The popular open-source media player IINA for macOS is undergoing a significant revamp. The app, which is widely favored as an alternative to VLC, is introducing a new plugin system and support for user-created scripts, aiming to offer more customization and expand its multimedia capabilities.
A Flexible Solution for macOS Media Playback
Unlike some other operating systems, macOS does not come with a built-in app that can handle all common video and audio formats out of the box. Native tools like QuickTime, Finder, or the Apple TV app are unable to play formats such as MKV without additional software. IINA, based on the mpv media player, has emerged as one of the most popular solutions for users seeking a broader range of format support.
What’s New in IINA 1.4.0
The upcoming version 1.4.0 of IINA, now available in beta on GitHub, introduces a modular plugin system along with support for user scripts. The new plugin architecture is designed to be both powerful and easy to use, thanks to a streamlined API that allows developers to build and implement plugins quickly.
Among the first available plugins are:
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An OpenSubtitles plugin that simplifies subtitle downloads, making it easier than previous integrations.
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An online media plugin that enables video downloads while streaming, as well as quick switching between video quality levels.
Interestingly, the user scripts themselves are now packaged as plugins, further simplifying development and integration.
Developer Engagement Encouraged
The IINA team is optimistic that opening up the plugin interface will encourage the development of new tools and features. The possibilities are broad — plugins can handle streaming, respond to playback events, or improve playlist management. Full documentation is already available to help developers get started.
Other Improvements
Version 1.4.0 also brings several usability and functionality updates:
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New language support, including Hebrew and Croatian.
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Improved keyboard shortcut management.
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Bug fixes that enhance overall stability.
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A browser extension for seamless playback of web videos.
IINA continues to support a wide range of playback formats, effectively covering nearly every commonly used media type. With a clean, intuitive interface built using Apple’s Swift programming language, the app delivers a native macOS experience that feels responsive and modern.
Free and Open Source
IINA remains completely free and is licensed under GPLv3. While no official release date for the final 1.4.0 version has been announced yet, users and developers interested in plugin creation are encouraged to get involved early. Those who do may have their contributions ready in time for the official launch.