Virtualization.framework
vmhypervisorApple's high-level VM API on top of .framework, the modern way to run Linux VMs on Apple Silicon.
documentedApple Virtualization framework docs ↗
Virtualization.framework (VZ) is Apple's high-level virtualization API layered on .framework. It provides ready-made devices, Linux and macOS guest support, and Rosetta integration for running x86-64 binaries inside Linux VMs. It is the engine under Apple's container tool, UTM, Tart, Lima, OrbStack, and the Linux VM that macOS container tooling boots. Each VM has its own kernel behind a hardware boundary.
Strengths
- High-level, first-party VM API with ready virtio devices
- Rosetta lets Linux VMs run x86-64 binaries near-native
- Foundation for Apple container, UTM, Tart, Lima, OrbStack
Limitations
- macOS / Apple Silicon only
- Good networking for microVM use cases needs macOS 26 (Tahoe)
- Hypervisor 0-days and side channels remain the residual risk