Apple's latest affordable laptopMacBook NeoIt features the A18 Pro processor originally used in iPhones, developed by Parallels, a well-known virtual machine software developer.Further confirmationThe virtualization software Parallels Desktop can indeed install and run Windows operating systems on this entry-level machine, which starts at $599 (NT$19900). However, although initial tests show that it works "stable," this feature may be limited to a light-scale experience due to hardware limitations.
The A18 Pro processor possesses cross-system computing capabilities.
When the MacBook Neo was first released, it was uncertain whether this entry-level model had sufficient low-level computing power to run Windows applications. However, a recent article on Parallels' website indicates that initial tests show its software runs "stable" on the device, but its specific performance is still under evaluation.
The MacBook Neo uses the A18 Pro processor, which first appeared in the iPhone 16 Pro. Because this processor is based on the Arm architecture, the same M-series processors used in current Macs, it still has the ability to run Windows virtual machines in the Parallels Desktop environment.
"Can run" doesn't mean "easy to use": the dual challenges of memory and heat dissipation.
However, "being able to do it" doesn't mean "it's acceptable to do it." For MacBook Neo users who only intend to use Windows lightly, Parallels Desktop is theoretically a viable option, but any operation that places a significant burden on the CPU or GPU will still face the following issues:
• Memory is in short supply:The MacBook Neo only comes with 8GB of RAM, while according to Parallels, Windows 11 requires a minimum of 4GB of RAM to operate. This means that when Windows is running in a virtual machine environment, the remaining space for the macOS operating system and its applications will be even smaller, which will significantly drag down the overall performance of the laptop.
• Fanless frequency reduction mechanism:The MacBook Neo lacks a cooling fan design, so when the processor detects that the CPU or GPU is under high load, it will automatically reduce the clock speed (downclocking) as a protection measure.
For all the reasons mentioned above, this is definitely not a device designed for power users.
Official recommendations and product positioning
If users really need to use Windows on their Mac frequently, Parallels officially recommends purchasing an Apple laptop with 16GB or more of unified memory, such as the new MacBook Air with the M5 processor, or the new MacBook Pro series with all models featuring 16GB or more of memory.
However, if we disregard the need for cross-system virtual machines, the MacBook Neo remains the best choice for everyday use as a laptop, priced at $599.
Analysis of viewpoints
Parallels' test results actually reveal the immense success of Apple's Apple Silicon market strategy. An A18 Pro chip designed for smartphones can not only smoothly run the macOS operating system, but also shoulder the heavy responsibility of virtualizing Windows 11 on Arm, a cross-industry capability that is unimaginable in the x86 architecture camp.
However, realistically, physical limitations still exist. In 2026, 8GB of memory might be more than enough for single-system word processing, but attempting to run two systems simultaneously is undoubtedly a stretch. While the MacBook Neo is a budget-friendly machine perfectly suited for light office work and the education market, it still has its physical limitations. Therefore, if you need to run specific professional Windows software, it's advisable to budget more and opt for 16GB of memory – that would be a much more sensible choice.
