Apple Debuts External Graphics Development Kit for $599

Apple announced macOS High Sierra at yesterday’s WWDC event, which as part of its updated Metal 2 graphics technology, will allow Macs to support external GPUs for the first time ever, via the Thunderbolt 3 port. To enable developers to build and test demanding graphics-intensive apps, including VR content creation, Apple has released a new External Graphics Development Kit for members of its developer program, which is now available for US $599.

The External Graphics Development Kit includes everything developers need to start optimizing advanced VR and 3D apps on external graphics processors with macOS High Sierra. Apps that use Metal, OpenCL, and OpenGL can now take full advantage of the increased performance that external graphics processors can bring to the Macs.

Here’s what’s included with the kit:

• Sonnet external GPU chassis with Thunderbolt 3 and 350W power supply
• AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB graphics card
• Belkin USB-C to 4-port USB-A hub
• Promo code for $100 towards the purchase of HTC Vive VR headset

The kit is exclusively available to members of the Apple Developer Program and Apple Developer Enterprise Program in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United States, and the United Kingdom.