Essentials

App Spacewarp

Updated: Apr 8, 2026
Application SpaceWarp (AppSW) achieves a step function improvement in both performance and latency. In initial testing, it gave apps up to 70% additional compute with little to no perceptible artifacts.

How it works

AppSW allows an app to render at half rate (for example, 36 FPS instead of 72 FPS) by also rendering a lower-resolution motion vector buffer and depth buffer. The system uses these buffers to synthesize intermediate frames, producing a smooth 72 FPS output to the display.
AppSW is designed to run on one compositor layer in your app (normally the layer that renders your in-game camera). For applications that render UI on a separate compositor layer, you can render your 3D environment at half frame rate with AppSW and your UI on a separate layer at full frame rate without AppSW.

Key components

  • Motion vector generation — Your app generates a motion vector buffer that tracks how each pixel moved in screen space between the current and previous frame. The compositor uses this to predict where pixels will be in synthesized frames.
  • Frame synthesis — The compositor combines the motion vectors, depth buffer, and rendered frame to create an interpolated frame that accounts for both head movement and in-scene object movement.

Considerations

AppSW is an impactful optimization but requires detailed understanding of the technical tradeoffs:
  • Apps must generate accurate motion vectors and depth buffers
  • Some visual artifacts are possible with fast-moving objects or complex transparency
  • Memory footprint increases due to the additional buffers
  • Not all scenes benefit equally — profile to determine if AppSW is right for your app

Engine-specific implementation

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Virtual reality / Meta Horizon
Virtual reality / Meta Horizon
Virtual reality / Meta Horizon
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