Apple is aiming to encourage Mac usage to its business consumers by displaying iMacs running a copy of Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system within Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac in the business section of its stores, according to a report from 9to5Mac. Apple Retail Stores will also train business specialists on using Parallels and Windows software as part of the initiative.

parallels_windows_8
Apple currently includes a section on its website with information on how to run Windows and its associated software on a Mac through Boot Camp, a multi boot utility introduced in Mac OS X Leopard. However, virtualization software such as Parallels Desktop and VMWare Fusion have been alternative choices for users who want to run Windows on a Mac due to the non-requirement of a reboot and the ability to run Windows simultaneously within an active session of OS X.

The latest version of Parallels, Parallels Desktop 8, was released last August, adding new features such as full support for Windows 8 and automatic visual optimization for the software when running on Retina displays.

The standard edition of the software retails for $79.99 on Apple's Online Store, though pre-orders have begun popping up for the next generation of the software, Parallels Desktop 9. Currently, Amazon Germany and Apple Authorized Reseller MacMall have the software for $74.99 with an expected release date of September 5.

Top Rated Comments

'Arry Avatar
155 months ago
Apple Retail Stores to Encourage Mac Business Usage with Parallels Desktop, Parallels 9 Pre-Orders Begin Popping Up
Here's an idea: how about encouraging Mac business use by making more awesome Mac business software?
Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Amazing Iceman Avatar
155 months ago
Apple, don't bother trying to push Windows 8 for business use.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
3282868 Avatar
155 months ago
Any time I see a Mac running Widows, the world becomes a darker place.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Amazing Iceman Avatar
155 months ago
So why Parallels and not VMware Fusion? VMware is the leader in third-party virtualization technology -- we use their server-based stuff for clients on a regular basis. All Parallels does is desktop-based virtualization, if I remember correctly.

PS: I've had clients ask me whether they should do this so that they can use Macs at work. I've told them the downsides of virtualization (it's high-maintenance and more prone to crashing than a non-virtualized environment) and what's always ended the discussion is the question, "Why do you want a Mac at work beyond trying to impress people?"

What do you mean by: "(it's high-maintenance and more prone to crashing than a non-virtualized environment)" ???
On the contrary, a virtual environment ON GOOD HARDWARE provides better reliability and faster disaster recovery than a non-virtual environment.

So, if what you mentioned has been based on your experience, you may be doing it wrong.

Otherwise, why go virtual???

Also, at this point, Apple is trying to push the Mac with Parallels at the Desktop level, not at the server level; at least this doesn't seem to be the case for now.
And it would be for apps that must run under Windows.

A lot of important business apps are now being developed for the Mac, so this Windows solution would be as a transition for those businesses who want reliable Mac hardware with Windows compatibility while required.

At the server level, every business has different needs: some must use Windows, other can do Linux or OS X. Others must use AIX, etc.
So at the server level there's no "rule that applies all".
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ThunderSkunk Avatar
155 months ago
We used VMWare until v5 when Parallels started kicking its butt up and down every feature list and performance test.

VMWare makes some great products, and is a great company, but for running Windows on a Mac, Parallels wins hands down.

The differences may not be a big deal for resource-light programs, but we use Autodesk Inventor, Solidworks, Surfcam and Architectural Desktop, and the performance is drastic.

Win8 was not an upgrade though. Went back to our Win7 images instead. At its best, windows stays out of sight & out of mind, in transparency mode, like an invisible layer that allows our cad programs to run as if they're running in OSX. We restore our windows images from Time Machine over the weekend. Brand new windows installs every monday morning keeps windows working. :)

MS should come out with half as many Windows OS's as they do. Just skip the even number ones and put the resources into sprucing up the solid odd numbered ones.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lincolntran Avatar
155 months ago
"Why do you want a Mac at work beyond trying to impress people?"

