Before you manage the database, you need the database running. Since SQL Server now runs on Linux, you don't need a Windows VM just to host the data engine. You use Docker.
Your SQL Server workflow on macOS just got an upgrade. 👇
There is no direct installer for "SQL Server Management Studio for Mac". If you require the exact SSMS interface for advanced DBA tasks—such as configuring Replication, managing Analysis Services, or using specific Wizard-driven maintenance tasks—you must run it through a virtual environment.