Note
Key Historical Points:
Initial Release: VMware Fusion 1.0 was released on August 6, 2007
Development: The software leverages technology from other VMware products, such as VMware Workstation, to offer features like 64-bit and SMP support
Mac Transition: VMware Fusion marked VMware's first entry into Macintosh-based x86 virtualization, utilizing Intel VT technology
Apple Silicon Support: With the Mac transition to Apple Silicon in 2020, VMware announced plans to support the new M-series platform, releasing a tech preview for M1 chips in September 20211. VMware Fusion 13, released in November 2022, included ARM virtualization on Apple Silicon chips
Licensing Changes: In May 2024, VMware announced that VMware Fusion Pro would become free for personal use, replacing the previous free edition
VMware Fusion has evolved significantly since its inception, adapting to new hardware and user needs while maintaining robust virtualization capabilities.