Can SolidWorks Run on M1 Mac?
If you are a designer or engineer who relies heavily on SolidWorks for your 3D modeling and design needs, you might be wondering if it is possible to run this powerful software on the new M1 Mac computers. With the transition from Intel processors to Apple Silicon, there have been concerns about software compatibility. Let’s delve into whether SolidWorks can run smoothly on M1 Macs.
Understanding the Transition: Intel to Apple Silicon
The M1 chip marks a significant shift in Mac architecture. Instead of using Intel processors, Apple now designs its own custom ARM-based chips. This transition offers several advantages, including improved performance, energy efficiency, and enhanced integration between hardware and software.
SolidWorks Compatibility with M1 Macs
As of now, SolidWorks does not officially support running on M1 Macs. The software is primarily designed for Windows operating systems and Intel-based Macs that support virtualization through Boot Camp or Parallels Desktop.
Although SolidWorks isn’t compatible with M1 Macs out of the box, there are some alternative solutions you can explore:
1. Virtualization Software
- Parallels Desktop: Parallels Desktop is known for its ability to run Windows applications on macOS.
While it currently doesn’t support virtualizing the ARM version of Windows necessary for M1 Macs, the developers have announced plans to enable this feature in future updates.
- Crossover: Crossover allows you to run Windows applications on macOS without needing a Windows license. However, its compatibility with SolidWorks on an M1 Mac is yet to be confirmed.
2. Cloud Computing
Another option is to leverage cloud computing platforms that offer virtual machines with Windows support. By remotely accessing a Windows machine through services like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure, you can run SolidWorks seamlessly on an M1 Mac.
3. SolidWorks Online
SolidWorks itself offers a cloud-based solution called SolidWorks Online. With this web-based application, you can access and work on your designs from any device with a compatible web browser, including M1 Macs.
The Future of SolidWorks on M1 Macs
While there are workarounds available, many SolidWorks users are eagerly waiting for official support on M1 Macs. It’s worth noting that software developers often release updates to ensure compatibility with the latest hardware and operating systems.
Given the growing popularity of Apple Silicon and the demand for running professional software like SolidWorks on M1 Macs, it is likely that Dassault Systèmes (the company behind SolidWorks) will address this compatibility issue in the future.
In Summary
Currently, running SolidWorks directly on an M1 Mac is not officially supported. However, there are alternative options such as virtualization software or utilizing cloud computing platforms to access Windows machines. Additionally, SolidWorks Online provides a viable web-based solution for design work on an M1 Mac.
If you are considering purchasing an M1 Mac for your design needs, it’s advisable to stay updated with official announcements from both Apple and Dassault Systèmes regarding software compatibility. As technology progresses, we can expect more solutions to emerge that enable seamless integration of professional software like SolidWorks on M1 Macs.