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OBS Studio 28.0, released September 1, 2022, introduced HDR and 10-bit encoding, native Apple Silicon builds, and a move from Qt 5 to Qt 6. It also brought useful production and accessibility changes. But OBS 28 is a historical release, not the current version: OBS’s official download page listed version 32.2.2 on October 3, 2026. Before installing any update, check your operating system and essential plugins; OBS 28 dropped support for several older platforms, and some plugins needed updates.

What changed in OBS Studio 28?

OBS 28.0 was a major release. Its headline changes were HDR and 10-bit encoding support, native builds for Apple Silicon Macs, and a migration to Qt 6. The release also added audio, recording, streaming, and accessibility improvements. The details below are specific to version 28.0; they do not describe every later OBS release.

HDR and 10-bit encoding

OBS 28 added HDR and 10-bit encoding options, but using them required a compatible AV1 or HEVC encoder and an appropriate hardware and streaming workflow. For HDR, the release notes recommended the P010 color format and Rec. 2100 PQ color space. HDR streaming in OBS 28 was supported through YouTube’s HLS service using an HEVC encoder. OBS 28.0 release notes

For 10-bit HEVC encoding, the 28.0 notes specified NVIDIA 10-series, AMD 5000-series, or newer GPUs. Intel QuickSync and Apple VideoToolbox (Apple VT) were not supported for that particular 10-bit HEVC case in the release notes. This is not a blanket statement about those encoders in later OBS versions or other encoding formats.

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VSD M18 Macro Pad Programmable Keypad, Stream Controller Streaming Deck, Customizable LCD keys, Gaming shortcut keyboard, USB sound board, Trigger actions in OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Works with PC Mac
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  • Single Tap Control: This USB macro keyboard pad supports single tap commands for quick operation. Users can trigger pre-set macros, input text, open files and web pages, adjust media playback, or switch OBS scenes with one tap. The straightforward layout fits gaming, live streaming and professional office task setup
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HDR support also had practical limitations. Some filters—Apply LUT, Chroma Key, Color Key, Image Mask/Blend, Luma Key, and Sharpness—were unavailable when a source rendered in HDR. Mac and Linux HDR support was limited, HDR preview did not work on those platforms, and some inputs and encoders still needed updates. A supported video capture device could be part of an HDR capture setup, but it was not a general requirement to run OBS or install version 28.

Native Apple Silicon builds

OBS 28 introduced native Apple Silicon builds, allowing the application to run on Apple Silicon without x86 emulation. The trade-off was plugin availability: the release notes warned that some third-party plugins might not yet have native Apple Silicon versions. If an essential plugin was unavailable natively, the x86 OBS build could be an option, provided it suited your setup. Check the plugin developer’s current guidance before choosing a build.

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Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 Studio Controller, 15 Macro Keys
  • 15 Customizable LCD Keys: instantly control your apps, tools and platforms.
  • One-Touch Operation: trigger single or multiple actions, launch social posts, adjust audio, mute mic, turn on lights, and much more.
  • Visual Feedback: know that your command has been executed.
  • Powerful Plugins: Elgato 4KCU, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more.
  • Hotkey Actions: streamline your film editing, music production, photography workflow, etc.

Qt 6 and operating-system support

OBS 28 moved from Qt 5 to Qt 6, a newer UI toolkit. The change also meant Qt 5-dependent plugins could require updates. Qt 6 dropped support for Windows 7 and 8, macOS 10.13 and 10.14, Ubuntu 18.04, and 32-bit operating systems. If your computer runs one of those systems, do not assume OBS 28 is a compatible upgrade. OBS 28.0 release notes

Other notable additions

  • Windows application-specific audio capture for a single process.
  • obs-websocket 5.0 integrated as a first-party plugin.
  • Automatic recording splits by duration or file size.
  • An accessibility section in Settings and an updated Yami default theme.
  • A refreshed AMD encoder implementation on Windows.
  • ScreenCaptureKit support on macOS 12.5 and later, and direct audio capture on macOS 13 and later.
  • NVIDIA Background Removal and a separate virtual-camera video mix.
  • Native SRT/RIST outputs and in-app YouTube chat messages.

