FFmpeg 7.0 "Dijkstra" major release introduces VVC decoding and IAMF support
FFmpeg 7.0 introduces an experimental native VVC decoder, IAMF support, and a significant API overhaul for channel layouts.
Summary
The FFmpeg 7.0 "Dijkstra" major release brings several high-impact features to the multimedia framework, including an experimental native VVC decoder and support for IAMF. This version is not backwards compatible, as it removes APIs that were deprecated prior to version 6.0. Notably, the old bitmask-based channel layout API has been replaced by the AVChannelLayout API to support advanced features like Ambisonics and custom channel ordering. Additionally, building the project now requires a C11-compliant compiler.
Technical changes in FFmpeg 7.0
- Codec Support: Introduces a native VVC decoder (currently in experimental stage) and adds support for the IAMF audio format.
- API Refactoring: Replaces the legacy bitmask-based channel layout API with the new AVChannelLayout API, enabling support for Ambisonics and custom channel ordering.
- Breaking Changes: Removes APIs deprecated before version 6.0 and requires a C11-compliant compiler for builds.
- CLI Improvements: Includes a multi-threaded ffmpeg command-line tool and removes several deprecated CLI options.
Why it matters
This major release forces developers and distributors to update their integration code due to the breaking API changes, particularly regarding audio channel layouts. However, the introduction of VVC and IAMF ensures FFmpeg remains at the forefront of modern video and spatial audio standards.
What to do
- Users of FFmpeg should upgrade to version 7.0 unless they are using the current git master.
- Developers should note that building the project now requires a C11-compliant compiler.
- Users who rely on deprecated APIs removed in this version should update their code to use the new AVChannelLayout API.
Original reference: ffmpeg.org →