Can Docker Run Natively on Apple M1 Macs? What You Need to Know

Apple Insider reported that although Docker was mentioned at the initial Apple Silicon launch, getting it to run on M1 Macs still requires many steps, and the company is working hard to achieve this.

Apple knows that moving away from Intel raises concerns about virtual PCs, so it highlighted Docker at the launch. IT Home learned that Docker has confirmed it will run on Apple Silicon Macs, but several obstacles remain.

"Docker is excited to see the new Macs adopt Apple Silicon and their M1 chip," said developer Ben De St Paer‑Gotch in a blog post. "Our goal is to provide the same great experience on the new Macs as we do today for millions of Docker Desktop for Mac users, and make this transition as seamless as possible."

He added that while Apple’s Rosetta 2 translator helps move applications to the M1 chip, it does not allow Docker Desktop to run unchanged.

De St Paer‑Gotch explained that Apple’s changes mean Docker must shift its pipeline to Apple’s new management framework and that it also depends on other companies’ software, which are still adapting to Apple Silicon.

"We rely on things like Go for the Docker Desktop backend and Electron for the Docker Dashboard UI," he continued. "We know these projects are working to prepare for the M1 chip, and we are closely monitoring their progress."

Docker’s update follows similar announcements from other virtualization vendors. VMware also said it will bring its software to M1 Macs but has not set a public timeline. Parallels claimed it has made "huge progress" and is eager to try its applications on M1 Macs.