Will Parallels be the new OCLP for Apple Silicon models when they are no longer supported?

[Sh3ldon]

I have a 2021 MacBook Pro 16 M1, and it's still supported by Apple. Since I don't want to convert it to a Linux machine when it's no longer supported, do you think using a virtualization program like Parallels could extend the life of my MacBook? It's already possible to install a Tahoe virtual machine on Monterey (this isn't currently possible with OCLP, at least until version 3.0 is released) and I hope it will be possible to install a newer version of macOS even when only Apple Silicon will have the limelight. Are there any drawbacks to this solution? Ultimately, purchasing virtualization software would be cheaper than buying a new machine.
Thanks to anyone who takes the time and care to respond.

 

[Bigwaff]

I have a 2021 MacBook Pro 16 M1, and it's still supported by Apple. Since I don't want to convert it to a Linux machine when it's no longer supported, do you think using a virtualization program like Parallels could extend the life of my MacBook?

Apple Silicon Secure Enclave is the rubicon. Asahi Linux supports M1/M2 but with serious caveats.

Fedora Asahi Remix - Asahi Linux

asahilinux.org

When you say "extend the life of my MacBook", you are really talking about the time past when whatever version of macOS is the last officially supported for your model.. that time is measured in years past the last supported version. Your M1 MBP won't stop working just because some future version of macOS isn't supported. Come back with this question years into the future.

It's already possible to install a Tahoe virtual machine on Monterey (this isn't currently possible with OCLP, at least until version 3.0 is released) and I hope it will be possible to install a newer version of macOS even when only Apple Silicon will have the limelight.

Again, Apple Silicon Secure Enclave is the rubicon. Unlikely OC will crack that nut, which makes OCLP unlikely for Apple Silicon. Even Intel T2 security chip not supported w/ OC/OCLP yet. We can always hope.

Are there any drawbacks to this solution? Ultimately, purchasing virtualization software would be cheaper than buying a new machine.

Even virtualization won't let you install unsupported version of macOS. If you are going to daily drive macOS 26 Tahoe, why would you install in VM on Monterey host when your M1 Pro/Max support Tahoe natively? Rhetorical.

 

[Sh3ldon]

Thanks for the reply @Bigwaff. What I'm trying to say is that, since OCLP won't work with Apple Silicon processors, once the MacBook M1 is no longer supported, I'll have to consider two options: the first (which is the most likely and the one I prefer) is to continue using the M1 with an updated browser when Safari becomes obsolete; the second (but this is where I could be wrong) would be to install a virtualization program like Parallels on the now-defunct MacBook M1, which would allow me to use the new, updated version of macOS. For now, this isn't a problem; I was just curious.

 

[Bigwaff]

the second (but this is where I could be wrong) would be to install a virtualization program like Parallels on the now-defunct MacBook M1, which would allow me to use the new, updated version of macOS.

Unlikely a newer, unsupported macOS version will ever run in VM on Apple Silicon macOS host regardless of virtualization product… but you never know.

 

[Sh3ldon]

Unlikely a newer, unsupported macOS version will ever run in VM on Apple Silicon macOS host regardless of virtualization product… but you never know.

Thanks!

 

[leifp]

It may well be possible to run a newer macOS on an older macOS via VM but it won’t solve your underlying problem: performance. When that newer macOS attempts calls that your processor doesn’t support (e.g. mesh shading or raytracing or dynamic caching RAM: all introduced on the M3 and thus inevitable requirements at some future date) it will need a workaround and those are expensive from a process standpoint (assuming they’re even possible). You may well find that your machine grinds to a halt for seconds doing rudimentary processes.

The M series processors are game changers but in negative ways as well: for now, there’s no overcoming the obsolescence that OCLP and other methods have allowed for…

 

[Sh3ldon]

Potrebbe essere possibile eseguire una versione più recente di macOS su una versione più vecchia tramite VM, ma non risolverà il problema di fondo: le prestazioni. Quando la versione più recente di macOS tenta di eseguire chiamate che il processore non supporta (ad esempio, mesh shading, raytracing o RAM con cache dinamica: tutte funzionalità introdotte sull'M3 e quindi requisiti inevitabili in futuro), sarà necessario trovare una soluzione alternativa, che è costosa dal punto di vista dei processi (ammesso che siano possibili). Potreste scoprire che la macchina si blocca per secondi durante l'esecuzione di processi rudimentali.

