Parallels, which specializes in cross-platform virtualization solutions, has announced Parallels Desktop 27.
The company says it expands the range of professional Windows applications users can run on Apple Silicon Macs through a new Metal-based graphics driver with OpenGL 4.3 support. This release also introduces AI acceleration on Apple silicon, helping developers build and test AI workloads locally with faster machine learning performance, according to Elena Koryakina, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Parallels.
Parallels Desktop is the only third-party virtualization solution currently authorized by Microsoft to run Windows in a virtualized environment on Apple Silicon.
Parallels Desktop 27 introduces a new Metal-based graphics driver that brings hardware-accelerated OpenGL 4.3 support to Windows virtual machines on Apple Silicon. Koryakina says the new driver meets the minimum OpenGL graphics level requirements for more professional Windows applications, including ArcGIS Pro, ZWCAD, and Blender 4.3, expanding compatibility while improving graphics performance for users in engineering, architecture, GIS, design, and other technical industries.
Koryakina says highlights include:
- New Metal-based OpenGL 4.3 graphics driver
- Up to 160% faster OpenGL graphics performance on Macs with M3 chips and newer
- Up to 35% faster 3D rendering in ArcGIS Pro, reducing overall workflow time by up to 24%*
New developer capabilities include:
- SME2 instruction support for Linux and Windows VMs on M4 and newer Macs
- Up to 7x faster AI and machine learning matrix operations
- Up to 1.75x faster neural network inference**
- Improved performance for AI tools used in VMs such as Ollama and llama.cpp
Trial and Availability
Parallels Desktop 27 for Mac is designed exclusively for Apple Silicon Macs and is available in Standard, Pro, Business, and Enterprise editions. It can be purchased or upgraded at www.parallels.com or from authorized resellers worldwide.
For more information about Parallels products, to download a free trial, or to purchase a subscription, please visit www.parallels.com.
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