Parallels 15 landed this week as a major new version of the Windows virtualization software for Mac. The latest update brings support for macOS Catalina, Apple’s next OS update for Mac coming later this fall, including support for features like Sidecar external display functionality with iPad and Apple Pencil. Parallels 15 also now uses Apple’s Metal API for improved graphics and DirectX 11 to allow compatibility with new CAD apps, PC games, and more.
Parallels announced the release of version 15 this week. One of the headlining features is the adoption of Apple’s Metal API and support for Microsoft DirectX 11. That means a host of CAD and CAM apps plus PC game titles are now an option for Mac users running Windows with Parallels that just couldn’t be supported before.
That makes Parallels 15 a huge deal for both gamers and graphics-intensive app users.
Further, the graphics improvements along with support for macOS Catalina mean that Parallels 15 will work with Apple’s upcoming external display feature, Sidecar, which leverages iPad and Apple Pencil to create a true second-display experience for your Mac at home or on the road. See the feature in action below:
Parallels 15 can also use macOS Catalina as a virtual machine in addition to being a host.
Bluetooth LE support is another new feature that will bring compatibility with devices like Xbox controllers, Logitech peripherals, other devices that rely on the low energy wireless connection.
Pro and Business versions of Parallels 15 include even more features including special support for vTPM and physical disks for the first time. This is something Parallels says has been highly requested from business customers.
Parallels 15 and its support for macOS Catalina before release as well as new features like Sidecar on iPad with iOS 13 show just how forward-looking the VM software maker is right now.
Additionally, Parallels Desktop Pro Edition and Business Edition users can connect physical disks (both internal and external) to a VM as logically internal disk.
Customers can also expect the experience using more advanced features like Coherence for mixing Windows apps with the macOS desktop experience to be easier to understand with this release.
Parallels 15 is available as an upgrade or new purchase for Home & Student, Pro, and Business Editions. Pricing starts at $50 for the Home & Student edition as an upgrade and runs $80 as a new purchase. The Pro version costs $50/year as an upgrade, with the Pro and Business Editions running $100/year for new subscriptions.
Check out another feature video below and the Parallels 15 landing page for more details:
