Parallels Desktop 27 for Mac is professional virtualization software that allows users to run Windows, Linux, and other supported operating systems alongside macOS without restarting the Mac. It is designed for professionals, developers, engineers, designers, IT administrators, and users who need access to Windows-only applications while continuing to work within macOS. Parallels Desktop 27 was released on August 25, 2026. Parallels

Version 27 is focused particularly on Apple Silicon Macs, introducing a new Metal-based graphics driver with hardware-accelerated OpenGL 4.3 support. Parallels reports substantially improved OpenGL performance, with up to 160% faster OpenGL graphics on Macs with M3 chips and newer in selected workloads. This expands compatibility with professional Windows applications such as ArcGIS Pro, ZWCAD, and Blender 4.3. Parallels

Parallels Desktop 27 also introduces AI acceleration for Windows and Linux virtual machines on Apple M4 and newer Macs through support for Scalable Matrix Extension (SME2) instructions. Parallels reports up to 7× faster matrix operations and up to 1.75× faster neural-network inference in selected workloads. This makes the release particularly relevant to developers working with local AI and machine-learning applications. Parallels

The software provides deep integration between Windows and macOS. Windows applications can appear alongside Mac applications through Coherence Mode, while supported files, folders, clipboard content, keyboards, and connected devices can be shared between operating systems. Parallels can also guide users through Windows 11 installation and supports multiple virtual machines in the Pro and Business editions. Parallels

Parallels Desktop 27 is Apple Silicon-only; support for Intel Macs, Boot Camp, and macOS Ventura 13 was removed in version 27. It supports Apple Silicon Macs from M1 through M5, while the new AI acceleration requires M4 or newer. Parallels

Key Features

• Windows virtualization on Mac
• Windows 11 on ARM support for Apple Silicon
• Linux virtual machines
• macOS virtual machines where supported
• Run Windows applications alongside Mac applications
• Coherence Mode
• Full-screen and windowed virtual-machine modes
• Shared folders and clipboard integration
• Shared Mac devices with supported guest operating systems
• Guided Windows 11 installation
• New Metal-based OpenGL 4.3 graphics driver
• Hardware-accelerated OpenGL 4.3
• Improved 3D graphics performance
• Support improvements for ArcGIS Pro, ZWCAD, Blender and other professional applications
• DirectX graphics acceleration
• Apple Silicon optimization
• SME2 support on M4 and newer Macs
• Local AI and machine-learning acceleration
• Support for multiple virtual machines
• Snapshots and VM management
• Developer tools and command-line interface in Pro
• REST API and automation capabilities
• CI/CD and DevOps workflows
• Jenkins dynamic VM provisioning
• Enterprise deployment and centralized management
• SSO improvements
• Jamf and Intune integration for Business deployments
• Support for professional Windows software without dual-booting

What’s New

• Parallels Desktop 27.0.0 released August 25, 2026. Parallels Knowledge Base
• New Metal-based OpenGL 4.3 graphics driver.
• Up to 160% faster OpenGL graphics performance on M3 and newer Macs in selected tests.
• Up to 35% faster ArcGIS Pro 3D rendering in selected workloads.
• SME2 support for Windows and Linux VMs on Apple M4 and newer Macs.
• Up to 7× faster AI/ML matrix operations in selected tests.
• Up to 1.75× faster neural-network inference in selected workloads.
• Improved professional Windows application compatibility.
• Native graphical interface for Parallels DevOps Service.
• Jenkins dynamic provisioning for automated build and test environments.
• Improved SSO and enterprise-management capabilities. Parallels
• Intel Mac support and Boot Camp support removed from Parallels Desktop 27. Parallels Knowledge Base
• 27.0.2 is the latest Standard/Pro release listed by Parallels as of October 2026; Business/Enterprise updates follow a separate release schedule. Parallels Knowledge Base

Professional Applications

• Running Windows-only business applications on Mac
• Engineering and CAD software
• Architecture and design applications
• GIS and mapping applications
• Software development and testing
• Local AI and machine-learning development
• Windows application compatibility testing
• Linux development environments
• DevOps and CI/CD automation
• Enterprise virtualization
• IT administration
• Microsoft Office and business applications
• Financial and accounting software
• Web development
• Database development and testing
• Running multiple operating systems simultaneously

System Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Mac: Apple Silicon M1 or newer
• Operating System: macOS Sonoma 14 or newer
• RAM: 4GB minimum for basic workloads
• Storage: 600MB for the Parallels application, plus additional storage for virtual machines
• Windows VM: At least 16GB storage required for Windows 11
• Graphics: Apple Silicon integrated GPU
• Internet: Required for downloading/activating operating systems and software where applicable
• Intel Macs: Not supported by Parallels Desktop 27
• Boot Camp: Not supported in version 27 Parallels Knowledge Base

Recommended Requirements

• Mac: Apple M2 Pro/Max/Ultra or newer
• Operating System: Latest supported macOS
• RAM: 16GB or more
• Storage: Fast SSD with substantial additional capacity for Windows/Linux virtual machines
• Graphics: Apple Silicon GPU
• Professional workloads: M3/M4/M5 Pro, Max or Ultra recommended
• AI workloads: Apple M4 or newer for SME2 acceleration
• Multiple VMs: 32GB+ unified memory recommended
• Professional 3D: Higher-memory Apple Silicon configuration recommended for demanding Windows graphics applications