Parallels Desktop 20.2.0 Enables x86 Emulation on Apple Silicon Macs
Enhanced Virtualization for Testing and Development
Parallels Desktop 20.2.0 introduces x86 emulation on Apple Silicon Macs, a significant advancement for developers and testers. This feature allows running Intel-based (x86_64) virtual machines on Apple Silicon using Parallels' emulation engine. This addresses the challenges posed by Apple's switch to its own chips in 2020. For more on Apple Silicon and its impact, see Samsung DeX.
Current Limitations
While promising, the x86 emulation is currently in beta and has limitations:
- Slow boot times (2-7 minutes).
- Limited responsiveness (single-application use).
- Lack of USB device and sound support.
- Restricted virtual resources (1 virtual CPU, 8GB max RAM).
- No nested virtualization support, impacting tools like WSL2.
- Challenges with older Windows and some Linux distributions.
Despite these limitations, the feature is a step forward in bridging compatibility gaps for legacy applications. For insights into other Android developments, check out Android 16 Beta 2.
Use Cases and Future Potential
Primarily aimed at testing and development, this feature is not yet ideal for running essential Windows apps regularly. However, it allows developers to run, develop, and test 32-bit Windows apps in a native environment on Apple Silicon. With further development, it could become invaluable for businesses reliant on legacy software. For more on software development and AI, see DeepSeek: The Rising Star of Smartphone AI.
Additional Enhancements in 20.2.0
Beyond x86 emulation, Parallels Desktop 20.2.0 offers IT-focused improvements:
- Hybrid Licensing and SSO Support.
- Configuration Profile Support.
- Automatic Time Synchronization for macOS VMs on Apple Silicon.