Features in Technical Preview

Features in Technical Preview are available to use in non-production or limited production environments, and to give customers an opportunity to share feedback. Citrix® does not accept support cases for features in technical preview but welcomes feedback for improving them. Citrix might act on feedback based on its severity, criticality, and importance.

List of features in Technical Preview

The following table lists the features in technical preview. These features are request-only preview features. To enable and provide feedback for any of these features, fill out the respective forms.

Title	Available from version	Feedback form (Click the icon)
DNS caching for improved session resilience	2607
EDT MTU Rediscovery	2607
Streaming read and write for Client Drive Mapping (CDM)	2607
HDX Direct for Service Continuity for connectorless workloads	2607
HDX graphics super resolution	2607
Location redirection for virtual sessions	2607
Resilient and secure third-party plugin execution	2607
Support for Citrix Snipping tool integration	2603.11
Shield V2 service continuity	2603
Support for Microsoft Teams VDI Plugin installation	2603
Audio Quality Enhancer for reliable transport	2508
Enhancing hybrid mode support with GACS for cloud stores	2503
Support for single sign-on to Citrix Secure Access automatically through Citrix Workspace app	2402
Support for Citrix Secure Private Access for on-premises deployments	2309

Note:

• Technical previews are available for customers to test in their non-production or limited production environments, and to give customers an opportunity to share feedback. Citrix does not accept support cases for feature previews but welcomes feedback for improving them. Citrix might or might not act on feedback based on its severity, criticality, and importance. It is advised that Beta builds aren’t deployed in production environments.
• You can provide feedback for this feature using this Feedback Form.

DNS caching for improved session resilience

Starting with version 2607, Citrix Workspace app for Mac caches the Citrix Gateway Service PoP address after each successful session connection. If DNS is temporarily unavailable when a user tries to launch or reconnect to a session — due to a DNS provider outage or an unstable network — the Workspace app automatically falls back to the cached address, allowing the session to proceed without any user intervention.

Without this, a DNS outage translates directly into session launch failures for end users. With DNS caching enabled, session failures during DNS outages are reduced drastically.

Note:

DNS caching improves resilience against DNS service disruptions but does not guarantee successful session establishment in all scenarios. If the previously cached gateway service PoP is unavailable due to planned maintenance, service disruption, or network reachability issues, session launches may still fail.

If a user has changed locations since the address was last cached, the Workspace app may connect through a gateway service PoP that is not geographically optimal, resulting in slightly higher latency. This is a deliberate tradeoff — a connected session with higher latency is preferable to a failed launch.

To disable it using the terminal command, run the following:

defaults write com.citrix.receiver.nomas EnableDNSCACHE -bool false
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To disable this feature through MDM, use the following setting:

<key>EnableDNSCACHE</key><false/>
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EDT MTU Rediscovery

Starting with version 2607, Citrix Workspace app for Mac supports EDT MTU Rediscovery. Previously, if the MTU decreased after a session was established, ICA traffic could become fragmented, resulting in performance degradation or disconnects. With EDT MTU Rediscovery, MTU changes can be detected and the session MTU is automatically adjusted, improving reliability and stability for users on networks with asymmetric routing or dynamic path changes, such as load-balanced proxy environments. For more details, see Enlightened Data Transport Documentation.

To disable it using the terminal command, run the following:

defaults write com.citrix.receiver.nomas EnableMtuRediscovery -bool false
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To disable this feature through MDM, use the following setting:

<key>EnableMtuRediscovery</key><false/>
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Streaming read and write for Client Drive Mapping (CDM)

Starting with version 2607, Citrix Workspace app for Mac supports read and write streaming for Client Drive Mapping, significantly improving file transfer performance over high-latency connections.

• Read streaming: Large file reads from the client are delivered as a multi-packet chunked response in a single request, eliminating repeated round-trips.
• Write streaming: Large file writes from the host are accumulated in memory and flushed to disk in a single OS write call, reducing round-trips.

Previously, file operations on mapped client drives involved many small synchronous round-trips, causing slow performance for users connecting from remote locations.

