Parallels is introducing a new major version of its software to run alternative operating systems on a Mac. Parallels Desktop 16 brings a lot of powerful new features and also fits nicely into macOS Big Sur.
Parallels introduces Parallels Desktop 16. The most striking change to the new edition is that the design now matches the latest version of macOS: Big Sur. However, it is mostly under-the-hood features that boost Parallels’ Windows (or Linux) -on-Mac experience.
Five new possibilities stand out. First and foremost, the developers improved support for DirectX 11 and OpenGL. Performance should improve by 20 percent. The software then runs more efficiently, which should extend the autonomy of your MacBook by ten percent when you use Parallels on the go. If you shut down a virtual machine, the one with version 16 will be able to automatically return unused disk space to the system.
Pro and Business Versions
Parallels Desktop 16 will also receive support for multi-touch gestures in Windows apps. That should improve the Windows experience as that support is standard for genuine Windows laptops. Finally, Parallels provides a small but much needed improvement in the printing capabilities of the tool: you can now print double-sided. Supported paper sizes then expand from 10 to envelope.
Parallels immediately comes out with improvements that are exclusive to the pro version of its software. For example, you can name custom networks for a better overview and export VMs as solid files for easier transfer to new hardware. The Business Edition takes it one step further with pre-configurable VMs, smoother installation on macOS Big Sur without a reboot, and passwordless updates.
Price and availability
All editions of Parallels Desktop 16 are available immediately. Who has a subscription on a previous edition can upgrade economically. An upgrade costs 49.99 euros from any version to the standard or pro edition. A new subscription costs 99.99 euros for the Pro and Business editions, the standard edition costs 79.99 euros.
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