CachyOS adds Handheld Edition and brings T2 MacBook support & BTRFS as default file system

CachyOS, an Arch-based Linux distribution, has released its 7th version for June 2024, bringing several key improvements and new features. The updated default CachyOS Edition now includes support for T2 MacBooks, although users will need to follow a guide to set up Wi-Fi and Bluetooth due to Apple's closed-source firmware. A new script, cachy-chroot, has been added to assist users with the chroot process, ensuring correct partition mounting and subvolume detection for BTRFS.

The new ISO leverages the mkinitcpio microcode hook and copytoram support, allowing the ISO to be copied into RAM for enhanced performance, provided the system has sufficient memory. This update requires the latest Ventoy release. For NVIDIA card users, CachyOS has enabled default services to ensure proper sleep functionality and included NVReg settings to prevent graphical corruption on Wayland. The ISO also includes the 555 NVIDIA driver, which supports explicit sync, improving the Wayland experience.

Additionally, BTRFS is now the default file system, though users can still opt for other file systems like XFS. The distribution has replaced the firewalld firewall with ufw for easier firewall setup and port management. The CachyOS Handheld Edition has also reached a stable release, now supporting portable devices such as the Steam Deck, Legion Go, and ROG Ally.