These are version 28 additions, not a guarantee that every feature works on every operating system or hardware configuration. OBS 28.0 release notes

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fifine D6 RGB Macro-Keyboard with 15 Programable Buttons for Multi-Tasking
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  • [Wide Application Compatibility] This OBS stream controller for PC has a wide range of software, applications and plugins options whether in the store or download from the computer. They work with OBS Studio, Streamlabs, Twitch, YouTube and more in the Fifine D6 stream controller. This contoller for content creators lets you customize your setup effortlessly. You can also drag-and-drop, set up and download from the console's store, with a very large number of plugins and icons to fill your streaming.
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Is OBS Studio 28 the latest version?

No. OBS’s official download page listed OBS Studio 32.2.2 when checked on October 3, 2026. That listing can change, so check the page for the current version before downloading. The page provides platform-specific downloads and a route to previous releases. OBS Studio downloads

Install version 28 only if you have a specific reason to use that release. For a typical new installation or upgrade, start with the current version offered for your platform, after checking that your operating system and required plugins are compatible.

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fifine D6W Gaming Macro-Keyboard with 15 Programable Display Buttons White
  • [15 Customizable Shortcuts] Unleash your true potential with 15 macro keys tailored for various scenario. The steaming controller let you toggle between scenes, respond to chat, and share highlights without ever taking your eyes off the game. The streaming keyboard streamline repetitive tasks, making you productive even during downtime. (Tips: For optimal device performance, please connect the device to a USB 3.0 interface.)
  • [Effortless Operation] Effortlessly set up and customize your macros with Twitch streaming equipment. The streaming equipment suit for gamers who want to dive into with pre-programmed moves or streamers who need quick access to their streaming tools. Just plug in through USB connection, customized setup and use.
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How to check compatibility before updating

  1. Identify your operating system and architecture. Check whether your system is 32-bit or 64-bit, and note the OS version. OBS 28’s Qt 6 transition removed support for Windows 7 and 8, macOS 10.13 and 10.14, Ubuntu 18.04, and all 32-bit operating systems.
  2. List the plugins and integrations your production depends on. Include plugins used for audio, video, automation, control surfaces, and streaming workflows. A project that opens without an essential plugin may still be unusable.
  3. Check the OBS 28 compatibility list. Its matrix covers Windows, Intel macOS, and Apple Silicon macOS. The page is dated August 31, 2022, and explicitly says the list is not exhaustive; treat it as a historical snapshot, not a current guarantee. OBS 28 plugin compatibility list
  4. Verify critical plugins with their developers. Look for compatibility notes for your OBS version, operating system, and—on Macs—native Apple Silicon versus x86 builds. If the status is unclear, ask the maintainer before changing a production machine.
  5. Choose the build and release that fit your setup. On Apple Silicon, confirm that your required plugins support the native build or determine whether the x86 build is suitable. Use the official download page for current platform builds or its previous-release link if you specifically need OBS 28. OBS Studio downloads

How to update OBS Studio

The safest general route is to download the appropriate installer from OBS’s official download page. The exact update procedure depends on your operating system and how OBS was installed; a single in-app menu sequence is not established for every platform and package source.

  1. Check the current download listing. Visit obsproject.com/download and select your platform. If you need an older release such as OBS 28, follow the previous-releases link from that page rather than using an unofficial download.
  2. Confirm compatibility before installing. Compare your OS and architecture with the requirements of the version you intend to install, then verify essential plugin support using the compatibility list and plugin developers’ current notes.
  3. Install using the route for your package. Follow the official instructions for the selected build and your installation channel. If OBS came from a package manager or another distribution channel, use that channel’s update method where appropriate; do not assume the standalone installer’s steps apply.
  4. Check your production setup after the update. Open OBS and confirm that essential plugins load and your scenes, sources, audio, and output configuration behave as needed before relying on the setup for a live production. If something critical is missing, stop and consult the plugin maintainer or the official previous-release route rather than improvising a replacement on a live show.
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