Virtualization tool UTM 5.0 brings DirectX graphics support, Vulkan 1.3, and snapshots

The open-source virtualization project UTM has officially released version 5.0, delivering its most substantial feature set to date with breakthrough graphics acceleration and innovative hardware integration. For the first time, Windows 11 guests on macOS can utilize DirectX graphics support, bringing modern accelerated rendering to UTM virtual machines, though developers caution the driver remains experimental with limited game compatibility. Linux virtual machines receive complementary upgrades through Vulkan 1.3 support via VirtIO Venus drivers in Mesa, alongside OpenGL 4.1 enabled by a new Apple Core OpenGL backend available on macOS only.

Beyond graphics, UTM 5.0 introduces several workflow-critical enhancements across platforms. A new Snapshots tab allows users to save and restore VM states at any point, supporting QEMU VMs on macOS and iOS 26, as well as Apple Virtualization VMs on macOS 27. The macOS 27 release leverages Apple Virtualization to enable USB device pass-through, Secure Boot for Linux, ephemeral VM operation without saving changes, and new networking modes for inter-VM communication. iOS users gain improved touch controls with instant gesture response, middle-click and right-drag actions, drag-to-scroll mode, and iPhone Duo foldable support that transforms the lower half of folded devices into a keyboard or touchpad for VM interaction.

The update carries some important caveats for existing users. The development team warns that suspended VMs may fail to resume correctly after updating, recommending that all virtual machines be shut down before installing UTM 5.0. Additionally, the release raises minimum system requirements to macOS 12 and iOS 15, ending support for older operating system versions. UTM 5.0 is available now through GitHub releases and the Apple App Store for both macOS and iOS platforms.