Booting Ubuntu (or any other Linux) from MacBook Pro 2020

As a new user in the world of Apple computers and laptops, I am trying to understand better why it is a pain in the ass to boot a flavor of Linux using an Apple MacBook. I know from what I have seen that it is possible in older models, so I gave it a shot myself.

My setup is a MacBook Pro 13 inch 2020 and Ubuntu is installed on an external SSD.

So what I tried was disabling secure boot and allowing to boot from an external device. I was able to boot into Ubuntu, but soon had to deal with the keyboard and mouse not working. Luckily my external keyboard did work. I have tinkered around a bit more and couldn't find the problem of why the internal keyboard and mouse pad were not working. Is it a problem of not having drivers or packages or is the problem different.

My question is twofold:

If it's possible, what drivers or packages am I missing? If it is not possible, why exactly?


Solution 1:

There is a Ubuntu Live USB distribution called LivelyLinux that boots from Mac. It costs $29.99 and is available in two editions: Ubuntu 20.10 and Ubuntu 20.04.1.

It works on Macbook Pro 2016 with WiFi, touchpad, etc. Probably should work on later models as well.