To enable it using the terminal command, run the following:

defaults write com.citrix.receiver.nomas EnableCDMReadWriteStream -bool YES
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To enable this feature through MDM, use the following setting:

<key>EnableCDMReadWriteStream</key><true/>
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HDX Direct for Service Continuity for connectorless workloads

Starting with version 2607, Citrix Workspace app for Mac supports HDX Direct for sessions launched using Service Continuity for connectorless workloads, allowing clients to establish direct connections with the session host during a cloud outage.

To configure this feature:

1. Ensure that you have a Service Continuity for connectorless workloads environment.
2. Set the HDX direct DDC policy to Allow.

To enable this feature using the terminal command, run the following:

defaults write com.citrix.receiver.nomas EnableShieldHDXDirect -bool YES
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To enable this feature through MDM, use the following setting:

<key>EnableShieldHDXDirect</key><true/>
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HDX graphics super resolution

Starting with version 2607, Citrix Workspace app for Mac supports HDX graphics super resolution. HDX graphics super resolution seamlessly downscales video regions on the Virtual Delivery Agent (VDA) and uses the Mac client’s hardware to upscale them back to their original resolution without noticeable quality degradation or performance impact. This reduces the network bandwidth required for high-quality video while preserving visual fidelity.

This feature requires the following:

• macOS 26 (Tahoe) or later
• The H.265/XDecoder graphics path enabled (enabled by default)
• VDA configured for HDX graphics super resolution. HDX graphics super resolution is enabled by default in automatic mode starting with CVAD 2603. Use the HDX graphics super resolution Citrix Studio policy to control this behavior.

Note:

This feature is disabled by default on the Mac client.

To enable this feature using the terminal command, run the following:

defaults write com.citrix.receiver.nomas EnableSuperResolution -bool YES
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To enable this feature through MDM, use the following setting:

<key>EnableSuperResolution</key><true/>
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Location redirection for virtual sessions

Starting with version 2607, Citrix Workspace app for Mac supports redirecting the client device’s geographic location to the virtual session. Server-side applications running in the session, such as Maps, can access the end user’s real-world location as if the application were running locally. This feature is also known as Location Redirection or Device Sensor Redirection.

This feature requires the following:

• macOS 11 or later
• A Windows VDA that supports location redirection. For multi-session VDAs, Windows 22H2 or later with Citrix GeoLocSync enabled.

This feature is disabled by default and requires all three components — VDA, DDC, and client — to be enabled. To configure it:

1. On the VDA, navigate to Privacy & security > Location and enable Location services and Let apps access your location. Then enable the following based on the VDA type:

   • Single-session VDA: Allow location override
   • Multi-session VDA (Windows 22H2 or later): Citrix GeoLocSync

2. On the DDC, navigate to User setting > ICA > Client Sensors > Location and set the Allow applications to use the physical location of the client device policy to Allowed. This policy is set to Prohibited by default.

3. On the client, in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, turn on Location Services and enable location access for Citrix Viewer. Then run the following command and restart Citrix Workspace app for the change to take effect:

   defaults write com.citrix.receiver.nomas EnableGEORedirection -bool YES
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To enable this feature through MDM, use the following setting:

<key>EnableGEORedirection</key><true/>
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Note:

On the first location request in a session, the user is prompted to Allow or Don’t Allow. If the user selects Don’t Allow, the VDA receives an Access-Denied status and no location data is shared for that session.

Resilient and secure third-party plugin execution

Starting with version 2607, Citrix Workspace app for Mac introduces the plug-in Manager, a general out-of-process host for third-party virtual-channel plugins built against the Citrix Virtual Channel SDK (VCSDK).

Previously, plug-ins ran inside the same process as the Citrix session. This meant that a plugin crash could bring down the entire session, forcing users to reconnect and lose their work. With plug-in Manager, plug-ins run in a dedicated isolated process, separate from the session:

• Sessions survive plugin crashes: If a plug-in such as Teams VDI encounters an error, it recovers automatically without disrupting the user’s session or requiring a reconnect to the VDA.
• Stronger session security: The session process runs with full macOS security hardening enabled. Plug-ins are isolated so that a misbehaving or compromised plug-in cannot affect the session or other running applications.
• No changes required for existing plugins: The architecture is fully backward compatible. Existing plug-ins work without modification.

