Parallels Desktop 16 for M1 Macs Now Available as a Technical Preview

Parallels has launched a new Parallels Desktop 16 for M1 Mac Technical Preview Program, which is available beginning today.

Those that have signed up for the Technical Preview Program will be the first to test the new app. The software requires an ARM-based operating system installation image and cannot run an Intel x86-based operating system. Microsoft does offer an ARM-based version of Windows that is available through the Windows Insider Program that will run on ‌M1‌ Macs through Parallels but the company does not currently offer it for sale to the public.

Testers should be aware that Parallels Desktop 16 for M1 Mac has several limitations.

• It is not possible to install or start an Intel x86 based operating system in a virtual machine
• It is not possible to suspend and resume a virtual machine, including reverting to a “running state” snapshot.
• It is not possible to use the close button when a virtual machine is running; Shutdown virtual machine instead.
• ARM32 applications do not work in a virtual machine.

While the currently available versions of Parallels are not able to run on M1 Macs, Parallels had announced following the launch of M1 Macs that a version compatible with Apple Silicon was in the works and looked “very promising.”