Launched in ParallelsParallels Desktop 16.5 official versionAfter enabling Mac models equipped with M1 processors to install the Windows 10 on Arm operating system, VMware also announced the update progress of its virtual software VMware Fusion earlier.Expected to be launched at the end of this yearPublic technology preview version for Mac models equipped with M1 processor.
However, VMware also added some caveats in the statement. In addition to the fact that the version expected to be released at the end of the year is still in the technical preview stage, it also emphasized that it is still impossible to install and use the Windows 86 operating system corresponding to the x10 hardware architecture in a virtual environment. It also emphasized that currently users can only download the test version of the Windows 10 on Arm operating system through Microsoft's Windows Insider Program preview project.
As of now, the official version of Parallels Desktop 16.5 also adopts the same mode to provide simulation functions. It can only install and use the Windows 10 on Arm operating system, and users must download it through the Windows Insider Program preview project.
From VMware's perspective, since Microsoft has not yet officially licensed the Windows 10 on Arm operating system and is only using it for testing and evaluation, its simulation compatibility development will prioritize Linux over Windows 10 on Arm compatibility.
Regarding Parallels' approach, VMware believes that users can indeed apply to join the Windows Insider Program preview project and obtain a test version of the Windows 10 on Arm operating system to install and use in a virtual environment, but this is not essentially an officially authorized project by Microsoft. Therefore, even if it can be used smoothly, VMware will still prefer Microsoft to officially authorize its use before further enabling VMware Fusion to have more complete and compatible operation performance.