Note:

This feature is in Technical Preview and is not recommended for production use. Feedback can be submitted through the Citrix Feedback portal.

To enable this feature through MDM, use the following setting:

<key>EnablePluginBroker</key><true/>
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Support for Citrix Snipping tool integration

Starting with version 2603.11, Citrix Workspace app for Mac supports Citrix Snipping tool integration. This feature allows you to seamlessly capture screenshots of overlay and redirected content within your Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops sessions.

Requirements

• Virtual Delivery Agent (VDA) version 2603 or later

To enable the feature, run the following command:

defaults write com.citrix.receiver.nomas EnableScreenCapture -bool YES
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For more information, see Citrix snipping tool integration in Assistant.

Shield V2 service continuity

Starting with version 2603 Preview, Citrix Workspace app for Mac supports Shield V2, which removes or minimizes dependency on components involved in the connection process. Users can launch their virtual apps and desktops regardless of the health status of the cloud services.

Shield V2 is connector-less and operates without Cloud Connector involvement in the workflow, as compared to Shield V1.

Shield V2 supports:

• Session launch during DaaS or Workspace outage
• New session launches with Shield

For more information, see the Service continuity section in the Citrix Workspace documentation.

Support for Microsoft Teams VDI Plugin Installation

Starting with the 2603 version, the Microsoft Teams VDI Plugin is a key client-side component required for Microsoft Teams SlimCore Optimization for Mac. The DMG installer now provides an Add-On(s) option, allowing users to select and install the Microsoft Teams VDI Plugin during a fresh Citrix Workspace app installation. The checkbox for the plugin is unchecked by default.

Microsoft Teams VDI Plugin

Starting with Citrix Workspace App 2603, the DMG installer provides an Add-On(s) option, allowing users to select the option and install the Microsoft Teams VDI Plugin during a fresh CWA Installation.

Microsoft Teams SlimCore Optimization for Mac is in Public Preview at the time of writing and administrators may need to enable Teams tenant-side configuration. For more details, see New VDI solution for Teams.

The Microsoft Teams VDI Plugin can also be installed through Client App Management. For more information, see Client App Management.

Note:

• Third-party components are fetched from respective third-party CDNs rather than packaged with Citrix Workspace app. Customers must ensure necessary network access from endpoints for successful component installation on both online and offline Citrix Workspace app packages.
• Third-party component installation failure does not impact Citrix Workspace app installation.
• Failed components can be reinstalled by re-running the installer or configuring the installation via Client app management or via Virtual channel plugin manager. It can also be installed during a future upgrade.
• Citrix Workspace app does not manage uninstall of third-party plugins when uninstalling Citrix Workspace app.
• Citrix Workspace app preserves component selections across updates. For example, the Microsoft Teams plugin cannot be deselected during installation if it was already present on the system as a leftover from manual installation.
• Citrix recommends enabling Citrix Workspace app auto-updates to receive the latest versions of third-party components as they become available in the future.
• These Plug-in(s) are third party software and are not created, developed or managed by Cloud Software Group. Cloud Software Group has no obligations or liability for any third party services or software. By downloading and/or utilizing such software, YOU HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT SUCH SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY CLOUD SOFTWARE GROUP ON AN “AS IS” BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, AS AVAILABLE, AND YOUR ACCESS TO AND/OR USE OF THE SOFTWARE OR ANY RELATED ASSETS IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. You acknowledge that you are governed by such software’s respective third party license(s).

Audio Quality Enhancer for reliable transport

Starting with version 2508, audio quality enhancer is also available for connections over reliable transport (i.e. TCP and EDT-Reliable). Under poor network conditions, both audio playback and recording will have a smoother experience with reduced latency.

To enable and disable this feature, see Audio quality enhancer for Mac VDA.

Note:

• Adaptive audio must be enabled for this feature to work.
• This feature is disabled by default in Tech Preview (over reliable transport).
• This feature must be enabled on both VDA and CWA.
• This feature is supported with Mac VDA version 2507 and later.

