For the most part, users who want to experience high-end virtual reality (VR) devices such as the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift need to use a Windows PC. That might be about to change with the announcement that MacOS High Sierra, with its enhanced VR support, will be available for free.
MacOS High Sierra comes with a number of new and enhanced features that will enhance the experience for Mac users who are planning to use their systems to engage with VR videogames or 360-degree video experiences.
Several VR companies have been working with Apple to improve the compatibility and accessibility of VR on the MacOS. Apple are also bringing in more support for VR content creators, allowing developers to use MacOS for creating immersive videogames and 360-degree experiences.
Valve are optimising SteamVR for use on MacOS High Sierra, and Unity and Epic are planning on bringing developments tools to MacOS. Final Cut Pro X will also be ringing its 360-degree video support to MacOS High Sierra by the end of the year.
“MacOS High Sierra is an important update that makes the Mac more capable and responsive, while laying the foundation for future innovations,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “High Sierra introduces new technologies for VR, high-efficiency video streaming, advances in storage technology and more, while apps such as Photos, Safari, Mail and Notes are refined to give users even more reasons to love their Mac.”
MacOS High Sierra is available as a free update from the Mac App Store, and supports all Macs dated from 2009 or later.
VRFocus will continue to report on new updates and technology for VR.