6 Linux Distributions That are Inspired by the Look and Feel of macOS

Brief: This article lists some macOS lookalike Linux distributions. The comparison here is based on similarity to macOS in looks and functioning.

There are several beautiful Linux distributions already present in the Linux world. But for some reason, people are fixated on the looks of Apple’s macOS.

Now, not everyone can afford or would want to buy a MacBook just to use macOS. You could go for a 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 its looks, you can do wonders. Imagine making Ubuntu look like MacOS. It’s totally possible.

But why bother just tweaking when you have specific Linux distributions that imitate or take inspiration from the looks of macOS? Yes, there are several macOS lookalike Linux distributions, and in this article, I’m going to list them for you.

Along with this list, you might want to check out one of our similar articles: Linux distributions that look like Windows.

Linux Distributions That are Inspired by the Looks of MacOS

While there can be several Linux distributions that offer you a similar UI to macOS, we stick to the ones that are actively maintained along with new offerings.

Note: The list is in no particular order of ranking.

1. elementary OS

There’s no doubt that elementary OS was initially inspired by macOS. Of course, considering their improvements, they have been trying to do better than macOS and that’s a good thing.

The elementary OS focuses heavily on improving the user experience. For that reason alone, it is undoubtedly one of the best distributions out there.

The dock panel is not the only thing that you’ll recognize from macOS. Overall, the design language or the approach of default apps blending in with the system theme also gives you a macOS feel.

Not just limited to the UX, they also have their own desktop environment (Pantheon) which is impressive. To make sure that you get a uniform experience across the board, they also have strict guidelines for developers to publish the apps in their app center.

All the goodness of Ubuntu and the work of the elementary OS team take the experience up a notch, this is a must-try!

2. Deepin Linux

After elementary OS, Deepin Linux could be the distro of your choice if you want your Linux system to look like the latest and greatest macOS version.

Deepin Linux was initially based on Ubuntu but now uses Debian as its base. They’ve created their own desktop environment along with a range of other Deepin-specific applications that blend perfectly to give you an aesthetic feel. As you can see in the video above, Deepin Linux is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Linux distributions ever.

Just because they’re based in Mainland China, you may experience slow load times for app updates and accessing the app store. Other than that, you should be totally fine using it.

In either case, you can have a look at UbuntuDDE (which is just Ubuntu with a Deepin desktop environment) if you want to avoid slow servers and have concerns over the privacy in Deepin OS.

3. Ubuntu Budgie

If you want the look and feel of macOS on top of Ubuntu, you can try Ubuntu Budgie. It features the Budgie desktop from Solus and incorporates a macOS-ish layout.

Of course, the icon pack and the overall theme does not scream macOS but having a similar dock for applications helps. Not just limited to that, it also offers some features like opening a specific app using a hot corner.

You will find a variety of useful native apps pre-installed, which try to blend in with the look and feel of Ubuntu Budgie. Try it out!

4. Zorin OS / Zorin OS Lite (Pro Edition)

Zorin OS is an attractive offering with a polished look and a unique user experience for the Linux desktop.

Zorin OS is based on Ubuntu and potentially looks even better than Deepin. It offers two different editions that include Zorin OS and Zorin OS Lite, where you also have an option to purchase a “pro” version that includes several useful tools and unlocks new desktop layouts (including macOS).

If you opt to purchase Zorin OS (or lite) Pro edition, you can take the help of the macOS desktop layout to make it look like it.

Note that the primary edition features GNOME and the lite edition brings in Xfce desktop. So, choose accordingly.

5. CutefishOS (Early Development)

At the time of updating this article, CutefishOS shows promise to compete with the likes of Deepin.

It is a Debian-based distribution inspired by macOS with their custom desktop environment. They aim to offer a simple and intuitive user experience.

Considering it is in its early stages of development (beta phase), it is too early to tell if it will be a good fit for your desktop system. If you are willing to try it, go for a virtual machine or a spare system.

If it has been released when you read this article, you could try it if you prefer.

6. Trenta OS [Under Slow Development]

There’s not enough information available about Trenta OS but we know that it is based on Ubuntu.

As far as we can tell, from its official website and GitHub page, it focuses on providing a user interface that looks appealing, and the icons closely resemble that of macOS (as shown in the screenshot above)

The focus is on looks and UI. The developers have crafted their own icon theme “Trenta Icons” that will also be available to download for other platforms (including macOS, as per their development plans).

A test build is available and is considered an alpha build. Interestingly, it is based on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS. However, they have plans to switch the base to Ubuntu 20.04 as the development progresses.

Of course, we wouldn’t recommend you to try it on your main system. So, you can grab the test build and get it to install in a virtual machine to explore it.

Your pick?

While obsessing over the macOS look is one thing, it deserves some attention considering Apple does have a good sense of design. And somehow it influences other projects. I think elementary OS could be the next big thing where they put attention to details while trying to outshine macOS, we’ll see.

What do you think of Linux distributions that look like macOS? Are they pointless or are they simply trying to provide a good user experience to end users? What’s your opinion on them?