker was poor. These upgrades cost me around 3,000 rupees, and if you include the disk, it would total around 5,000 rupees. Prices for M.2 SATA drives may have changed since then, but it remains an affordable upgrade for a 10-year-old laptop.

Cleaning the interior of the 2012 Macbook Pro before replacing the Sata SSD drive.

Part III : Hardware Compatibility

Common hardware issues that MacBook Pro 2012 Retina users may face when running Linux, such as wifi adapter compatibility issues, battery life, and CPU overheating. Covered briefly in the below section are the following:

• Troubleshooting Common Issues
• WiFi connectivity issues
• Graphics driver issues
• Sound not working
• Bootloader issues

For specific compatibility considerations, let’s delve deeper into some hardware issues.

Wi-Fi adapter I found that almost every Linux distribution I tested, except for Manjaro or Arch-based distributions, did not detect the Broadcom Wi-Fi adapter that comes with the stock MacBook Pro 2012 Retina. I had to install the driver for it in almost every installation, except for the Arch-based installs. This was particularly true for Debian and debian based distributions such as MX Linux.

Battery management I noticed higher battery consumption in Linux compared to the MacBook Pro, approximately 10 to 15 percent higher. I had to customize power management options such as disk sleep and automatic hibernation when closing the lid.

CPU heating was still a concern, even after replacing the thermal paste. Open-source graphics drivers were available, and Solus OS and Manjaro KDE provided excellent display experiences. Linux Mint and Ubuntu Mate also performed well, although I had to tweak some resolution and display settings for other distributions.

Drawbacks of Running Linux on MacBook Pro

• Potential hardware compatibility issues
• Steep learning curve
• Lack of official support from Apple

The interface varied depending on the distribution and graphical environment, such as GNOME, KDE, Mate, or Budgie in the case of Solus. Switching between different desktop environments, like Linux Mint’s Cinnamon or Xfce, may require some learning curve for newcomers. However, once the initial hurdles are overcome, everything works as expected.

Regarding office suites, Manjaro offered LibreOffice, while during that period, I found OnlyOffice instead of LibreOffice. I will provide links to tutorials and installation guides for software and Wi-Fi adapter configuration.

Do the Advantages Stand the Real World Test?

We put the advantages of Linux to the test and evaluate their real-world impact. While a smoother and faster experience is often achieved with Linux, we also consider factors like CPU temperature and battery efficiency, acknowledging that trade-offs exist.

Dual Booting with Mac OS

While not covered extensively in this blog post, we mention the possibility of dual booting Linux with Mac OS. Further exploration of this option is left to users interested in pursuing it.Dual-booting was an option, but I chose to completely replace macOS with Linux on the MacBook Pro. I preferred using Linux exclusively on this machine and had already set up dual-boot on my Lenovo ThinkPad.

Sustainability and Environmental Considerations

We discuss the environmental impact associated with hardware upgrades, battery replacement, and packaging disposal.By weighing the tradeoffs, users can make informed decisions about extending the lifespan of their MacBook Pro while considering sustainability.

Sustainability was a significant factor. Linux helped me revive the old MacBook Pro, although there were some wastages in terms of packaging and the unused original disk. I will need to replace the battery eventually, and there were some financial, environmental, and time costs associated with this experiment. However, I gained a stable operating system with frequent updates, productivity tools, and the ability to use software like Audacity or Ocenaudio for audio editing.

 

Part IV

Concluding Remarks: How Linux Revived 2012 Macbook Pro Retina

In this post, I’ve discussed how I was able to breathe new life into a MacBook Pro 2012 Retina using Linux. By switching to Linux, I was able to enjoy flexibility, customization, frequent updates, security patches, and a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly way of reusing or repurposing a device that the manufacturer, Apple in this case, has let go of.

While conducting this experiment, I also had a 2015 MacBook Pro Retina, which I upgraded with an NVMe drive. The steps were similar for both models, and Linux worked well on both.

If it isn’t obvious enough, now is a good time to reiterate that I highly encourage you to consider installing Linux MacBook Pro 2012 Retina. It involves a few steps, such as opening up the back panel, cleaning the device, and replacing the thermal paste. Improving sustainability can be achieved by disconnecting the AC adapter once the battery reaches sufficient charge. I will provide links to resources and forums where you can find step-by-step instructions and installation guides for both hardware upgrades and Linux installation.

I discussed the hardware considerations, the issues I encountered with Linux, and the advantages I gained : literally, Linux Revived my 2012 Macbook Pro Retina. Upgrading the hardware beyond the hard disk and battery is limited in MacBook Pro models, especially newer ones. However, for older models like the 2012 Retina, upgrading the hard disk to an M.2 SATA and replacing the battery can significantly improve performance. It’s important to consider your use case and intended usage before deciding to install Linux. If you primarily use your laptop for basic tasks like document editing, web surfing, email, and audio editing, Linux on MacBook Pro can be a viable option.

In conclusion, by following these steps and installing Linux, you can breathe new life into your MacBook Pro 2012 Retina and enjoy a stable and secure operating system with all the productivity tools you need. With that, we conclude this four-part discussion.

Extra: Disk Setup for SolusOS on Macbook Pro, Late 2012 edition

Personally, out of the different Linux distributions I tested on the Macbook Pro, I really loved SolusOs. Too bad the project experienced some headwinds that made be go back to Debian (er.. Siduction), which is based on Debian Unstable.

