Linux 7.4 Block Updates Range From Floppy Disk Driver Fixes To Apple M4 NVMe Support

The Linux 7.4 block and IO_uring updates have been merged, bringing fixes for legacy floppy drivers and support for Apple M4 NVMe storage devices. The pull request demonstrates the kernel's commitment to supporting both decades-old hardware and cutting-edge technology.

Legacy hardware fixes

Denis Efremov of Oracle fixed a potential stack out-of-bounds issue in the floppy driver and resolved a regression from 2017 code refactoring. Cen Zhang identified data races using unspecified tools, likely AI-based. Finn Thain addressed issues with the SWIM driver for old Apple Macintosh floppy controllers after finding it 'too buggy to be useful'.

In total, 33 fixes were implemented and successfully tested on Mac Quadra 650, Mac LC III, Mac Quadra 700, and Mac IIvx systems.

Modern hardware support

On the cutting edge, Linux 7.4 adds support for Apple M4 T8132 ANS2 NVMe storage. This update enables the kernel to work with Apple's latest storage technology, bridging the gap between legacy and modern hardware support in a single release cycle.