Brief: This article lists out MacOS look alike Linux distributions. The comparison here is done on the similarity in looks and functioning to MacOS.
There are several beautiful Linux distributions already present in Linux world. But for some reasons, people are fixated over the looks of Apple’s MacOS.
Now, not everyone can afford to or would want to buy a MacBook just for using the MacOS. You could go for Hackintosh but that would mean ditching Linux, something a Linux lover like me wouldn’t do.
The good thing about Linux is that it has endless possibilities. When it comes to tweaking looks, you can do wonders. Imagine making Ubuntu look like MacOS. It’s totally possible.
But why bothering tweaking when you have Linux distributions that imitate or get inspired by MacOS’ looks. Yes, there are several MacOS look alike Linux distributions and I am going to list them for you.
This is the last one in our series of look specific Linux distributions. Others are:
Linux distributions that are inspired by MacOS
Before I show you the MacOS inspired Linux distributions, I would like to mention Pear OS.
If you are a well aware Linux follower for last 4 years, you might have heard of Pear OS. This was simply MacOS of Linux world. It has a logo of a bitten pear. It has its own Pear Cloud, Contacts, Music app, color profile, search etc, everything on the line of Apple’s MacOS.
But 3 years back, Pear OS suddenly announced its demise. Apparently, it was bought by an anonymous big enterprise.
Pear OS aside, we still have a few MacOS look alike Linux distribution or inspired by MacOS. Let’s see them.
Note: This list is not a ranking, it’s not in any particular order.
1. elementary OS
No matter how much elementary OS team denies, there are footprints of MacOS everywhere. It is clearly inspired by MacOS.
The bottom plank is not the only thing that you can relate to MacOS. Look at the Geary, Photos, Scratch and other apps. They have a Mac feel despite being so elementary-ish.
In fact, getting inspired by MacOS is kind of boon for elementary OS. Do keep in mind that they are not just putting a MacOS looking theme on the top of Ubuntu. They are doing some serious work to give the entire OS an elementary feel.
Apart from the Pantheon desktop environment that is developed from scratch, this effort is quite visible in the applications they have forked. It’s an ecosystem where everything is created aesthetically.
elementary OS is quite protective about their ecosystem and hence they have strict guidelines for the app developers to design their apps that would mix well in elementary OS environment.
Another plus point about elementary OS is that it’s a widely used distribution. This means that you won’t end up with a Linux spin which is rather unknown and you keep wondering where to get support and help.
If you want a Linux that has a Mac feel but provides a great community support, elementary OS should be the first choice.
2. Macpup
While elementary OS is widely popular in Linux world, not many people have heard of Macpup Linux. You might guess from its name that it is a MacOS spin based on Puppy Linux.
Puppy Linux is one of the best lightweight Linux distributions for older computers. This would make Macpup a good option for you if you got 15-20 years old computer.
There is one problem with it, though. Its latest release is based on Precise Puppy 5.5.0 which is based on Ubuntu 12.04. In a few months, the support for this version would end.
Moreover, I am not sure if Macpup is being actively developed as well. Their forum is an abandoned place, their website doesn’t seem to have been updated in over a year.
I wouldn’t recommend you to use it for this particular reason. Additionally, I didn’t even find it that close to MacOS looks. Maybe back in 2012 it might have looked like MacOS but not anymore.
3. Trenta OS
There is not enough information available about Trenta OS at this time. It is under development and hasn’t even reached the beta stage.
From what I could surmise from their website, blog and social media accounts is that it’s based on Ubuntu and is using GNOME desktop environment.
Focus has been kept on the looks and UI. Rainier icon theme that imitates MacOS icons is the main USP here.
Terminal and some other regular applications are also tweaked to make it look like MacOS.
I don’t have information on when will the final version be released, but you can follow them on their Twitter account to stay updated with the developments. You can also watch it on GitHub.
Of course, It’s FOSS will cover the news when the final version comes out :)
4. Apricity OS
Apricity OS is one of my favorite Arch based Linux distributions. You can even call it a cloud centric Linux distribution. Though it’s first stable version was released only a few months ago, it has already gathered a good userbase.
Apricity OS may not be exactly like MacOS but it does have a slight feel to it. It’s GNOME based clean user interface and beautiful icon themes make it a stunning looking Linux distribution.
MacOS look alike or not if one day you want to switch to ‘Arch domain’, do consider Apricity OS among your options.
5. Gmac Linux
Gmac is short for GNOME + Mac. Unlike the above mentioned MacOS look alike Linux distributions, Gmac is not a full-fledged distribution. It is simply GNOME desktop with Mac theme.
Which means that you get Ubuntu Linux with a heavily customized GNOME desktop environment that looks a lot like MacOS. This also means that you won’t have to do all the customization all by yourself to make Ubuntu look like MacOS. Gmac already does it for you. Plus you get to keep your Ubuntu distribution.
The one weird thing about Gmac Linux is that weird logo that is a mix of GNOME and Apple logo.
Your pick?
While obsessing over MacOS look is one thing, you’ll have to accept that Apple does have a good sense of design. And somehow it does influence others. To be honest, I feel that Ubuntu’s Unity desktop environment takes a lot of inspiration from MacOS.
