Parallels Desktop 27 expands Professional Windows app support with faster graphics and AI acceleration. Parallels announced Parallels Desktop 27, expanding the range of professional Windows applications users can run on Apple silicon Macs through a new Metal-based graphics driver with OpenGL 4.3 support. This release also introduces AI acceleration on Apple silicon, helping developers build and test AI workloads locally with faster machine learning performance. Parallels Desktop is the only third-party virtualization solution currently authorized by Microsoft to run Windows in a virtualized environment on Apple silicon, making it the ideal choice for users looking to combine the flexibility of Windows with the power of Mac. "As customers continue to push the limits of what they do on Mac, they're looking for virtualization that keeps pace with increasingly demanding applications and workflows," said Elena Koryakina, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Parallels. "Parallels Desktop 27 enables customers to run more of the Windows applications they depend on while giving developers faster local AI performance and expanding what's possible on Apple silicon." Run More Professional Windows Applications on Mac Parallels Desktop 27 introduces a new Metal-based graphics driver that brings hardware-accelerated OpenGL 4.3 support to Windows virtual machines on Apple silicon, a capability that Parallels believes is unique among available Mac virtualization solutions. The new driver meets the minimum OpenGL graphics level requirements for more professional Windows applications, including ArcGIS Pro, ZWCAD, and Blender 4.3, expanding compatibility while improving graphics performance for users in engineering, architecture, GIS, design, and other technical industries. Highlights include: * New Metal-based OpenGL 4.3 graphics driver * Up to 160% faster OpenGL graphics performance on Macs with M3 chips and newer * Up to 35% faster 3D rendering in ArcGIS Pro, reducing overall workflow time by up to 24%* Accelerate Local AI Development As developers increasingly build and test AI workloads locally, Parallels Desktop 27 introduces support for Scalable Matrix Extension (SME) instructions in Linux and Windows virtual machines running on M4 and newer Macs. The result is faster local AI development and machine learning workflows without relying on cloud infrastructure. New developer capabilities include: * SME2 instruction support for Linux and Windows VMs on M4 and newer Macs * Up to 7x faster AI and machine learning matrix operations * Up to 1.75x faster neural network inference** * Improved performance for AI tools used in VMs such as Ollama and llama.cpp Enterprise Deployment and Management Parallels Desktop for Enterprise provides the deployment, security, and management capabilities IT teams need to manage virtual environments at scale. With Parallels Desktop 27, enterprise customers can use the command-line interface (CLI) to identify whether Parallels Desktop was activated using a license key or single sign-on (SSO). This enables organizations using Jamf to build extension attributes that simplify device management and reporting. Parallels Desktop has also renewed its SOC 2 compliance, providing continued third-party assurance around the controls and processes that support the security and reliability of Parallels products and services. Enterprise customers also benefit from Secure Golden Images Provisioning, which supports the secure distribution of approved virtual-machine images through enterprise storage, including Azure Blob Storage and SharePoint, alongside Improved Declarative Deployment for fully provisioned zero-touch Windows virtual machines. Together, these capabilities help organizations enhance their security posture, simplify deployment, and reduce the complexity of managing virtualization-enabled workflows at scale. Built for DevOps Teams Parallels Desktop includes capabilities for development teams building and managing CI/CD infrastructure. A new native graphical interface for the Parallels DevOps Service simplifies management of hosts, virtual machines, and automation workflows without relying entirely on command-line tools and RESTful API. Jenkins dynamic provisioning further streamlines build and test automation by enabling dynamic provisioning of Mac-hosted virtual machines for development workflows. To see if your Windows applications are compatible with Parallels Desktop, search our app database of more than 200,000 supported apps at www.parallels.com/apps Parallels Desktop for Mac is an essential virtualization tool for professionals, developers, IT teams, and individuals, whether it is for accessing Windows applications, developing or testing software, or to run multiple operating systems (such as Windows, Linux, or other macOS versions) simultaneously on Mac computers. For more information about Parallels Desktop 27 for Mac, visit www.parallels.com. Trial and Availability Parallels Desktop 27 for Mac is designed exclusively for Apple silicon Macs and is available in Standard, Pro, Business, and Enterprise editions. It can be purchased or upgraded at www.parallels.com or from authorized resellers worldwide. David Marshall is the founder of VMblog.com, one of the industry's longest-running independent publications covering modern data center technologies. What began as a focus on virtualization and cloud computing has expanded to cover the full spectrum of enterprise IT, including AI, security, and DevOps, making VMblog a trusted destination for vendor news, technology analysis, and industry commentary.Beyond publishing, David has spent his career at the intersection of technology and business, inventing, marketing, and launching a number of successful software companies and products, and building a reputation as a skilled marketing executive in the enterprise IT space.David is also a published author, having written two well-regarded books on virtualization and served as technical editor for two "For Dummies" titles covering virtualization and cloud computing. He co-founded CloudCow.com, a publication focused on cloud computing, and has been named a VMware vExpert every year since 2009, one of the longest continuous honoree streaks in the program's history.Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmarshall/

Parallels named a Leader in the Gartner(R) Magic Quadrant(TM) for Desktop as a Service for the first time. AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Parallels, a leading global provider of virtualization and cross-platform solutions, today announced it has been named a Leader in the 2026 Gartner(R) Magic Quadrant(TM) for Desktop as a Service (DaaS). This marks the first time Parallels has been positioned in the Leaders quadrant and, in the company's view, reflects its continued focus on delivering flexible, secure, and simple workspace solutions for organizations of all sizes. "Being named a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Desktop as a Service is an important milestone for Parallels," said Elena Koryakina, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Parallels. "We believe it reflects the progress we've made in building solutions that gives organizations greater choice in how they deliver digital workspaces. As customer needs continue to evolve and emerging technologies such as AI reshape the workplace, we'll keep investing in innovation that helps IT teams simplify operations, optimize costs, and deliver outstanding