I processori della serie M sono dei veri e propri rivoluzionari, ma anche in negativo: per ora, non è possibile superare l'obsolescenza che OCLP e altri metodi hanno reso possibile...

The only solution then remains the one I also prefer: once the M1 has reached the latest macOS version that supports it, I will choose an alternative browser to Safari and continue until the machine breaks and is no longer repairable.

My needs are web browsing, streaming music, and cataloging photos. These are all things I hope to be able to do even when the M1 becomes obsolete.

 

[MBAir2010]

to everyone,
wow
if we are this paranoid about our computers not working for some unproven reason
then find a alternative solution like reading books, collecting media disc, pencil and paper or photography film
since humans strived many centuries without them.

anyways
I still use my MacBook Air from 2010 for web browsing, streaming music, and cataloging photos
as well as creating better graphic design than my M1 since adobe CS4 still functions better.
no matter what  does or plans, they can't ruin what I have.


therefore RELAX enjoy what you have and SEE what happens when this obsoleteness Happens!

 

[Sh3ldon]

to everyone,
wow
if we are this paranoid about our computers not working for some unproven reason
then find a alternative solution like reading books, collecting media disc, pencil and paper or photography film
since humans strived many centuries without them.

anyways
I still use my MacBook Air from 2010 for web browsing, streaming music, and cataloging photos
as well as creating better graphic design than my M1 since adobe CS4 still functions better.
no matter what  does or plans, they can't ruin what I have.


therefore RELAX enjoy what you have and SEE what happens when this obsoleteness Happens!

I admit I'm a little paranoid😊

 

[MBAir2010]

I admit I'm a little paranoid😊

who would not?
Just remember that  and M series might last longer as things could be great!

yes, this is what  wants, be afraid, be very afraid!
every suggestion is to upgrade, we can't avoid that red dot on our Sys pref icon anymore.
 will keep the insecure train on the tracks for ever.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Thanks for the reply @Bigwaff. What I'm trying to say is that, since OCLP won't work with Apple Silicon processors, once the MacBook M1 is no longer supported, I'll have to consider two options: the first (which is the most likely and the one I prefer) is to continue using the M1 with an updated browser when Safari becomes obsolete; the second (but this is where I could be wrong) would be to install a virtualization program like Parallels on the now-defunct MacBook M1, which would allow me to use the new, updated version of macOS. For now, this isn't a problem; I was just curious.

Safari for M1 Macs will likely be supported for another 10 years. At that point, you’re running a 15 year old machine.

 

[Bigwaff]

Safari for M1 Macs will likely be supported for another 10 years. At that point, you’re running a 15 year old machine.

No, not actually. While Safari won't stop functioning, Safari updates typically are bundled with macOS updates. Once macOS version stops getting updates... Recent stand-alone Safari updates have only been released for Sequoia and Sonoma. Ventura (released in 2022) is already cut off from Safari updates as of the release of Tahoe... that's 3 years. So.. nope.. Safari for M1 Macs will NOT be supported for another 10 years.

 

[BeatCrazy]

No, not actually. While Safari won't stop functioning, Safari updates typically are bundled with macOS updates. Once macOS version stops getting updates... Recent stand-alone Safari updates have only been released for Sequoia and Sonoma. Ventura (released in 2022) is already cut off from Safari updates as of the release of Tahoe... that's 3 years. So.. nope.. Safari for M1 Macs will NOT be supported for another 10 years.

“While Safari won’t stop functioning” You literally said it yourself. That’s 10 more years of use, before certain security certificates won’t like a version that old.

If your banking site will function on whatever-Safari-is-for-M1-Macs in 10 years, that’s good enough.

 

[Bigwaff]

“While Safari won’t stop functioning” You literally said it yourself. That’s 10 more years of use, before certain security certificates won’t like a version that old.

If your banking site will function on whatever-Safari-is-for-M1-Macs in 10 years, that’s good enough.

Ok.. sounds like your definition of the term "support" is simply launching Safari app. I have a different definition. To each their own.

 

[BeatCrazy]

Ok.. sounds like your definition of the term "support" is simply launching Safari app. I have a different definition. To each their own.

