Wallper Compatibility
This page documents how Wallper behaves on recent macOS releases and CPU families. If your Mac runs macOS 14 or later, Wallper will provide the same streamlined controls (Scale, Offset X, Offset Y), silent playback, and automatic resource management across single and multi‑display setups.
Supported macOS versions (14.5 → 26.0)
Wallper supports macOS releases from 14 (Sonoma) through 26. Functionally, the wallpaper plane, per‑display control model (Scale, Offset X, Offset Y), and our suspended‑when‑hidden behavior are consistent throughout this range. We track Apple’s windowing and graphics changes each cycle to keep playback smooth on multi‑display rigs.
| macOS | Highlights for Wallper | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14.* | Stable wallpaper plane; mature HEVC decode | Multi‑display reliable; brief stalls on Mission Control for some rigs | |
| 15.* | Smoother windowing/Spaces | Improved enumeration with docks/virtual displays | |
| 26.0 | Video plane unchanged | Stable multi‑display |
CPU & GPU compatibility (Intel and Apple silicon)
Wallper runs wherever your macOS version runs. On Apple silicon, hardware decode and GPU composition deliver best‑in‑class efficiency. On Intel Macs still eligible for macOS 14, playback is supported with system decoders and the same per‑display controls.
| CPU family | 14.* | 15.* | 26.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel (models supported by the OS) | Supported | Supported | System H.264/HEVC; HDR varies by GPU |
| Apple silicon M1 family | Supported | Supported | HW H.264/HEVC; ProRes acceleration |
| Apple silicon M2 family | Supported | Supported | HW H.264/HEVC; ProRes acceleration; broader modern codec features |
| Apple silicon M3 family | Supported | Supported | Next‑gen hardware decoders; refined HDR handling |
| Apple silicon M4 family | Supported | Supported | Latest hardware decode path; excellent HEVC/ProRes efficiency |
General guidance
- Prefer HEVC for efficiency across all chips. ProRes sources are supported and fluid on Apple silicon.
- AV1 usage depends on OS and hardware support. Wallper will use system decoders when available.
- ProMotion (120 Hz) displays: Wallper paces frames to the display; source fps (30–60) remains fine.
- High‑bitrate 8K sources demand more bandwidth than several moderate 4K files — plan bitrates accordingly.
Feature behavior across macOS versions
| Area | 14.* | 15.* | 26.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wallpapers | Stable; fallback when restricted | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Multi‑display & Spaces | Reliable; occasional brief stalls entering Mission Control | Faster sleep/wake restore | Stable |
| Decoding / HDR | Efficiency nudge at 4K+ | Tighter HDR metadata | Stable |
| UI materials | Translucent/opaque | Translucent/opaque | Liquid Glass available |
In every release listed here, wallpapers play silently (audio off by design), and Wallper does not include a manual Pause button. When a display sleeps, a Space is hidden, or a full‑screen app takes focus, Wallper auto‑suspends rendering on that display and resumes instantly on return.
Liquid Glass UI (macOS 26.*)
With macOS 26, Apple introduced a new translucent material dubbed Liquid Glass. Wallper integrates this material for its in‑app chrome: the Settings panel, display pickers, and on‑screen controls now feel native to 26 while keeping your wallpaper video pristine beneath.
Planning numbers & practical tips
Bitrate targets
- 1080p: 8–12 Mbps (HEVC) • 12–20 Mbps (H.264)
- 1440p: 12–22 Mbps (HEVC) • 18–28 Mbps (H.264)
- 4K: 15–40 Mbps (HEVC) • 28–55 Mbps (H.264)
- 6K: 30–60 Mbps (HEVC)
- 8K: 40–80 Mbps (HEVC)
Multi‑display blends
- Primary: your hero clip. Side/vertical panels: calmer, lower‑bitrate loops for thermals.
- Match composition via Scale and Offsets (align horizons/subjects across monitors).
- On 32:9, consider subtly wider content or increase Scale + offset to avoid dead space.