Following last year's launchParallels Desktop 17 for Mac, and after announcing the launch of Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac a few days ago, Parallels also announced the launch news in Taiwan today (8/19).
Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac, in addition to being optimized for macOS 13 Ventura and Windows 11, further enhances compatibility with Apple's ProMotion display technology, adds native support for Xbox and Sony DualShock 4 or DualSense Bluetooth controllers, and improves compatibility with Apple Silicon processors. It is claimed that it can increase the execution speed of Windows 11 by up to 96% in a Mac hardware environment.
This update also optimizes processors such as the M1 Pro, M1 Ultra, and M2 that can handle higher memory capacities. Other updates include enhancing the experience of using external devices such as webcams and image capture devices that stream data via USB 3.0, while also improving the stability of virtual environments.
In addition, Corel announced the acquisition of Parallels at the end of 2018 and the remote secure connection collaboration service provider Awingu in June this year. In the future, it will also integrate Awingu's related functions with the Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) service, allowing users to more securely connect remotely through their own devices, thereby ensuring greater operational flexibility while ensuring information privacy.
Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac is available in versions for home and students, as well as Parallels Desktop Pro Edition for developers, testers, and advanced users. Parallels Desktop Business Edition is also available for corporate-scale environments.
The Home and Student versions offer a one-year perpetual license and an annual subscription version, respectively. Parallels Desktop Pro Edition and Parallels Desktop Business Edition are only available as annual subscriptions. Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac users also have an upgrade plan, and a relatively low-priced plan is also available for student users.
As for the differences between the versions, the main ones are the number of virtualized CPU cores and the maximum corresponding memory capacity. Parallels Desktop Pro Edition can additionally simulate a 32-core CPU and a 128GB memory environment, and provides virtual network settings, which can be operated and set up through the command line or through SSH remote connection function. As for Parallels Desktop Business Edition, it provides centralized management, large-scale operating system authorization deployment, as well as automated settings and advanced encryption protection functions to meet enterprise needs.
The suggested retail price in Taiwan for the standard version of Parallels Desktop 18 for Mac is US$129.99, which is approximately NT$3900. The suggested retail price for the one-year subscription version is US$99.99, which is approximately NT$3000. The annual subscriptions for Parallels Desktop Pro Edition and Parallels Desktop Business Edition are priced at US$119.99 and US$149.99, respectively, which is approximately NT$3600 and NT$4500.
The upgrade fee for the existing version is US$69.99, which is approximately NT$2100. Student users can order it at US$49.99, or approximately NT$1500.