What do you think of Linux distributions that look like MacOS? Is it ridiculous or is it simply trying to provide a good UI to end users? What’s your opinion about it?
Great article. I tried GMAC and I like it better than Elementary with better applications. Although Gnome burries a lot of system settings away. I have found my favorite distro based on XFCE is ChalletOS 16.04. It has a Theme Styler built in. I just add a MacBuntu theme from NoobsLabs and I get the look I want with Ubuntu core. I have been dual booting Linux and Windows for the past 10 years. Jim from PA.
Are the most beautiful wallpaper of the world!
As much as I support Linux there is really no substitute for the real thing. Put it simply if you want a lookalike macOS Desktop its best to use macOS and have done with it.
You miss the deepin distribution
That's what I was going to say! Yes, Deepin is great, and it looks more like a mac than any of these distros.
Hi Abhishek,
Although I did learn something new by reading your article, I am not sure why would you list a not really taken care of distro and also a distro yet to be, when there are many to choose from, not mentioned here?
In any case, thanks.
Neb
Hello Neb,
This is just informational article for people who actually ask: can I get Linux that work/look like MacOS?
About why I included an almost dead and a yet to be born Linux distro, well, it's totally possible that Macpup could be revived by a new developer and Trenta could go stable in a few months. So I listed them so that a reader might be aware of them. And in my opinion, it's good to know various kind of Linux distros out there, dead or alive :)
How about Zorin? I used the "Windows 7 " lookalike desktop, but never used a mac so I wouldn't know if the "Mac lookalike" was close enough.
Zorin OS is more Windows 7 lookalike.
I think it's a good idea overall, but nothing to get riled over. My wife is on a mac and I've been thinking of switching over her aging Apple. Apricity looks good.
Now I wish we had distributions that team OSx apps. Garageband would be nice to have, unless there is something similar in Linux I'm unseat of?
LMMS is a great DAW, they say (haven't tried). LinuxMultiMusicStudio or something. For recording & editing audio, I use Audacity and sometimes OcenAudio. For video editing, several good choices: OpenShot, PiTiVi, KDenLive, AviDemux and others. I edit music scores and edit MIDI with MuseScore.
Try your distro's software repository, or the usual places, like Gismo's Freeware. Always use the repository to download, it's safer.
Deepin or Manjaro w/ the Deepin desktop environment are pretty great options too I think. But I think for someone new to linux switching from Windows or Mac Ubuntu Gnome with a mac theme would probably be their best bet.
Manjaro no, but Deepin yes. In fact, I should have included Deepin. Their latest version has similarities to MacOS.
There are a few problems with Deepin. The biggest problem is that Deepin is based on a frozen Debian unstable. Which means that most apps are outdated and new versions (like GNS3 or Oracle VM VirtualBox) are usually not compatible with other parts of the system.
Actually There is a Manjaro Deepin spin. That's what he ment.
Nice article, I didn't know this distros! :-) Personally I like Mac aesthetics so in my Linux Mint Mate I simply use Cairo Dock and specific window border and controls so it looks nice like Mac or better, called Cillop and Evil Mac. They are not available anymore since Gnome died but I keep them and everybody is welcome to look and download and install!
Availabe here: http://www.thaiyoga.biz/treasures.html
:-)
Thanks for the link Alexander :)
There is nothing like Geary in elementary OS apps. Read B"usting the myth ..." on their blog.
elementary forked Geary into its own Pantheon email.
All I want is a menu bar that actually works. Until then we can come up with fancy themes and icons all day, but the functionality just isn't there.
Will get there :)
They all looks very nice, and I must insist that you don't pick a distro based on looks or likeness alone! There is more to be put into consideration.
Great post as usual, keep em coming!
While one should not only go for looks, but it is a factor while choosing a distro.
Another MAC type Linux lookalike is Deepin Linux a chinese distro I have used for a number of years . Expect the 2016 version soon .
Very smooth distro based upon Ubuntu.
Surprised you didn't mention Elive 2.7.8 Beta. It has more of a Mac look than any you mentioned except maybe PearOS, and it is under active development. I installed it on my grandson's ASUS 1015PN netbook with a built-in nVidia ion2 graphics processor. And yes, I "donated" to get an installer, which I was happy to do, because it is one of the few Linux distros that actually work well out of the box. A few others that do are MX, Sparky, Korora, LXLE, and Salix.
I did consider Elive. But I think it looks more inspired from Windows Vista then MacOS.
want a mac get a mac.
I would have agreed five years ago, but Apple’s been making a lot of hardware decisions I don’t like. I want a computer that’s upgradable, repairable, and has enough storage. In terms of storage, I’d really like to have a half terabyte Solid State Drive and a 2 terabyte hard drive. Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t make any Macs like that anymore. Hopefully, Apple will start making upgradable and repairable Macs before my current one breaks down. If not, I think I’ll be switching to Linux.
Consider it a Mac cosplay?
Agreed, great comeback. Apple is better at design (and marketing) than engineering, so it makes sense to steal some of MacOS' aesthetics for a Linux build. Steve would've understood.
Awesome comeback ;)
MacOS looks like MacOS and nothing else look like MacOS. Those five above looks like pingus only, c'mon dude!