Anyone using a 15-year old laptop (at that point in the future) is really only concerned that it 'works', and I fully expect Safari to work in 10 years.

edit - spelling

 

[loby]

Apple Silicon Secure Enclave is the rubicon. Asahi Linux supports M1/M2 but with serious caveats.

Fedora Asahi Remix - Asahi Linux

asahilinux.org

When you say "extend the life of my MacBook", you are really talking about the time past when whatever version of macOS is the last officially supported for your model.. that time is measured in years past the last supported version. Your M1 MBP won't stop working just because some future version of macOS isn't supported. Come back with this question years into the future.

Again, Apple Silicon Secure Enclave is the rubicon. Unlikely OC will crack that nut, which makes OCLP unlikely for Apple Silicon. Even Intel T2 security chip not supported w/ OC/OCLP yet. We can always hope.

Even virtualization won't let you install unsupported version of macOS. If you are going to daily drive macOS 26 Tahoe, why would you install in VM on Monterey host when your M1 Pro/Max support Tahoe natively? Rhetorical.

Just create a volume on your disk and install macOS Tahoe. Should not effect macOS Monterey. Just cancel the Monterey volume when it tries to load (don't input your password) when your new volume boot up. then jut go back and forth with startup which OS you want to load.

 

[adib]

Ok.. sounds like your definition of the term "support" is simply launching Safari app. I have a different definition. To each their own.

Historically, Firefox was the one that supported PowerPC Macs for a long time since they became vintage. Hence, Firefox could be the last browser supporting long-unsupported Apple Silicon Macs.

Browser support is important for SSL certificate updates and JavaScript engine.

 

[loby]

MacOS Tahoe “might”be the last version Open Core Patcher can configure since Apple Silicone is another beast.

Not a bad run and with no complaints. Many thanks to the Team for their hard work. But…we never know with the Wiz on the team. Only time will tell..

 

[throAU]

Depends why the machines are dropped.

Parallels doesn't change the CPU type exposed to the guest OS; if it needs features not in the old CPU, you're screwed.

 

[GianL]

Again, Apple Silicon Secure Enclave is the rubicon. Unlikely OC will crack that nut, which makes OCLP unlikely for Apple Silicon. Even Intel T2 security chip not supported w/ OC/OCLP yet. We can always hope.

I suggest everybody to watch Sven Peter's talk at 39c3, "Asahi Linux - Porting Linux to Apple Silicon" occured some days ago: he explained that A. has left mac bootloader unlocked on purpose plus other technicalities on how Asahi Linux works.
39c3 video

 

[next_cube]

"Requires a Mac computer that supports the operating system as a host OS."

KB Parallels: Parallels Desktop for Mac System Requirements

kb.parallels.com

 

[Sh3ldon]

However, the more this discussion progresses, the more I'm convinced that the only way to use an unsupported Mac (when the M1 becomes obsolete and unsupported) is to find an alternative, updated browser, along with the precaution of only browsing on secure sites. OCLP for the M series will be nearly impossible to implement, so...

 

[Madhatter32]

Firefox kept me going for years past my laptop's obsolescence. So, I am grateful and still use it as my primary browser on even new devices.

 

[bradman83]

This might be a useful question but what would you consider to be an appropriate lifespan for your machine before you replace it?

We don't yet know when Apple will start pulling macOS support from Apple Silicon. We know Intel support will be dropped with macOS 27, so the earliest the M1 Pro/Max MBPs from 2021 could lose support is macOS 28 in 2027. (And even then I would be surprised by that).

Apple typically provides security updates for 2-3 years for a given macOS release, so it could be 2029-2030 by the time you lose security update support. You could extend that another 1-3 years by switching to a third party browser like Firefox, Brave, Vivaldi, or another privacy and security-focused option.

That could easily extend you to 2031 which would make the laptop 10 years old. That seems like a good extended lifespan for a device, and again that would be contingent on it losing OS support in 2027 as opposed to 2028 or even 2029.

 

[Sh3ldon]

Firefox kept me going for years past my laptop's obsolescence. So, I am grateful and still use it as my primary browser on even new devices.

Why not use Safari while it's supported and start using Firefox ESR when it's no longer supported?