Parallels Desktop 26: Customizations for macOS 26 and more
Parallels starts its annual VM tool update round: Parallels Desktop 20 becomes – in time with Apple's new numbering – Parallels Desktop 26.
Parallels 26 under Tahoe with Tahoe and Windows 11 VMs.
(Image: Parallels)
Parallels Desktop is skipping five version numbers: From release 20, which appeared last September, it's going straight up to 26. The Alludo/Corel subsidiary is thus following Apple's new scheme, in which there are no longer any normal version numbers, but the number of the coming year is always used, as was once the case with Windows. So macOS 26 alias Tahoe is Parallels Desktop 26. The VM tool is getting some new features for the new release year, although they are not revolutionary.
Necessary adjustments to Tahoe
With Parallels Desktop, it is still possible to create and run virtual machines with Windows, macOS or Linux operating systems. This allows you to access other programs or test new versions in parallel with the main operating system. Parallels Desktop 26's main innovation is full compatibility with macOS 26 alias Tahoe as a guest operating system (VM already works), which should be released in September, plus full support for Windows 11 25H2 as a VM.
Parallels Desktop 26 will also be visually adapted to Tahoe – at least in some areas. According to the manufacturer, internal adjustments had to be made to be able to work with Apple's more restrictive background processes under macOS 26. The Coherence mode, which combines Windows VM and macOS, is thus retained. Windows VMs can now also read the SSD memory available on the Mac, which was not technically possible before. This eliminates a potential source of frustration (crashes, freezes).
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New features for Enterprise and Admins
Business users and admins get help for single-app deployment in Windows (new documentation), there are new Jamf MDM functions for monitoring and managing updates, and soon granular policy controls for more secure virtual machines in the Parallels Enterprise Management Portal. Finally, Parallels Desktop 26 has received a renewed SoC 2 Type II certification, which should please some IT teams.
Parallels 26 is currently available for normal users from 65 euros per year, a one-off purchase costs 190 euros. The Pro edition currently starts at 78 euros per year and is only available as a subscription. Parallels currently sells the Business Edition for just under 100 euros. Anyone with an annual subscription can upgrade immediately.
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