Enhancing hybrid mode support with GACS for cloud stores

Starting with version 2503, Citrix Workspace app for Mac supports Global App Configuration service (GACS) in Hybrid mode for Cloud stores, leveraging the Citrix workspace launcher. This allows administrators to configure GACS settings through stores added using the browser, streamlining the management of client experiences. By, default, this feature is disabled. This feature is a request-only preview. To get it enabled in your environment, fill out the Google form. For more information, see GACS supports hybrid launch.

Support for single sign-on to Citrix Secure Access automatically through Citrix Workspace app

Citrix Workspace app for Mac now automatically supports single sign-on (SSO) to Citrix Secure Access once your login to Citrix Workspace app. If you have both the Citrix Secure Access agent and the Citrix Workspace app installed on your device, this feature allows you to automatically sign in to Citrix Secure Access through SSO when you login to Citrix Workspace app. For more information, see Automatic single sign-on (SSO) to Citrix Secure Access through Citrix Workspace app - Preview in the NetScaler documentation.

To enable this feature through MDM, the administrator must use the following settings:

<key>EnableSecureAccessAutoLogin</key><true/>

Note:

• You need to use Citrix Secure Access version 24.03.1 or later to enable this feature.
• This feature is supported only on cloud stores and not for on‑premises stores.

Customizing the text in the Save Energy screen

To use the sustainability feature with a custom message, modify the Delivery Group on the DDC with the following configuration example:

1. Follow the steps in the preceding section.
2. Set the ICA-PromptMessage keyword to the required text in the Description field.
3. Set the ICA-Title keyword to the required text in the Description field.
4. Set the ICA-Icon keyword to true or false.
5. Click OK.

Default behavior:

• ICA-LogOffOnClose: Default is false, showing the standard disconnect experience.
• ICA-Title: Default is Log out or disconnect?.
• ICA-PromptMessage: Default is Logging out consumes less energy, but any unsaved changes will be lost. Save your work before logging out.
• ICA-Icon: Default is true, displaying the green leaf icon when sustainability is enabled.

Customization rules:

• Default Behavior with ICA-LogOffOnClose=true: If no additional keywords are specified, the sustainability feature is enabled with the default title, body text, and green leaf icon.
• Customization with Keywords: When ICA-LogOffOnClose=true and specific keywords are provided, the sustainability feature is enabled with the specified customizations:
  • ICA-PromptMessage: Custom body text (limited to 200 characters).
  • ICA-Title: Custom title (limited to 30 characters).
  • ICA-Icon=false: Hides the green leaf icon.

Example - Custom configuration:

ICA-LogOffOnClose=true  
ICA-PromptMessage=`This is a sample custom message.`  
ICA-Title="Custom Logout"  
ICA-Icon=false  

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The custom message and title is displayed, and the green leaf icon is hidden.

Support for Citrix Secure Private Access for on-premises deployments

Starting with the 2309 version, Citrix Workspace app for Mac supports Citrix Secure Private Access for on-premises deployments. For more information, see Secure Private Access for on-premises - Preview.

Support for Activity Manager on cloud stores

Citrix Workspace app for Mac supports the Activity Manager feature. This feature lets end users view and interact with all their active apps and desktop sessions at one place. You can disconnect or terminate the active sessions directly from the Activity Manager.

To view active sessions in the Activity Manager, select the Citrix Workspace app icon from the menu bar and then click Activity Manager. To disconnect active desktop sessions, select the respective ellipsis (…) menu and click Disconnect. Click the “X” button to terminate the active app session. For more information, see Activity manager.

Single sign-on to Citrix Secure Access using Citrix Workspace app

You can single sign-on to Citrix Secure Access if you have already signed in to Citrix Workspace app. When you sign in to Citrix Workspace app and open Citrix Secure Access, you are not asked to authenticate by entering the credentials. It automatically proceeds with the authentication. This feature provides users with a seamless experience by allowing single sign-on to different Citrix applications. This feature is available only for customers on cloud stores. Along with the latest version of Citrix Workspace app, you must have a compatible version of Citrix Secure Access (22.12.2 and later versions).

Technical Preview to General Availability (GA)