Parallels, a popular maker of virtualization software for Apple products and the only Microsoft-approved solution for running Windows on Apple Silicon, is releasing a major update for Parallels Desktop. Like Apple with its new naming schema for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and other systems, Parallels is moving to version numbers that are tied to the current (next) year. As such, Parallels Desktop 26 is here. The latest release introduces optimizations for Windows 11 version 25H2, full macOS 26 Tahoe support, and more.
In addition to full support for the next operating systems from Apple and Microsoft, Parallels Desktop 26 features improvements to background process handling on macOS 26 and accurate Mac disk visibility in Windows-based virtual machines. The latter gives users better control during storage-intensive tasks and helps avoid freezes or crashes that could occur when running out of storage.
Parallels Desktop 26 also has several updates for enterprise users and IT admins, such as the ability to monitor and manage Windows virtual machine updates with Jamf Pro or other mobile device management platforms, a new guide about setting up a single Windows app without giving users access to the Windows operating system or Parallels Desktop interface, SOC 2 Type II Compliance, and granular policy controls for secure VM environments so that all virtual machines within an organization comply with security policies.
Prallels Desktop 26 for Mac is now available for $99.99 per year. A perpetual license will set you back $219.99. Pro Edition costs $119.99 per year, and Business Edition $149.99 per year. Additionally, you can update from any previous Parallels Desktop release to version 26 for $69.99. A free trial and enterprise licenses are also available. You can read more about Parallels Desktop 26 in a blog post on the official Parallels website.