Below is output from October 2021, when I had installed a 480 GB Kingston Disk on the MacBook Pro.

Key Takeaways from this blog post

• Older MacBook Pros, particularly models up to 2016, still have a lot of life left in them and can be upgraded by replacing the battery, disk, or speakers.
• Newer Macs (2017 and later) are often not upgradable, but older models can be upgraded to a considerable extent, especially with regard to disk space.
• Understanding the end user’s needs is important. For instance, a 2015 MacBook Pro might suffice for basic programming but wouldn’t be suitable for video editing.
• Linux can breathe fresh life into older MacBooks, providing a new user interface, lower system requirements, better customization, and improved security.
• It’s possible to use old MacBooks efficiently by replacing the battery and, if possible, upgrading to a 1 or 2 TB disk. If this is not feasible, purchasing a new MacBook Pro M1 model is suggested.
• In general, it’s advised to make maximum use of older devices for both environmental and economic reasons.

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Links and Resources

1. Kingston 440 GB M.2 SATA SSD – Product Page
2. How to replace battery for MacBook Pro Retina –
3. Arctic Silver CPU Thermal Paste – Product Page
4. SSD Adapter for mac – amazon.in

These links will provide you with more information about the mentioned MacBook Pro model, MacOS FAQs, Wi-Fi adapter, SSD, battery replacement guide, thermal paste, and the various Linux distributions and hardware vendors mentioned in the blog post.

Other Posts about Linux and MacBook Pro Retina

a. ZorinOS versus Ubuntu Mate on MacBook Pro Late 2012 Retina

b. Upgrading Disk and Installing Debian12 on MacBook Pro 2012 Retina

c. Linux on MacBook Pro 2012- Browser and CPU issues

d. Installing Linux on Macbook Pro 2015

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Summary

This comprehensive guide explores the possibilities of running Linux on MacBook Pro, providing readers with a detailed and well-rounded perspective on the topic. From the benefits and drawbacks of using Linux on a MacBook Pro to step-by-step instructions on how to install and configure Linux, this article offers practical guidance and insights for a broad range of readers. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a developer, or a casual user, this guide has something for everyone.

Installing Linux, replacing the battery, and upgrading the hard disk can extend the life of your aging MacBook Pro by two to three years. While there are environmental and financial costs associated with these steps, they offer a sustainable solution to continue using your device. At the very least, I recommend considering battery replacement and disk upgrade to enhance the performance of your MacBook Pro. While writing this post on how Linux revived my 2012 MacBook Pro Retina, I referred largely to my notes. One limitation was that my “upgrade” was only a 480 GB M.2 SATA drive, which was the spare drive I had available at that time. I was curious to know the following:

• What is the maximum size of an M.2 SATA SSD that can be installed in a 2012 MacBook Pro Retina?
• Is it really worth upgrading to a larger 1 TB drive?

According to some blogs and search results, the maximum size of a SATA SSD stick that can be installed in the Late 2012 MacBook Pro Retina models is 768 GB. This was the largest capacity available for the original SSD configuration provided by Apple. However, many other how-tos and YouTube videos have mentioned that they have been able to upgrade to 1 terabyte of M.2 SATA SSD.

Until a couple of years ago, prices of M.2 SATA SSDs were lower than NVMe drives by about 20 to 25 percent. This is true for where I live. However, referring to prices on Amazon.in, we can see that some NVMe drives are actually cheaper than M.2 SATA SSDs. This is due to a drastic fall in NVMe drive prices, as well as demand and supply, since drives are imported by resellers here.

In my opinion, a drive that is bigger than 480 or 500 GB is an overkill for the 2012 MacBook Pro. However, if you do want to go higher, I believe you can find cheaper drives on eBay, OLX, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or elsewhere. I have a separate blog post on disk prices, which I will publish shortly.

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Summary in Marathi

लिनक्स वापरून MacBook Pro 2012 रिटायना नवीन जीवन देणे व संगणकाचा वापर वाढवणे म्हणजे लिनक्सचा वापर करून, आपल्या MacBook Pro ची आयु वाढवू शकता.  हे माझ्या MacBook Pro 2012 रिटायना सापडलेले फायदे आहे. ऑपरेटिंग सिस्टीमचे आधुनिकीकरण, सुरक्षा अद्यतने, आपल्या प्रकारानुसारी कस्टमाईझेशन आणि लॅपटॉपची गती वाढवणे संभव होणारे वापर म्हणजे लिनक्सचे उपयोग करून आपल्या पुरातन MacBook Pro चा नवा जीवन.

Summary in Hindi

लिनक्स का उपयोग करके MacBook Pro 2012 रिटायर पर नया जीवन देना और पुराने कंप्यूटर का उपयोग बढ़ाना मतलब लिनक्स का उपयोग करके, आपके MacBook Pro की उम्र  वर्षों तक बढ़ा सकती है। यह मेरे MacBook Pro 2012  के लिए मिले फायदे हैं।  ऑपरेटिंग सिस्टम के अद्यतन, सुरक्षा अपडेट, अपने प्रकार के अनुसार कस्टमाइज़ेशन और लैपटॉप की गति बढ़ाने की तेज उपयोग करके पुराने MacBook Pro का नया जीवन है।

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This post is a part of a series “how I upgraded older computers to improve their performance and increase their longevity”. You can check out my other posts in this series by visiting this link.

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_{This post was updated on 3 step 2023}