user experiences." Designed to be intuitive, user-friendly, and adaptable to the needs of organizations of all sizes and industries, Parallels' workspace solutions combine embedded security with enterprise-grade management capabilities that help customers optimize infrastructure investments while maintaining deployment flexibility. With transparent licensing supporting both named and concurrent users, organizations can scale their digital workspace strategies with predictable costs and simplified administration. Parallels is evaluated in this year's Magic Quadrant for Parallels DaaS, a vendor-assembled DaaS solution, and Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS), a self-assembled DaaS solution. Parallels DaaS simplifies the deployment, management, and cost optimization of Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop through a cloud-hosted control plane, helping organizations improve scalability, operational efficiency, and resource utilization. Parallels RAS provides vendor-independent virtual desktop and application delivery across cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments from a unified management platform, enabling organizations to securely deliver applications and desktops to virtually any device. As organizations continue to modernize digital workspaces while balancing cost, security, and operational flexibility, Parallels remains focused on helping customers deliver secure desktop and application experiences from the infrastructure of their choice. To read the complimentary Gartner Magic Quadrant for Desktop as a Service report, please visit this page. Gartner Definition of Desktop as a Service (DaaS) A Gartner Magic Quadrant is a culmination of research in a specific market, giving end users a wide-angle view of the relative positions of the market's competitors. Gartner defines DaaS as the provision of virtual desktops by public cloud or other service providers. DaaS vendors incorporate a fully managed control plane service into their offerings, facilitating user connections while providing management capabilities for virtual desktop environments. Gartner Attribution & Disclaimers Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Desktop as a Service, Stuart Downes, Sunil Kumar, Todd Larivee, 5 August 2026. Gartner and Magic Quadrant are trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any company, vendor, product or service depicted in its publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's business and technology insights organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this publication, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. This graphic was published by Gartner, Inc. as part of a larger research document and should be evaluated in the context of the entire document. The Gartner document is available upon request from Parallels. About Parallels Parallels is a leading global provider in cross-platform and virtualization solutions that make it simple for businesses and individuals to securely access applications and data on any device, anywhere. Parallels operates two core businesses. Parallels Desktop enables individuals and organizations to run Windows applications on Mac computers, providing a seamless, native-like experience without changing devices or disrupting workflows. Parallels Workspace Solutions deliver simple, flexible, and secure virtual applications and desktops through Parallels RAS, Parallels DaaS, and Parallels Browser Isolation, offering a modern, cost-effective alternative to traditional VDI across hybrid and cloud environments. Together, Parallels businesses help customers reduce complexity, streamline IT operations, improve security, and deliver a seamless user experience across Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS, Android, and the cloud and emerging application models. To learn more, visit www.parallels.com. (C) 2026 Parallels International GmbH. All rights reserved. Parallels is a trademark or registered trademark of Parallels International GmbH in Canada, the United States and/or elsewhere. Mac and macOS are trademarks of Apple Inc. All other company, product and service names, logos, brands and any registered or unregistered trademarks mentioned are used for identification purposes only and remain the exclusive property of their respective owners. For all notices and legal information please visit www.parallels.com/about/legal/. Media Contact: [email protected] Magic Quadrant for Desktop as a Service. This graphic was published by Gartner, Inc. as part of a larger research document and should be evaluated in the context of the entire document. The Gartner document is available upon request from Parallels. Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

Parallels named a leader in two IDC MarketScape reports. Parallels has been recognized as a Leader in both the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Virtual Client Computing 2026 Vendor Assessment and the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Desktop as a Service 2026 Vendor Assessment. This marks the company's first appearance in the Leaders category for either evaluation, reflecting its continued innovation in helping organizations modernize digital workspaces across hybrid and diverse IT environments. According to the IDC MarketScape for Worldwide Virtual Client Computing, "Parallels stands out in the virtual cloud computing market by offering multi-hypervisor and multicloud compatibility that completely eliminates the need for forced infrastructure standardization." Enterprise Technology Additionally, "This broad compatibility provides IT organizations operating heterogeneous on-premises infrastructure or complex mixed-cloud strategies with a clear path to unified workspace management, allowing them to deploy the software successfully without requiring expensive infrastructure consolidation as a prerequisite." "We believe advancing to the Leaders category in both IDC MarketScapes is an important milestone for Parallels," said Elena Koryakina, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Parallels. "Organizations need digital workspace solutions that adapt to their existing IT environments, not the other way around. Our focus remains on helping customers modernize at their own pace while reducing complexity, improving operational efficiency, and delivering an exceptional user experience. We'll continue building on that foundation as enterprise requirements evolve and new technologies transform the digital workspace." Among the strengths listed for Parallels in the Worldwide Virtual Client Computing Vendor Assessment is Parallels RAS. The IDC MarketScape stated that "Parallels RAS integrates seamlessly across diverse environments, including Hyper-V, VMware, Nutanix, Scale Computing, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Web Services. To further expand this flexibility, Parallels features an open framework known as the Custom Provider Framework, which allows organizations to integrate virtually any third-party hypervisor or cloud platform via scriptable interfaces." The IDC MarketScape for Worldwide Desktop as a Service noted that "Parallels delivers specialized Windows-for-Mac application delivery with an unmatched level of depth. It provides a seamlessly managed Windows application environment directly on Mac hardware without necessitating a separate resource-heavy virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) session or external remote access setup."