# Linux 7.4 adds initial Apple M4, A18 Pro, Google Tensor G5, and Steam Frame VR headset support

> **Key takeaway:** Linux 7.4 brings first mainline kernel support for Apple's M4 and A18 Pro SoCs, Google's Tensor G5, and Valve's Steam Frame VR headset, though Apple silicon support remains limited to basic boot and console output.

**Published:** 2026-10-27T00:52:15+00:00 
**Source:** Phoronix Benchmarks & Drivers 
**Category:** kernel-os 
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/linux-74-adds-initial-apple-m4-a18-pro-google-tensor-g5-and-.html 

## Summary
The Linux 7.4 kernel merge window has landed extensive SoC enablement patches covering dozens of new boards and several prominent new processors. Most notably, Apple M4 and A18 Pro chips receive initial mainline support following the pattern of earlier M3 bring-up, with Device Trees covering the 2024 MacBook Pro 14-inch, 2024 iMac variants, 2025 MacBook Air models, and 2024 Mac Mini. Google's Tensor G5 'Laguna' for Pixel 10 smartphones is also mainlined after debuting in consumer hardware. Qualcomm contributes two unreleased Oryon-core SoCs codenamed Hawi and Nord alongside 22 boards, including seven Dragonwing-based handheld gaming devices.

Valve's Steam Frame VR headset gains mainline support in this cycle as well. The lone RISC-V addition is the Milk-V Meles SBC with T-Head's TH1520 SoC. A planned large-scale removal of 32-bit ARM code was deferred to Linux 7.5 or later due to uncertainty over whether 7.3 or 7.4 will become this year's LTS kernel release.

## SoC and board enablement in Linux 7.4
- **Apple M4/A18 Pro:** Initial Device Tree support covers six specific 2024-2025 Mac models; functionality is limited to kernel boot and console display, with most features unsupported in mainline, mirroring the M3 bring-up trajectory.
- **Google Tensor G5:** The 'Laguna' SoC used in Pixel 10 devices is now mainlined, closing the gap between consumer availability and upstream kernel support.
- **Qualcomm Hawi and Nord:** Two unannounced Oryon-core SoCs receive early upstream support alongside 22 boards, including seven handheld gaming devices built on the Dragonwing platform.
- **Steam Frame VR:** Valve's VR headset gains mainline kernel support, expanding Linux's reach into dedicated virtual reality hardware.
- **32-bit ARM deprecation deferred:** Planned removal of substantial 32-bit ARM code was postponed pending LTS kernel version selection between 7.3 and 7.4.

## Why it matters
Early mainline support for Apple M4 and A18 Pro, even in limited form, sustains momentum for Asahi Linux and related efforts to free Apple silicon from macOS dependency, while Tensor G5 mainlining improves the maintainability of Pixel device support. The Steam Frame VR addition signals Valve's continued investment in Linux-native hardware beyond the Steam Deck, and Qualcomm's 22-board enablement—including handheld gaming devices—strengthens Linux's position in emerging portable gaming form factors.