In addition to Linux 7.3 slated to receive initial Apple M3 Pro / Max / Ultra SoC support, this next version of the Linux kernel is also set to bring some minor power savings for the Apple M1 series that remains the best supported Apple Silicon on Linux.

With the Linux 7.3 kernel there should be around 1 Watt power savings for M1 Pro / Max / Ultra SoCs during suspend-to-idle (s2idle) with this new kernel.

The power savings are coming via the new "Apple MGR misc controls" driver that tweaks various global power states and provides for the slightly better power efficiency now during s2idle. The apple-pmgr-misc driver was originally written by Asahi Linux project founder Hector Martin albeit only now making its way to the mainline Linux kernel.

The Apple power management PMGR blocks control various power-related features including fabric and memory controller power states that can be adjusted during s2idle/standby. This new driver and the Device Tree bindings were submitted on Friday via this pull. Barring any last minute issues the driver will then premiere with Linux 7.3 with its merge window kicking off next week if all goes on-schedule for the Linux v7.2 kernel release next Sunday.