Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac: A Comprehensive Overview of New Features and Enhancements
The world of virtualization for Mac users has taken another leap forward with the release of Parallels Desktop 19. This powerful software has been a game-changer for professionals, developers, creatives, and enthusiasts, allowing them to harness multiple operating systems' capabilities.
Introducing a Groundbreaking Upgrade in Parallels Desktop 19
Experience a new era of Mac virtualization with Parallels Desktop 19, where exceptional features and enhancements redefine your computing capabilities. Whether you're a power user or an organization looking to streamline device management, this article will dive deep into what's new in Parallels Desktop 19 and explore how these enhancements benefit different user groups.
Compatibility With MacOS Sonoma Upgrade
One of the cornerstone features of Parallels Desktop has always been its commitment to compatibility with macOS updates. With the advent of macOS Sonoma 14, a critical change was introduced as the software module CGPSConverter, responsible for converting PostScript files, was removed. This move rendered the Shared Printing feature obsolete as it relied on CGPSConverter for Windows printing through Mac-shared printers.
Understanding the significance of printing for many Parallels Desktop users, the team of engineers at Parallels promptly re-engineered the Shared Printing feature, switching to the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). IPP has become the gold standard in printing and not only restores essential printing capabilities but also holds the potential to expose more printer-specific features to Windows, a prospect currently under exploration. In addition to addressing printing concerns, Parallels Desktop 19 also brings improvements to running macOS Sonoma in a virtual machine, enhancing the overall user experience.
Design Overhaul
As a Mac application, Parallels Desktop has always adhered to Apple's design aesthetics principles. In this release, the design has undergone a meticulous revamp to align with modern macOS design guidelines. The most noticeable change is the introduction of a new application icon that reflects the latest design trends. The team didn't settle for simply placing the old icon on a familiar rounded-cornered white tile but instead reimagined how the app is visually represented within macOS.
The new icon portrays a laptop, a significant shift from the previous iMac-themed background. This change aligns with the metaphor of Parallels Desktop running in the background, enabling users to operate multiple operating systems and software seamlessly. Furthermore, the upper-left corner, which previously featured a mysterious hole, has been addressed with the addition of a rectangle with a dot—a nod to the new Parallels branding that unifies all Parallels products under a single keychain for organizations.
Integration With Mac: Use Touch ID for Windows Sign-In
One of the standout features of Parallels Desktop 19 is the integration of Apple's Touch ID with Windows sign-in and Parallels Desktop installation. This innovation simplifies and secures the Windows login process. If your Windows 10 or 11 system relies on a PIN or password, upgrading to Parallels Desktop 19 will prompt Windows to use the new Parallels credential provided, saving your Windows password in the Mac Keychain with Touch ID protection. Subsequently, you can sign into Windows using Touch ID—an elegant and secure solution.
Users also have the option to manage saved passwords with ease, providing flexibility in authentication methods. This feature is particularly valuable for users of Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition in organizations that enforce stringent security policies requiring Windows to be protected with a password.
Professional Windows Software on Mac: OpenGL Improvements and More
Parallels Desktop has long been the tool for architecture, engineering, and design professionals requiring Windows applications. With Parallels Desktop 19, OpenGL support has been elevated to version 4.1, expanding compatibility with Windows-only CAD software, including VariCAD and Vectorworks Vision 2023. Additionally, this release addresses performance concerns for ArcGIS Pro users, enhancing their experience with the software.
Key Features of Parallels Desktop 19
- Enhanced OpenGL support: Elevating OpenGL support to version 4.1, Parallels Desktop 19 significantly widens compatibility with Windows-exclusive CAD software, including VariCAD, Vectorworks Vision 2023, and more.
- Improved ArcGIS Pro performance: This release addresses performance concerns for ArcGIS Pro users, providing them with a smoother and more efficient experience while working with geographic and spatial data.
- Seamless cross-platform workflows: Parallels Desktop continues to enable professionals in architecture, engineering, and design to seamlessly integrate Windows applications into their Mac environments, streamlining their workflows.
- Enhanced productivity: With Parallels Desktop 19, professionals can access a broader range of specialized Windows software without compromising productivity or performance on their Mac systems.
- Greater compatibility: The updated OpenGL support ensures compatibility with a more comprehensive range of Windows applications, allowing users to leverage the full potential of their software tools.
MacOS VM on Apple Silicon: Easier Installation and More Controls
For Macs equipped with Apple silicon, Parallels Desktop 19 introduces significant improvements for macOS virtual machines. These enhancements include streamlined VM installation using an IPSW image, basic VM operations (restart, shutdown, pause-resume) accessible via the UI menu or Parallels CLI, and support for two-finger Trackpad gestures within the VM for scrolling and zooming. Mass deployment of Parallels Desktop with macOS virtual machines on Apple silicon is also simplified, making it easier for organizations to manage their virtual environments.
Using Packer With Parallels VM
Acknowledging the need for automation, Parallels Desktop 19 collaborates with HashiCorp to enhance the Parallels Provider for Packer and Vagrant. This upgrade eliminates the need for using Parallels SDK and Python, simplifying the workflow for software developers and testers. The upgrade also introduces the ability to create and configure a macOS virtual machine on Apple Silicon, accompanied by a range of sample templates available on GitHub.
Linux on Apple Silicon: Run x86 Docker Containers
Developers can rejoice as Parallels Desktop 19 now supports running x86 Docker containers and Microsoft SQL Server on Macs with Apple silicon. This is facilitated by a ready-to-go Ubuntu Linux Arm VM, configured to run x86 Docker containers using Apple's Rosetta 2 technology. Introducing x86 emulation within a Linux Arm VM offers developers and power users unprecedented flexibility.
Device Management in an Organization: Enroll Windows to Microsoft Intune
Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac Business Edition goes the extra mile by introducing seamless integration with Microsoft Intune, an organization's leading platform for device management.
Here's a closer look at the key benefits and features of this integration:
- Effortless enrollment: Parallels Desktop 19 simplifies the enrollment process for Windows 11 devices in Microsoft Intune. Administrators no longer need to rely solely on mass deployment scenarios, streamlining the process and reducing administrative overhead.
- Enhanced control: With this integration, administrators gain enhanced control over Windows devices within the organization. They can enforce security policies, manage updates, and easily ensure compliance, all from a centralized Intune console.
- Flexible deployment options: Whether provisioning Windows virtual machines via the Parallels My Account web app or sharing Windows images via cloud storage, the enrollment process is now more flexible than ever. This flexibility accommodates various deployment scenarios and organizational needs.
- Security and compliance: Security remains a top priority in today's digital landscape. By enrolling Windows 11 devices in Microsoft Intune via Parallels Desktop 19, organizations can bolster their security posture, protect sensitive data, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
Takeaway
Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac is a testament to the commitment of Parallels to deliver cutting-edge virtualization solutions for Mac users. With a keen focus on compatibility, user experience, and enhanced capabilities, this release caters to a wide range of users, from professionals to developers and organizations.
The integration of Touch ID, OpenGL improvements, Linux support on Apple silicon, and simplified deployment options make Parallels Desktop 19 a must-have tool for anyone seeking to harness the full potential of their Mac. As the virtualization landscape evolves, Parallels Desktop remains at the forefront, empowering users to run multiple operating systems without compromise.
Compare Parallels Desktop Editions