Parallels Desktop 27 brings OpenGL 4.3 support
The ultimate tool for running Windows on Macs better than Windows runs on PCs, Parallels Desktop 27 brings in a host of new features, not least OpenGL 4.3 support to improve graphics compatibility and performance.
Faster, better, and compatible
This release also introduces AI acceleration on Apple silicon, helping developers build and test AI workloads locally with faster machine learning performance.
“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.”
What’s new in Parallels 27?
Introduction of the new Metal-based graphics driver brings hardware-accelerated OpenGL 4.3 support to Windows virtual machines on Apple silicon for the very first time.
The new driver meets the minimum OpenGL graphics level requirements for more professional Windows applications, including ArcGIS Pro, ZWCAD, and Blender 4.3, making it invaluable for high-end tasks in engineering, architecture, or design; or up to 35% faster 3D rendering in ArcGIS Pro
Parallels Desktop 27 now supports Scalable Matrix Extension (SME) instructions in Linux and Windows virtual machines running on M4 and newer Macs. What that means to most people is that you’ll get much faster performance when building AI or machine learning workflows – no cloud required.
Good for enterprise IT
There are good improvements for enterprise customers who can now 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. Secure Golden Images Provisioning supports secure distribution of approved virtual-machine images through enterprise storage. Together, these capabilities help organizations stay secure, deploy efficiently and reduce virtualization management complexity.
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.
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