We’re saying the upcoming deprecation of QEMU as a virtualization choice for Docker Desktop on Apple Silicon Macs. After serving as our legacy virtualization resolution throughout the early transition to Apple Silicon, QEMU will probably be totally deprecated 90 days from at present, on July 14, 2025. This deprecation doesn’t have an effect on QEMU’s function in emulating non-native architectures for multi-platform builds. By shifting to Apple Virtualization Framework or Docker VMM, you’ll guarantee optimum efficiency.
Why We’re Making This Change
Our telemetry reveals {that a} very small share of customers are nonetheless utilizing the QEMU choice. We’ve maintained QEMU help for backward compatibility, however each Docker VMM and Apple Virtualization Framework now provide:
- Considerably higher efficiency
- Improved stability
- Enhanced compatibility with macOS updates
- Higher integration with Apple Silicon structure
What This Means For You
If you happen to’re at present utilizing QEMU as your Digital Machine Supervisor (VMM) on Docker Desktop for Mac:
- Your present set up will proceed to work usually throughout the 90-day transition interval
- After July 1, 2025, Docker Desktop releases will mechanically migrate your setting to Apple Virtualization Framework
- You’ll expertise improved efficiency and stability with the newer virtualization choices
Migration Plan
The migration course of will probably be easy and easy:
- Customers on the newest Docker Desktop launch will probably be mechanically migrated to Apple Virtualization Framework after the 90-day interval
- In the course of the transition interval, you may manually change to both Docker VMM (our quickest choice for Apple Silicon Macs) or Apple Virtualization Framework by Settings > Basic > Digital Machine Choices
- For 30 days after the deprecation date, the QEMU choice will stay accessible in settings for customers who encounter migration points
- After this prolonged interval, the QEMU choice will probably be totally eliminated
Word: This deprecation doesn’t have an effect on QEMU’s function in emulating non-native architectures for multi-platform builds.
What You Ought to Do Now
We suggest proactively switching to certainly one of our newer VMM choices earlier than the automated migration:
- Replace to the newest model of Docker Desktop for Mac
- Open Docker Desktop Settings > Basic
- Underneath “Select Digital Machine Supervisor (VMM)” choose both:
- Docker VMM (BETA) – Our quickest choice for Apple Silicon Macs
- Apple Virtualization Framework – A mature, high-performance various
Questions or Issues?
You probably have questions or encounter any points throughout migration, please:
We’re dedicated to creating this transition as seamless as attainable whereas delivering the very best improvement expertise on macOS.
