Parallels Desktop 18 simplifies installing Windows 11 on Apple Silicon, adds new SSO licensing, and improves Xbox and PS4 controller support - 9to5Mac

Parallels Desktop 18 includes substantial enhancements to the core, changes to enable IT managers to deploy Parallels and Windows across their environments, and support for the latest macOS operating systems.

For Mac users who need to run Windows applications, Parallels 18 aims to simplify the process and speed up workflows.

Users can run over 200,000 Windows apps and classic games on macOS using Parallels 18.

The standard edition of Parallels 18 is optimized for the macOS Ventura release to support new features and functionality and deliver exceptional performance.

For those running Windows games on macOS through Parallels, version 18 adds automatic sharing of Xbox or DualShock Bluetooth game controllers with Windows and Linux.

Once macOS Ventura is released, you’ll have the option to run Windows app inside of Stage Manager.

“We are proud of our engineering team that continues to be at the forefront of innovation to offer a remarkably more powerful and seamless Parallels Desktop for Mac experience to our users, that is integrated with the latest macOS Ventura, optimized for the latest Apple hardware, and offers valuable features to deliver even better productivity and performance,” said Prashant Ketkar, Chief Technology and Product Officer at Corel.

On Apple Silicon, it supports Windows 11, Windows 10, macOS Ventura and Monterey, Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian GBU, RHEL, CentOS, and Kali.

Parallels have streamlined the installation process for Apple Silicon and removed the need to join the Microsoft Insider program to download an ARM-compatible version.

Through SaaS apps, Catalyst apps, and web apps – the need for Windows apps on macOS might have diminished for some users.

For those that want to play Windows games, use the PC version of Microsoft Office, or have specific PC use cases, Parallels 18 looks to be a solid upgrade that builds on the previous version?