Render advanced 3D graphics and perform data-parallel computations using graphics processors.
SDKs
- iOS 8.0+
- macOS 10.11+
- Mac Catalyst 13.0+
- tvOS 9.0+
Overview
Graphics processors (GPUs) are designed to quickly render graphics and perform data-parallel calculations. Use the Metal framework when you need to communicate directly with the GPUs available on a device. Apps that render complex scenes or that perform advanced scientific calculations can use this power to achieve maximum performance. Such apps include:
Games that render sophisticated 3D environments
Video processing apps, like Final Cut Pro
Data-crunching apps, such as those used to perform scientific research
Metal works hand-in-hand with other frameworks that supplement its capability. Use MetalKit to simplify the task of getting your Metal content onscreen. Use Metal Performance Shaders to implement custom rendering functions or to take advantage of a large library of existing functions.
Many high level Apple frameworks are built on top of Metal to take advantage of its performance, including Core Image, SpriteKit, and SceneKit. Using one of these high-level frameworks shields you from the details of GPU programming, but writing custom Metal code enables you to achieve the highest level of performance.