Run VirtualBox on M1 iMac: Alternatives and Considerations

As of early 2024, VirtualBox does not support running on the M1 iMac, which is based on Apple's ARM architecture. VirtualBox is primarily designed for x86 architecture, and therefore, it lacks the necessary support to run directly on the M1 iMac. However, there are alternative solutions available for running virtual machines on M1 iMac, which we will discuss below.

Why VirtualBox Does Not Support M1 iMac

Oracle's Official Stance: After a search for the official response from Oracle, it is clear that VirtualBox is designed specifically for x86 architecture. Oracle has announced that there are no plans to port VirtualBox to ARM architecture. This is due to the fact that VirtualBox does not emulate the CPU but relies on the native x86 instruction set. As such, it does not support any CPU instruction set other than x86.

Oracle's decision not to support M1 iMac is based on the fact that they believe the existing architecture is sufficient for their user base. This stance also means that there will be no future development for ARM support in the near future.

Alternatives for Running Virtual Machines on M1 iMac

Fortunately, there are several alternative solutions that can help you run virtual machines on your M1 iMac. These include:

Parallels Desktop

Optimized for Apple Silicon: Parallels Desktop is a popular choice that has been specifically optimized for Apple's ARM architecture. It supports ARM-based versions of Windows and other operating systems, making it a reliable alternative for running virtual environments on M1 iMac. With Parallels, you can take full advantage of the performance optimizations designed for the M1 chip.

Parallels offers a range of features, including seamless integration, hardware acceleration, and a wide range of guest operating systems. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a high-performance virtualization solution on M1 iMac.

VMware Fusion

Widely Used and Trusted: VMware Fusion is another powerful option for running virtual machines on M1 iMac. VMware has released a version of Fusion that supports M1 Macs, allowing you to run ARM-based virtual machines. VMware Fusion is known for its robust feature set, including fast performance, high levels of integration, and a wide range of supported guest operating systems.

The latest versions of VMware Fusion also come with significant optimizations for Apple Silicon, ensuring that you get the best possible performance from your virtual machines.

QEMU

For Advanced Users: QEMU is a more advanced and technically demanding option that supports emulating different architectures, including ARM. QEMU is a powerful and flexible tool that can run virtual machines on a wide range of architectures. However, it requires a higher level of technical knowledge to set up and manage.

For users who are familiar with virtualization and have the technical skills to configure QEMU, it can be a great option for running a variety of virtual machines on M1 iMac hardware. However, it is generally more complex to use and maintain compared to the other options.

Conclusion and Future Considerations

The lack of VirtualBox support on M1 iMac reflects the challenges of adapting legacy software to new architectures. However, it is worth noting that the situation is not entirely static. As the market continues to develop and Apple Silicon gains more traction, we may see changes in the future. Oracle could potentially update VirtualBox to support ARM in the longer term, depending on market demand and technological advancements.

For now, if you need to run virtual machines on your M1 iMac, consider using Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, or QEMU. Each of these solutions offers unique advantages, and the best choice will depend on your specific needs and technical expertise.