Amazon Web Services (AWS) became the first hyperscaler to directly link its cloud to Apple’s macOS environment, to the rejoicing sounds of Apple-based developers everywhere. The announcement comes just ahead of AWS' annual re:Invent show.

The move sees AWS link its Nitro System with Apple’s Mac Mini computer. This allows AWS’ Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) Instances to be built, run, and tested on Apple’s macOS that runs on all of the computing giant’s shiny hardware.

The Amazon-Apple link will allow developers to use EC2 Mac instances to run macOS workloads in the AWS cloud. This includes the ability to create applications for Apple devices like the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Safari browser. It also allows users to consolidate their application development between Apple, Windows, and Android ecosystems onto AWS.

The EC2 Mac instances run on Mac Mini’s powered by Intel’s 8th-generation Core i7 processor, which puts it one generation behind the latest Apple M1-powered slabs that were launched last month. AWS’ Jeff Barr did note in a blog post that it was working on an M1 chip variant that is “planned for 2021.”

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, AWS VP David Brown explained that the Mac devices are basically the same that are available to consumers but with their WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity disables. Brown also noted that AWS was using enough of the devices to support a “major cloud-computing operation like AWS.”

AWS’ Nitro system is the underlying virtualization platform that supports the EC2 instances. It includes networking, security, and hypervisor components. AWS recently launched general availability of its Nitro Enclaves platform that further bolsters the security capabilities by allowing users to create isolated compute environments.

The Apple support is currently available in AWS’ US East (N. Virginia), US East (Ohio), US West (Oregon), EU (Ireland), and Asia-Pacific (Singapore) regions.