Parallels Desktop 26 fully supports Intel-based Mac computers today, and that will not change. Starting with Parallels Desktop 27, the app requires a Mac with Apple silicon. If you are running an Intel Mac, you can keep using Parallels Desktop 26 and expect future security and maintenance updates.
Why Parallels Desktop 27 is Apple silicon only
The change follows Apple's own roadmap, not a decision Parallels made on its own.
macOS 26 Tahoe was the last version of macOS built to run on Intel-based Macs. macOS 27 Golden Gate, arriving this fall, is Apple silicon only. Since Parallels Desktop 27 is built for macOS 27, it inherits the same requirement and cannot be installed on an Intel Mac.
In practice, this mirrors a transition Apple began five years ago when it introduced Apple silicon.
What this means if you have an Intel Mac
Nothing changes for you today. Specifically:
- Parallels Desktop 26 keeps working. It continues to run on Intel hardware, with no forced upgrade and no loss of functionality.
- Support continues. Free email support for Parallels Desktop 26 runs through August 26, 2027. See the Lifecycle Announcement for Parallels Desktop for Mac for the full schedule.
- Your Mac keeps getting security updates. Apple has confirmed it will provide security updates for Intel-based Macs for three more years.
How to check which chip your Mac has?
- Click the Apple menu and choose About This Mac.
- Look at the Chip (Apple silicon) or Processor (Intel) field.
Your options going forward
- Staying on an Intel Mac: Keep using Parallels Desktop 26. It remains a fully supported, capable way to run Windows and other operating systems on your Mac.
- Moving to an Apple silicon Mac: Parallels Desktop 27 will be ready for you, built for macOS 27 and taking advantage of Apple's latest virtualization framework improvements. You can try it with a free trial of Parallels Desktop once you make the switch.
If you manage Parallels Desktop through an MDM
Check your upgrade and auto-update configuration before Parallels Desktop 27 becomes available. Because Parallels Desktop 27 only installs on Apple silicon Macs, a policy that pushes new major versions automatically could attempt to deploy it to Intel-based machines and fail. Review your device groups now and make sure Intel Macs are scoped to stay on Parallels Desktop 26, or excluded from the version 27 rollout entirely, until those machines are replaced with Apple silicon hardware.
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