Parallels confirms Windows can run on Apple’s new MacBook Neo

Windows can run on Apple’s new MacBook Neo using Parallels, according to 9to5Mac.

Virtualization software developer Parallels announced that its platform is compatible with the recently introduced MacBook Neo. The company said its team has already completed initial testing and confirmed that “Parallels Desktop installs and virtual machines operate stably on MacBook Neo.”

After Apple launched the $599 laptop, Parallels published an update confirming compatibility with virtual machines. The MacBook Neo’s A18 Pro chip provides hardware virtualization support, which allows Windows to run through Parallels Desktop.

Compatibility had previously been uncertain because the MacBook Neo uses a chip from Apple’s A-series, traditionally found in iPhones and some iPads. Apple’s Mac computers typically rely on M-series chips, which already support virtualization.

Testing is still ongoing. Parallels recommends using more than 8 GB of RAM for better performance, since Windows itself requires at least 4 GB of memory. On the MacBook Neo, the base 8 GB of unified memory must be shared between macOS and the Windows virtual machine.

“For light, occasional Windows use, like a legacy business tool, or a Windows-only utility, MacBook Neo may provide an acceptable experience,” Parallels said.

Apple introduced its first budget MacBook Neo on March 4. To reach the lower price point, the company limited several hardware specifications compared with other Mac models.