Parallels Desktop 20 makes AI development easier with macOS Sequoia support

As the competition for the best AI assistant intensifies, major tech companies are launching their own Large Language Models (LLMs), often restricted to their ecosystems. However, Parallels Desktop is set to bridge this gap by enabling users to run Apple Intelligence on Windows 11 through virtual machines on Mac, as revealed in an email from the company. While this feature will require macOS Sequoia 15.1 to roll out, Parallels Desktop 20 is already optimized for macOS Sequoia and brings some exciting updates for users.

This update introduces seamless integration with Apple ID, allowing Mac users to log into their virtual machines effortlessly. Parallels Desktop remains the only third-party software recognized by Microsoft for running Windows 11 on macOS, underscoring its reliability and performance.

Another anticipated feature is the upcoming support for Apple’s AI-powered Writing Tools, which will soon be accessible on Windows through Parallels. As Apple’s AI strategy, known as Apple Intelligence, rolls out across its devices, this move by Parallels will give users more flexibility to harness the power of AI across platforms. This capability could significantly elevate the user experience, especially for those balancing both macOS and Windows environments.

Parallels Desktop 20 also comes with a host of performance improvements, particularly for developers. The new “Parallels AI Package” includes a preconfigured virtual machine with 14 AI development toolsets, making AI experimentation and development more accessible. The ability to run these tools offline adds a layer of security, ideal for sensitive projects. From the announcement post:

Perhaps the most exciting feature of this release is the introduction of the Parallels AI Package, now available in the extension catalog. These allow developers to start working and experimenting with AI at a low cost, with quick onboarding, and the ability to test on different configurations, including those without network access.

For businesses, the Enterprise edition of Parallels Desktop now includes advanced management portals and DevOps tools, further simplifying workflows for developers and teams. This edition offers enhanced security, such as SOC 2 Type 2 compliance and volume licensing, ensuring that critical applications remain protected.