Parallels announced the launch of Parallels Desktop 20 for Mac. This latest version marks a significant milestone with the introduction of AI capabilities, offering secure, downloadable AI-ready virtual machines designed to be managed and operated offline to streamline AI application development. Fully compatible with macOS Sequoia and Windows 11 24H2, it also introduces a management portal as a part of the new Enterprise Edition, alongside numerous updates for Windows, macOS and Linux VMs.
Parallels Desktop is the only virtualization solution authorized by Microsoft to run Windows in a virtualized environment on Apple silicon. This gives developers and users choice across their favorite user and development environments.
Key highlights of Parallels Desktop 20 include:
- New Parallels AI Package*: To make AI development more accessible, this all-in-one solution includes a virtual machine pre-loaded with 14 AI development toolsets, sample code, and instructions, enabling developers to experiment with and deploy AI quickly. With just a click, users can download the Parallels virtual machine ready for AI and run a third-party small language model inside it, while completely disconnected from the Internet. The package offers offline, secure environments and allows users to customize resources and disable network access for enhanced privacy. Learn more at parallels.com/products/desktop/ai.
“As PCs become more AI-capable, we believe AI will soon be standard on every desktop. This shift challenges developers to update their applications to fully leverage AI-enabled PCs,” said Prashant Ketkar, CTO at Parallels. “That’s why we created the Parallels AI Package: to equip development teams-whether experts or beginners-with accessible AI models and code suggestions. This enables ISVs to build AI-enabled applications in minutes, significantly boosting productivity for every software development team using a Mac.”
- macOS Sequoia Compatibility: Users can enjoy Apple’s new AI-powered Writing Tools with Windows apps, sign in to Apple ID in macOS virtual machines on Apple silicon, and more (available when macOS Sequoia is released).
- Windows 11 24H2 Support: Optimizations ensure users’ workflows remain uninterrupted while running legacy Windows apps which get up to an 80% performance boost for some workloads thanks to the improved Prism emulator built into Windows 11 on Arm.
- Seamless compatibility with Windows applications through new shared folders technology:Improves performance with a variety of apps and installers, such as Mathematica or NinjaTrader, and delivers up to 4x faster operations on Mac files in Linux VMs.
For Businesses:
- New Enterprise Edition including Management Portal: The most advanced offering yet, designed for organizations needing greater control, visibility, and efficiency in managing Parallels Desktop virtual machines and security policies. The new Edition unlocks, advanced licensing option that supports both SSO and volume license, premium support and onboarding.
- SOC 2 Report: Parallels Desktop has attained a SOC 2 Type 2 report and undergoes regular third-party penetration testing, supporting upholding standards for security and reliability.
For IT Pros and Developers:
- Enhanced DevOps Services: Build software in Windows, Linux and macOS VMs on Macs anywhere. Learn more at parallels.com/solutions/devops/
- Enhanced Visual Studio Code Extension: Simplifies access to the AI package and integrates Microsoft Copilot, allowing users to control virtual machines using natural language.
- Snapshots and OCR-powered Packer: Enhanced features for macOS virtual machines on Apple Silicon Macs.
For more details on all new features, visit parallels.com/blogs/product-updates-parallels-desktop-20/.
