Google Release Android Emulator For M1 Macs

Google releases an emulator that enables Android apps to be used on Apple’s new M1 Macs. However, the technology does not work in conjunction with Apple computers that use an Intel processor.

The Internet giant Google has an emulator presented, which makes running Android applications on the latest Mac generation consisting of Mac Mini, Macbook Pro 13 inch Macbook Air and possible. The decisive factor here is Apple’s new System-on-a-Chip (SoC) M1 based on ARM. In contrast, the emulator will not work on Apple devices that are still equipped with Intel CPUs.

The emulation software enables ARM64-based Android apps to run on a Mac. Similar to the virtualization of Microsoft’s Windows operating system on Apple’s M1 devices, the native hardware virtualization of the M1 chips via Qemu is also used here. According to Google, however, the presentation is only a first preview version of the emulator.

Limited Functionality

This becomes clear in the long list of limitations and problems. For example, ARM32 applications cannot be used. In addition, there is a lack of sound, non-functioning webview, and video codecs as well as graphic errors in Vulkan apps. With the help of this preview version, however, developers should already be able to carry out initial basic tests and determine whether an app is working properly or which problems arise during virtualization.

According to Google, programmers who use the in-house Android developer tool Android Studio and install the emulator should be able to start it directly from Android Studio. In addition, the US company promises to deliver updates with bug fixes in a timely manner.