So the IT people don't have total control of how we should use our laptop.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro in Hand Feature Lowgo

iPhone 17 Pro Coming Soon With These 14 New Features

Friday July 4, 2025 1:05 pm PDT by
Apple's next-generation iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are just over two months away, and there are plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models. Latest Rumors These rumors surfaced in June and July:Apple logo repositioned: Apple's logo may have a lower position on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro models, compared to previous...
iphone 16 pro models 1

Here's How the iPhone 17 Pro Max Will Compare to the iPhone 17 Pro

Saturday July 5, 2025 1:00 pm PDT by
Apple should unveil the iPhone 17 series in September, and there might be one bigger difference between the Pro and Pro Max models this year. As always, the Pro Max model will be larger than the Pro model:iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3-inch display iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9-inch displayGiven the Pro Max is physically larger than the Pro, it has more internal space, allowing for a larger battery and...
iPhone Car Key Kia

Here's Which Vehicles Offer iPhone Car Keys

Sunday July 6, 2025 3:03 pm PDT by
In 2020, Apple added a digital car key feature to its Wallet app, allowing users to lock, unlock, and start a compatible vehicle with an iPhone or Apple Watch. The feature is currently offered by select automakers, including Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and a handful of others, and it is set to expand further. Apple has a web page with a list of vehicle models that ...
imac video apple feature

Apple Launching These 15+ Products Later This Year

Sunday July 6, 2025 8:05 am PDT by
The calendar has turned to July, meaning that 2025 is now more than half over. And while the summer months are often quiet for Apple, the company still has more than a dozen products coming later this year, according to rumors. Below, we have outlined at least 15 new Apple products that are expected to launch later this year, along with key rumored features for each. iPhone 17 Series iPho...
iOS 26 Feature

Everything New in iOS 26 Beta 3

Monday July 7, 2025 1:20 pm PDT by
Apple is continuing to refine and update iOS 26, and beta three features smaller changes than we saw in beta 2, plus further tweaks to the Liquid Glass design. Apple is gearing up for the next phase of beta testing, and the company has promised that a public beta is set to come out in July. Transparency In some apps like Apple Music, Podcasts, and the App Store, Apple has toned down the...
iphone 17 pro render majin bu

New iPhone 17 Pro Renders Highlight Apple Logo and MagSafe Design Changes

Sunday July 6, 2025 8:43 pm PDT by
New renders today provide the best look yet relocated Apple logo and redesigned MagSafe magnet array of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Image via Majin Bu. Several of the design changes coming to the iPhone 17 Pro model have been rumored for some time, such as the elongated camera bump that spans the full width of the device, with the LiDAR Scanner and flash moving to the right side. ...
iPhone 17 Pro in Hand Feature Lowgo

iPhone 17 Pro to Reverse iPhone X Design Decision

Monday July 7, 2025 9:46 am PDT by
Since the iPhone X in 2017, all of Apple's highest-end iPhone models have featured either stainless steel or titanium frames, but it has now been rumored that this design decision will be coming to an end with the iPhone 17 Pro models later this year. In a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo today, the account Instant Digital said that the iPhone 17 Pro models will have an aluminum...
Prime Day 25 Feature Warm Triad

The Best Early Prime Day Deals on Apple Products

Saturday July 5, 2025 7:22 am PDT by
Amazon is soon to be back with its annual summertime Prime Day event, lasting for four days from July 8-11, the longest Prime Day yet. As it does every year, Prime Day offers shoppers a huge selection of deals across Amazon's storefront, and there are already many deals you can get on sale ahead of the event. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a ...
airpods pro 2

AirPods Pro 3 to Help Maintain Apple's Place in Earbud Market Amid Increasing Low-Cost Competition

Thursday July 3, 2025 7:25 am PDT by
Apple's position as the dominant force in the global true wireless stereo (TWS) earbud market is expected to continue through 2025, according to Counterpoint Research. The forecast outlines a 3% year-over-year increase in global TWS unit shipments for 2025, signaling a transition from rapid growth to a more mature phase for the category. While Apple is set to remain the leading brand by...