Parallels Desktop for Mac is now confirmed to run on Apple's new $599 MacBook Neo, the company announced following initial testing. The virtualization software installs and operates stably on the laptop, which uses Apple's A18 Pro chip instead of the M-series processors found in other Macs.

This marks a significant milestone since Apple previously only used A-series chips in iPhones and some iPads. The A18 Pro provides the hardware virtualization support required to run virtual machines through Parallels Desktop. Full validation across all supported guest operating systems and use cases is still in progress, with additional compatibility statements to follow if needed.

While virtualization works without major issues, Parallels recommends more than 8GB RAM for optimal performance since Windows requires 4GB and shares memory with macOS. Apple has sold Macs with 8GB RAM for years, and moderate virtualization workloads have proven functional. For light, occasional Windows use like legacy business tools or Windows-only utilities, MacBook Neo may provide an acceptable experience. The laptop is available now starting at $599, with Apple's M5 MacBook Air offering 16GB RAM and a $1099 starting price for those needing more robust virtualization capabilities.