LunarG Releases Vulkan SDK 1.4.328.0

Exciting Updates in Vulkan SDK 1.4.328.0: Powering Cross-Platform Development Forward

Released 6 October, 2025

[Update: the Vulkan SDK 1.4.328.1 was released on October 8, 2025, superceding the 1.4.328.0 release. The links to the release notes below have been updated accordingly]

LunarG is happy to announce the release of the Vulkan SDK 1.4.328.0, the latest milestone in delivering high-performance, cross-platform graphics and compute capabilities. This update builds on Vulkan’s core strengths, introducing new extensions, enhanced tools, and platform-specific improvements tailored for Windows, Linux, and macOS. Whether you’re crafting next-gen games, optimizing compute workloads, or pushing the boundaries of real-time rendering, this SDK equips you with the tools to innovate faster and more reliably. Vulkan continues to evolve as the gold standard for low-overhead GPU access, and 1.4.328.0 emphasizes developer productivity with smarter configuration options, refined validation, and seamless integration across ecosystems. Let’s dive into the highlights—starting with what’s new across all platforms, then breaking it down by OS.

What’s New Across All Platforms

Vulkan Configurator’s New “Vulkan Drivers” Tab

One of the standout developer-friendly updates is the revamped Vulkan Configurator (vkconfig). The new “Vulkan Drivers” tab empowers you to fine-tune your Vulkan environment like never before:

• Add Additional Drivers: Easily integrate extras like Lavapipe (the open-source software Vulkan driver) on Windows for testing without hardware dependencies.
• Force a Specific Physical Device: Pin applications to a particular GPU, simplifying multi-GPU debugging.
• Reorder Physical Devices: Prioritize devices in the enumeration order to ensure your app targets the optimal hardware.

This tab is a game-changer for multi-device setups, reducing setup friction and accelerating iteration.

SPIRV-Tools Evolution: Welcome canonicalize-ids

Shader optimization just got a unified upgrade. The spirv-remap utility from glslang has been ported to SPIRV-Tools as a new optimization pass called canonicalize-ids in spirv-opt. It’s functionally equivalent but now lives in one ecosystem for easier maintenance.

• Run spirv-opt –help to explore usage—it’s a drop-in replacement for remapping SPIR-V IDs during optimization.
• glslang’s spirv-remap is deprecated and removed, streamlining your toolchain.

This change promotes consistency across the Vulkan shader pipeline, saving you time on cross-tool compatibility.

Fresh Extensions in Vulkan Headers

The SDK now bundles headers for four powerful new extensions, enabling advanced features like efficient memory operations and flexible shader programming. Remember, these are optional and require driver/ICD support—use vkEnumerateInstanceExtensionProperties or similar to check availability in your apps.

• VK_KHR_copy_memory_indirect: Streamline indirect memory copies for more dynamic buffer management, ideal for compute-heavy pipelines.
• VK_VALVE_video_encode_rgb_conversion: Enhance video encoding workflows with RGB color space conversions, perfect for media applications.
• VK_KHR_shader_untyped_pointers: Unlock untyped pointers in shaders for greater flexibility in compute shaders and ray tracing.
• VK_AMDX_dense_geometry_format: Optimize geometry handling with dense formats, boosting performance on AMD hardware for geometry-intensive scenes.

Enhanced Validation Coverage

Debugging is easier than ever with updated VUID (Vulkan Validation ID) coverage. The validation layers now boast improved error detection, and we’ve refreshed the documentation:

• Download validation_error_database.csv and validation_error_database.html from the SDK for a comprehensive view of covered checks.
• Spot gaps in validation faster, ensuring your apps adhere to spec without surprises at runtime.

These tweaks mean fewer elusive bugs and more robust deployments.

Platform-Specific Enhancements

macOS: Deeper Apple Ecosystem Integration

For macOS and iOS developers, this release shines with Metal-bridged advancements:

• MoltenVK 1.4.0: A major leap forward, now fully supporting Vulkan 1.4 alongside a slew of new extensions like VK_KHR_dynamic_rendering_local_read, VK_KHR_global_priority, VK_KHR_line_rasterization, VK_KHR_maintenance5, VK_KHR_maintenance8, and VK_KHR_present_id. It also tackles bugs like shader conversion failures for storage images on iOS/tvOS (with Tier 1 argument buffers) and memory leaks in debug utils. Check the MoltenVK release notes for the full scoop.
• macOS and iOS 26 Support: Built with Xcode 26, ensuring seamless compatibility with the latest Apple OSes.
• SDL3 in Optional Package: The Simple DirectMedia Layer jumps to version 3, distributed optionally for cross-platform input and windowing magic.

These updates make Vulkan apps feel native on Apple hardware, from MacBooks to iPads. (And stay tuned for upcoming improvements to KosmicKrisp, LunarG’s Vulkan-on-Metal Mesa 3D graphics driver, which will make Vulkan support on macOS even better!)

Linux: Streamlined Packaging and Tools

Linux users get practical workflow boosts:

• pkgconfig Files Included: The Linux tarball now ships with .pc files, simplifying integration with build systems like CMake or Meson. No more manual path hunting!
• All the cross-platform goodies (extensions, Configurator, SPIRV-Tools, validation) apply here, with rock-solid support for distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora.

If you’re targeting desktops or servers, this release keeps Linux as a Vulkan powerhouse.

Windows: Robust Runtime and Libraries

Windows remains the go-to for high-end gaming and pro apps:

• SDL3 Optional Package: Like macOS, grab SDL3 for enhanced multimedia handling in your Vulkan projects.
• Pro tip: Pair with the latest NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel drivers for maximum extension support.

Expect buttery-smooth performance on everything from laptops to data-center GPUs.

Get Started with Vulkan SDK 1.4.328.0

Ready to harness these updates? Head to the official LunarG download page to grab the installer for your platform. We recommend updating your hardware drivers to the latest certified versions for the best experience—check your vendor’s site (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) for Vulkan 1.4 conformant releases. As always, the Vulkan community drives these advancements. A huge shoutout to contributors across Khronos, LunarG, and open-source projects like MoltenVK and SPIRV-Tools. If you spot issues or have feedback, dive into our GitHub repos or join the discussions on the Vulkan Discord. Happy coding! The LunarG Team Vulkan and the Vulkan logo are trademarks of the Khronos Group Inc.

Release Notes

• Release Notes for Linux
• Release Notes for Windows
• Release Notes for macOS

About LunarG

GPU software development teams often run into roadblocks they can’t move on their own. LunarG is the industry’s leading problem-solving partner for GPU programming. We provide the tools, expertise, and passion you need to keep moving forward and deliver innovative, quality products. Visit the LunarG website to learn more.