Parallels Releases Parallels Desktop 15 for Mac with DirectX 11 Support

Parallels has released Parallels Desktop 15. The new version of the software that allows Mac users to virtually run other operating systems includes support for DirectX 11 and takes advantage of some new features in macOS Catalina 10.15.

With version 15, Parallels Desktop makes the move from OpenGL to Metal, Apple’s hardware-accelerated graphics API. This enabled developer Parallels to build in support for DirectX 11. According to Parallels, this means that users can now also use applications such as Autodesk Revit 2020, Lumion and ArcGIS Pro 2.3 without any problems. In addition, the software supports several games, including Age of Empires: Definitive Edition, Crysis 3, Space Engineers and Risk of Rain 2. Parallels Desktop 13 and 14 lack support for DirectX 11.

Parallels Desktop 15 also picks up on some new features in macOS Catalina 10.15, which is expected in the fall. For example, via Sidecar it is possible to use an iPad as a second screen for the virtualized operating system. There is also full support for the Apple Pencil and for Sign in with Apple, a new way to sign in to apps and websites.

Also new is the ability to store Windows passwords in Apple’s Keychain, send Mac files at the touch of a button via Windows Mail, and use a MacBook’s Touch Bar for Windows applications. Parallels further states that Microsoft Office applications will now start up to eighty percent faster.

Parallels Desktop 15 for Home & Student is available as a one-time purchase for one hundred euros or with a subscription formula of eighty euros per year. An annual license on the more extensive Pro and Business Editions costs one hundred euros. Upgrading a previous version to Parallels Desktop 15 is possible from fifty euros.

Parallels Desktop 15 supports the Sidecar feature of macOS Catalina. Photo: Parallels