Apple is making strides in the containerization space by introducing a new open-source container tool for macOS called container. This tool is designed specifically for developers who want to create and run Linux containers on their Macs.
The initial build of container, which leverages Swift—Apple’s programming language—is optimized for Apple silicon and its upcoming macOS update, macOS 26 Tahoe. The tool complies with standards set by the Open Container Initiative (OCI), allowing users to pull and run images from any standard container registry, including the ability to push custom-built images to these registries.
This new offering has a significant advantage over existing solutions like Docker Desktop, as it provides each container with an isolated and lightweight Linux virtual machine. This approach enhances security and privacy compared to shared-kernel containers typically used in applications like Docker.
The underlying framework supporting this tool is Apple’s new Containerization framework, which facilitates low-level management of containers and images. It also allows developers to run secondary containers alongside primary ones for tasks like logging or monitoring.
While tools like Docker and virtualisation apps have made it possible to run Linux containers on macOS, Apple’s native solution may offer better integration and performance by utilizing macOS-specific technologies. For instance, container will run on macOS 15 Sequoia, albeit with limitations such as networking issues between containers. However, the primary performance benefits are expected to emerge with the release of macOS 26 Tahoe.
The introduction of container indicates Apple’s growing recognition of the importance of Linux containers in modern software development. By providing a homegrown solution, Apple aims to support developers more effectively in their workflows, similar to Microsoft’s approach with WSL for Linux on Windows.
For additional details, refer to the official documentation and the Apple Containerization framework.
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