If you want to run virtual machines on a Mac, the default choices are Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion. Both tools work, but they come with a catch: Parallels now costs 120 euros per year as a subscription, and VMware's desktop product has been largely abandoned following the Broadcom acquisition. If you need Linux or macOS as a guest system, you're stuck in an uncomfortable position.
The solution, however, is already built into the operating system. Since macOS 11, Apple ships its own Virtualization Framework that runs VMs natively without third-party kernel extensions. Nemeton makes this framework accessible through a full-featured macOS app.
The Problem: VM Software as a Subscription Trap
Parallels Desktop was the standard VM solution on Mac for years. That changed with the switch to a subscription-only model. If you stop paying, you lose access to your VMs. VMware Fusion has entered an uncertain future after the Broadcom acquisition. For professional users, this creates a double risk: ongoing costs and dependency on a vendor's business strategy.
Developers and system administrators who need VMs for testing, CI/CD pipelines, or isolated development environments need a reliable solution without vendor lock-in.
The Native Way: Apple's Virtualization Framework
With macOS 11, Apple introduced the Virtualization Framework. It enables running Linux and macOS guest systems directly through the operating system's hypervisor, without additional kernel extensions or drivers. Virtualization runs at the hardware level, enabling near bare-metal performance.
On Apple Silicon, there's an additional advantage: macOS VMs can run natively. This wasn't possible in this form with Intel Macs and Parallels. If you need an older macOS version for compatibility testing, you can run it as a VM without keeping a separate machine around.
What Nemeton Can Do
Linux VMs
Nemeton supports the major distributions: Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and Arch Linux. ISO downloads are managed automatically. VM configuration includes CPU cores, memory, disk size, networking (NAT or Bridged), audio passthrough, USB devices, and shared folders. Rosetta 2 enables running x86_64 binaries in ARM Linux VMs, making the transition from Intel-based workflows easier.
macOS VMs on Apple Silicon
On Macs with Apple Silicon, macOS guest systems can be run. Nemeton automatically downloads the required IPSW restore images. This is useful for developers testing their apps on different macOS versions, or administrators who need isolated environments for configuration testing.
Snapshots
Nemeton uses copy-on-write clones on APFS file systems for snapshots. This means a snapshot barely uses additional storage until changes actually occur. Create a snapshot before a risky update, test, and roll back in seconds if something goes wrong.
REST API and Automation
For automation, Nemeton provides a REST API with 42 endpoints. VMs can be created, started, stopped, and configured programmatically. WebSocket and SSE connections provide real-time events, and webhooks enable external integrations. MCP integration allows control through Claude Desktop.
Additional features include inline display with fullscreen mode, real-time diagnostics, and auto-start of VMs at system startup.
Who Is Nemeton For?
- Developers – Isolated test environments for different Linux distributions and macOS versions, without separate hardware
- System administrators – Test server configurations locally, simulate network setups, validate deployment processes
- Power users – Run Linux desktops on Mac, evaluate software in sandboxes, use snapshots for risk-free experimentation
One-Time Purchase Instead of Subscription
Nemeton is offered as a one-time purchase. No monthly or annual fees, no expiration date. Updates are included in the purchase price. The licensing model is based on the idea that tools should belong to the user, not the other way around.
All data stays local. Nemeton requires no cloud connection, no vendor account, and sends no telemetry data. VMs and their configurations reside entirely on your own machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nemeton work on Intel Macs?
Nemeton supports macOS 14 Sonoma or later. Linux VMs generally run on Intel Macs as well. However, macOS guest systems require Apple Silicon.
Which Linux distributions are supported?
Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and Arch Linux. ISO downloads are managed directly within the app.
How does performance compare to Parallels?
Nemeton uses the same Virtualization Framework that UTM and other native tools use. Performance is comparable to Parallels for Linux guest systems. Since no translation layer for Windows is needed, the overhead that Parallels brings for x86 emulation doesn't apply.
Can I run Windows VMs?
No. Nemeton focuses on Linux and macOS VMs. There is currently no native solution for Windows on Apple Silicon through Apple's Virtualization Framework.