Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac has officially been launched, marking a significant update for Mac users seeking virtualization solutions. Designed for compatibility, the software is optimized for the upcoming macOS Sonoma and offers a refreshed user interface.
Compatibility and Broadened Support
One of the standout features of Parallels Desktop 19 is its unique position as the only recognized method for running Windows 11 on ARM on a laptop without a Qualcomm processor, especially after Apple’s decision to discontinue Boot Camp. Beyond its compatibility with macOS Mojave and the soon-to-be-released macOS Sonoma, Parallels Desktop 19 expands its support for Linux. Users can now integrate with the latest distributions of Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and CentOS, ensuring a broader range of functionalities.
New Features in Parallels Desktop 19
Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac introduces many improvements, including the ability to use Touch ID for signing into Windows 11 Virtual Machines (VMs), performance enhancements via OpenGL 4.1, and improved printing functionality. Here is a summary of all the new features:
All editions of Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac:
- Full support for macOS Sonoma 14 both as a primary OS and in a virtual machine.
- New application icon, redesigned dialogs, alerts, and confirmation dialogs for enhanced user interaction.
- Integration with Mac’s Touch ID for logging into Windows 10 or 11 virtual machines.
- Graphics support for OpenGL up to version 4.1 in Windows, benefiting applications like ArcGIS CityEngine 2023 and Vectorworks Vision 2023.
- Improved printing protocol on macOS Sonoma.
- Enhanced keyboard functionality in Microsoft Edge.
- Support for the latest Linux distributions such as Ubuntu 22.04.2, Fedora 38, and Debian 12.
- Ability to pause and resume macOS virtual machines on Apple silicon.
Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac Pro Edition:
- Improved compatibility with HashiCorp Packer.
- x86_64 emulation for Linux on Apple silicon.
- New Visual Studio Code extension for Parallels Desktop.
- Port forwarding ability with macOS virtual machines on Apple silicon.
Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac Business Edition:
- Support for enrolling Windows virtual machines in management solutions like Intune.
- Deployment support for Parallels Desktop with a macOS virtual machine on Apple silicon Macs.
What was removed from Parallels Desktop 19:
- macOS 10.14, 10.15, and 11 will not run Parallels Desktop 19.
- Older Windows OS versions (2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1) are no longer supported on Intel Macs.
- Certain features like “Print to PDF (Mac Desktop)” and “Transfer Windows from PC” have been removed.
Pricing and Availability
For those interested in integrating Parallels Desktop into their workflow, the software is available at a price of $99.99 annually. A perpetual license option is also available at $129.99. Existing users of previous versions have the opportunity to upgrade at special prices, making the transition smoother.
