Parallels Desktop 16 is Now Available, Supporting macOS Big Sur

Parallels Desktop 16 has released today, introducing support for macOS Big Sur. The software which enables users to run Windows, Linux, and other versions of macOS now features multi-touch gestures along with a few other notable details.

In Parallels Desktop 16 for macOS today. Now, when Apple launches macOS Big Sur later this fall, those who wish to run the virtualization software will indeed be ready for the shift. Parallels Desktop 16 also brings a suite of features including a 20 percent improvement in DirectX 11 performance and improved OpenGL 3 graphics on Windows and Linux.

In a press release, Parallels said: “Parallels invested more than 25-man-years of engineer programming to take full advantage of the new macOS Big Sur architecture and revamped kernel extensions to deliver our best Windows-on-Mac performance ever for our Parallels Desktop 16 customers,” said Nick Dobrovolskiy, Parallels Senior Vice President of Engineering and Support. “The innovative new features in Parallels Desktop 16 include the world’s first support for Metal applications with 3D capabilities running in a macOS Big Sur virtual machine on a macOS Big Sur host. Performance improvements include launching twice as fast*, up to 20 percent faster Windows resume and shutdown*, faster DirectX and more.”

Parallels Desktop 16 also offers increased battery life, with up to 10 additional hours when running Windows in Travel Mode. Virtual Machines will automatically free up unused disk space when shutting down. Parallels have also said Desktop 16 will support multi-touch gestures for Windows apps such as zoom and rotate via the trackpad.

For Pro Edition users, Parallels Desktop 16 supports the ability to name custom networks and export virtual machines in a compressed format. A plug-in for Microsoft Visual Studio has also launched, simplifying the testing of operating systems.

Parallels Desktop 16 does require systems to be operating on High Sierra 10.13 or later to run. A standard license can be purchased for $129.99 CAD. Existing users can upgrade to a perpetual license or Pro Edition for $64.99 CAD.