Thanks to Parallels Desktop: MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and Mac mini with M1 chip can now run Windows 10

Corel has announced an update to Parallels Desktop for Mac, which can now run not only on Intel processor-based devices.

What we know

The new version of the application came out with the number 16.5 and, according to the developer, it is now compatible with MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and Mac mini based on the Apple M1 proprietary ARM chip. Parallels Desktop allows macOS devices to run Windows 10 and x86 applications. There is no x64 support in Parallels Desktop 16.5 yet, but they promise to add it a little later.

By the way, Corel also claims that the new version of the program boasts improved performance and energy efficiency. For example, Parallels Desktop 16.5 on a MacBook Air with M1 consumes 250% less power than an Intel-based MacBook Air. The company also promises 60% faster DirectX 11 performance and 30% faster overall virtual performance. 

The only thing is that Microsoft currently sells Windows 10 ARM license to PC makers only. Users do not have opportunity to buy such a version of the system yet. Therefore, to use Parallels Desktop on devices with an M1 chip, you will have to download a test build of Windows 10 Insider Preview. 

Source: Parallels