LabView, created on the Mac in the 1980s, has announced that its latest macOS update will be the platform’s final release.
LabView on Mac (right) (Source: NI.com)
LabView is a visual programming language tool that allows users to connect virtual measurement instruments to input and process data. AppleInsider Our staff has seen this tool used in a variety of industries and applications to help design complex monitoring systems and automate test sequences.
It’s been 40 years since Dr. James Truchard and Dr. Jeff Kodosky began this research and founded their company, National Instruments.
The software was first released in October 1986 and was Mac-only. In a 2019 interview, Jeff Kodosky said that’s because it was “the only computer with a 32-bit operating system, and it had the graphics we needed.”
National Instruments is now telling all current users that it has released the latest Mac version, but it will be the last.
The email sent to users states, “LabVIEW 2023 Q3 on macOS was recently released and is now available on NI.com.” “This version supports all current Apple Silicon-based chipsets and the latest releases of macOS. We’re confident this product has everything you need to create a top-notch test system. I think you can understand.”
“Additionally, we would like to inform you that this will be the last release of LabVIEW on macOS.” “Starting with the 2024 release, LabVIEW will continue to be available on Windows and Linux OS.”
“We understand this…may potentially impact your current and future plans,” the company said, suggesting a platform migration.
“VIs from the macOS LabVIEW version can be easily ported to LabVIEW on Windows and Linux, often without modification.” “Additionally, your purchase of LabVIEW for macOS also includes the right to download and use LabVIEW on Windows and LabVIEW on Linux, so you do not need to purchase any additional software to make these migrations.” .”
Of course, users will need to purchase additional software, such as an emulator, or additional hardware, such as a PC.
“If you are unable or unwilling to do so, move your development to a Windows or Linux computer and you can continue to use LabVIEW 2023 Q3 for macOS development systems indefinitely,” the company says. Masu.
National Instruments has announced that license sales and support for the Mac version will end in March 2024. LabView is also sold as a subscription, and National Instruments says it will convert users to a “perpetual license for continued use,” but this appears to be only if specifically requested.
At this time, there is very little response on the NI.com forums. But one post says, “This was shocking to us as the roadmap still shows support.”
LabView’s move separately comes after Valve abandoned the Mac version of its Counter-Strike game.