**Parallels Desktop Compatibility with MacBook Neo: An Update**
Last week, Parallels issued a warning about the compatibility of its Parallels Desktop for Mac software with the newly launched MacBook Neo. Following the introduction of Apple’s $599 laptop, Parallels has released an update regarding the compatibility status of virtual machines.
The good news is that virtualization is supported on the MacBook Neo. Apple has enabled virtual machines on its M-series chips, but since the MacBook Neo uses an A-series chip, compatibility concerns arose. Traditionally, A-series chips have been exclusive to iPhones and some iPads.
According to the newest information from Parallels, the outlook appears positive:
> “Parallels Desktop functions on MacBook Neo in basic usability assessments. The Parallels Engineering team has finalized preliminary testing and affirmed that **Parallels Desktop installs and virtual machines operate reliably on MacBook Neo**. Comprehensive validation and performance assessments are ongoing, and further compatibility declarations will be made as needed.”
Additional insights indicate that the A18 Pro chip in the MacBook Neo provides the essential hardware virtualization support for running virtual machines through Parallels Desktop. Nonetheless, complete validation across all supported guest operating systems and diverse use scenarios is still in progress.
While initial evaluations suggest that virtualization operates seamlessly, Parallels advises users to consider more than 8GB of RAM for an improved experience. This suggestion arises from the fact that Windows requires 4GB of RAM, and the virtual machine will have to share the 8GB RAM with macOS.
Despite this, Apple has a history of selling Macs equipped with 8GB of RAM, and virtualization has proven viable for moderate tasks. For example, the M5 MacBook Air comes with 16GB of RAM and is priced starting at $1099.
Parallels mentions, “For light, occasional Windows usage, such as a legacy business application or a Windows-only tool, the MacBook Neo may deliver an adequate experience.”
The MacBook Neo is currently priced at $599. For more details, users can explore reviews and additional information online.