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By Zayden R., August 10, 2026
Linux 7.3 introduces a new driver providing 1 Watt power savings for Apple M1 SoCs during suspend-to-idle. Engineers can expect improved power efficiency thanks to the 'Apple MGR misc controls' driver.
In an update that will pique the interest of those running Linux on Apple hardware, the upcoming Linux 7.3 kernel is set to deliver around 1 Watt power savings for Apple M1 Pro, Max, and Ultra SoCs during suspend-to-idle. This enhancement is courtesy of the new 'Apple MGR misc controls' driver, which fine-tunes various global power states to improve efficiency.
The driver, initially crafted by Asahi Linux project founder Hector Martin, has finally made its way into the mainline Linux kernel. It manages the Apple power management PMGR blocks, which are crucial for controlling power-related features. These include the fabric and memory controller power states that can be adjusted during s2idle/standby, directly impacting the power consumption of devices running on these SoCs.
The practical impact is clear: users of Apple M1 hardware running Linux can expect slightly better battery life when their devices are in a suspended state. While a 1 Watt saving might seem modest, in the world of power efficiency, every little bit counts, especially for users who prioritize battery longevity.
This update comes as part of a broader effort to improve Apple Silicon support within Linux, with the kernel also slated to receive initial support for the Apple M3 Pro, Max, and Ultra SoCs. The new driver and associated Device Tree bindings were submitted last Friday, and barring any last-minute issues, they will be included in Linux 7.3 when its merge window opens next week, assuming the Linux v7.2 release proceeds as scheduled this Sunday.
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