Parallels unlocks x86 operating systems for Apple Silicon Macs

In January 2025, Parallels, a virtualization software company, launched an early technology preview that enables users to run x86 operating systems on Apple Silicon Macs. Previously, support for Windows and Linux on Macs with Apple Silicon was restricted to Arm-based versions, thus limiting compatibility for applications designed for Intel and AMD processors. The proprietary emulation engine developed by Parallels allows support for specific 64-bit versions of Windows and several UEFI-compatible Linux distributions. However, this new functionality comes with numerous limitations, including slow performance and a lack of support for the installation of fresh operating systems. This update is particularly relevant for users migrating from Intel Macs, as they can operate existing virtual machines. While users can run Windows 10 and Windows Server 2022, creating new virtual machines for Windows 11 or certain Linux versions remains unsupported due to missing CPU instructions, which were common in Intel and AMD processors since the early 2010s. Users have reported long boot times and low responsiveness across these virtual environments, highlighting the overhead associated with the emulation process. Additional limitations include issues with USB passthrough support, absence of audio, restricted access to a single virtual CPU core, and a maximum of 8GB of RAM, potentially affecting the overall usability of the virtual machines. The translation overhead can also significantly increase resource usage on the host Mac, suggesting that users should consider the implications of running these systems before proceeding. Despite these challenges, the early technology preview marks a significant development in virtualization for Apple Silicon, as it offers options that have previously not been available from other companies. This situation echoes historical instances when Mac users relied on third-party emulation software, recalling the days of PowerPC architecture.