Parallels Desktop 26 has been released with updated support for macOS Tahoe 26 and Windows 11 25H with further upgrades expected as both those operating systems are updated. Parallels Desktop 26 is designed to support changes that coming to macOS Tahoe 26 so background processes, including setup routines and Coherence mode, can run like normal.
Parallels has decided to adopt the same version number as Apple with future releases to match both the year it was designed for and the version of macOS it supports to make it easy to ensure you have the right version.
It’s been almost 20 years since the first version of parallels was released. So, as you’d expect, the software is quite mature with the changes now about refinement and ensuring it is easier to manage. For example, system administrators can install customised virtual machine deployments with different disk images for specific uses as well as the ability to more easily deploy individual applications and system updates to Windows virtual machines.
Environments with many Macs are likely familiar with JAMF, a tool for managing fleets of Apple gear. This new release gives IT teams the power to monitor and manage Windows OS updates within Windows VMs using Jamf Pro and other mobile device management systems.
There’s a free 14 day trial if you want to try Parallels 26. If you like it, annual subscriptions are also available.
- Parallels Desktop for Mac: $115 per year
- Parallels Desktop Pro for Mac: $140 per year
- Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition: $175 per year
There are discounts for the first year.
There’s also an enterprise edition with prices available on request.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.