Qt 6.8 LTS released with new modules, broad platform support and lower RAM usage

Qt 6.8 Long Term Support (LTS) has been released, bringing several modules from technology preview to fully supported status, such as Qt Graphs, Qt HttpServer, and Qt GRPC. The LTS now offers five years of support, aligning with the EU Cyber-Resilience Act by providing Software Bill of Material (SBOM) documents. Platform support has been expanded to include iOS 18, Android 14, Windows on Arm, macOS 15, and Linux on Arm, ensuring broad compatibility with the Arm architecture. New devices supported include Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest 3 XR headsets, Raspberry Pi 5, NVIDIA AGX Orin, and the StarFive VisionFive 2.

Qt 6.8 introduces optimization capabilities that allow developers to fine-tune performance, potentially reducing ROM usage by 77% and RAM consumption by 32%. Updates include enhanced 3D data visualization in Qt Graphs, new features for custom media data management in Qt Multimedia, and performance optimizations in Qt Quick. A new XR module supports immersive applications with features like hand tracking and spatial anchors. Networking enhancements include support for HTTP over local socket and DNS over TLS, while Qt Quick 3D sees improved shadow rendering.

The update also includes over 500 bug fixes and performance enhancements, ensuring improved functionality and stability. Additionally, native integration has been enhanced for macOS and Windows 11, offering a more cohesive appearance.