Virtualization software has taken a significant leap forward as Parallels introduces x86 emulation capabilities for Apple Silicon Macs, marking a crucial development in cross-platform compatibility since Apple's transition to ARM architecture in 2020. This technological advancement allows users to run traditional x86-based operating systems on modern Apple hardware, though with notable performance limitations.
 |
|---|
| A MacBook Pro displaying Windows 10 via Parallels Desktop, illustrating the new x86 emulation capabilities introduced for Apple Silicon |
New Emulation Capabilities
Parallels Desktop 20.2 now enables users to run x86_64 versions of Windows and Linux operating systems on Apple Silicon Macs. This breakthrough feature supports Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2019/2022, and various Linux distributions with UEFI BIOS through the Parallels Emulator. The update particularly benefits developers and users who require access to x86-specific applications and environments.
 |
|---|
| The Parallels logo symbolizes the significant advancement in x86 emulation capabilities for Apple Silicon Macs |
Performance Considerations
The current implementation comes with significant performance limitations. According to Mikhail Ushakov, Parallels' product manager, users should expect notably slow performance, with boot times ranging from two to seven minutes depending on the hardware configuration. The company has deliberately hidden this feature from the standard user interface to manage expectations and prevent confusion among regular users.
Technical Limitations
The early technology preview faces several restrictions that users should consider. External USB devices are not supported, and the system cannot recognize newly connected peripherals. Additionally, while 64-bit operating systems are supported, 32-bit operating systems cannot be installed, though 32-bit applications can run within supported 64-bit environments. Sound functionality is currently unavailable, and virtual machines must utilize the Apple hypervisor exclusively.
Additional Improvements
Beyond x86 emulation, version 20.2 introduces several quality-of-life improvements. macOS virtual machines on Apple Silicon now support automatic time and time zone synchronization. The update also integrates Apple's AI-powered Writing Tools into the Windows right-click menu for Microsoft Office applications, enhancing the user experience for productivity software users.
 |
|---|
| The Parallels Desktop icon represents the software's ongoing improvements, including new features for productivity tools |
Future Prospects
While the current implementation may not be suitable for production environments due to performance constraints, this technical preview represents an important step forward in bridging the gap between x86 and ARM architectures. As the technology matures, users can expect improvements in performance and compatibility in future releases.