The JUCE team has announced the release of an update to the framework for multi-platform audio applications.

JUCE 6.1 delivers new tools to further support you in creating some of the best software available. The update focuses on introducing accessibility support and the adoption of new platform and plugin SDK features.

Changes in JUCE 6.1

  • Accessibility Support: JUCE-based software is now navigable by the native accessibility frameworks on macOS, Windows, iOS and Android. This system integration increases your software’s usability and widens your potential user base to a valuable but sometimes overlooked section of society. Software built on top of JUCE 6.1 is accessible by default.
  • VST3 Plug-in Extensions: JUCE’s VST3 backend has been redesigned, offering greater compatibility with the VST3 specification and enabling access to VST3-specific extensions. Plug-in developers can now access a much richer interface to any DAWs that provide their own set of extensions, such as those published by Presonus, Cockos and others.
  • New MIDI APIs on macOS 11 and iOS 14: JUCE now uses Apple’s new MIDI APIs when running on the most recent Apple platforms. This development paves the way for broader MIDI 2.0 support across the JUCE framework as other platforms publish MIDI 2.0 APIs.
  • OpenGL function loading: OpenGL functions and constants are now generated from the OpenGL Registry, providing access to much more of the OpenGL API and low-friction source compatibility with GL code written in C or C++.
  • macOS 12 and iOS 15 Compatibility: JUCE 6.1 supports macOS Monterey and iOS 15.
  • New Xcode Build System: Xcode projects created using the Projucer use the most current Xcode build system.
  • Lots more foundational framework improvements.

JUCE 6.1 for Windows, Mac and Linux is available now from JUCE’s public repository or downloads page. JUCE is free for personal and educational use, with commercial licenses starting from $40 USD/month.

More information: JUCE