KIAC

Kubernetes in Apple Containers

saiyam1814/kiac · ★ 315GoMITmacOSsaiyam1814.github.io/kiac ↗

Get started

$ brew install --cask saiyam1814/tap/kiac

$ kiac create cluster --workers 2

KIAC runs real multi-node Kubernetes clusters on macOS using Apple's native container framework. Unlike Docker-based local clusters, every node is its own lightweight VM with a real kernel, so eBPF, Cilium, and kernel-level features actually work. Ships with metrics-server, local-path storage, and a LoadBalancer implementation, so the cluster feels like a cloud cluster from the first command.

Why it exists

✓Every node is a lightweight VM with a real kernel, eBPF and Cilium work
✓Multi-node clusters on Apple Silicon in seconds
✓metrics-server, storage, and LoadBalancer included
✓Full-kernel mode for advanced CNI experiments

Built for

Local development on macOSCKA/CKS exam practiceTesting operators and CNIs on Apple Silicon

Deep dives

Introducing kiac: Real Kubernetes Nodes on Your Mac, Each Its Own Lightweight VM

kiac runs local Kubernetes on macOS where every node is its own lightweight VM via apple/container: kubeadm or k3s flavors, Cilium on a custom kernel, built-in LoadBalancer, Grafana, Gateway API, and clusters that survive reboots.

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