Laminar Research has released X-Plane 12.4.0 as a public update for all users, with the build declared final on February 18, 2026. The “C-Check Update” introduces multi-threaded scenery processing, native Tobii Eye Tracker 5 support on Windows, a major refresh of the default Airbus A330-300 including ACARS capabilities via a third MCDU, expanded avionics features for X1000 and X430/X530, VR-specific improvements, and a new custom default airport at Bilbao Airport (LEBB).
This release is operationally relevant because it targets frame pacing during scenery loading, improves realistic online flying workflows through built-in ACARS requests, and adds cockpit planning and utility features to the X1000 avionics that are directly useful for general aviation profiles. It also includes notes on plugin compatibility that may affect common add-on setups.
Multi-Threaded Scenery Processing and Performance Expectations
The headline platform change is multi-threaded scenery processing, which shifts more scenery preparation work onto multiple CPU cores. Laminar notes this can bring substantial gains on some CPU-limited setups and can help keep frame rate more stable around dense scenery, but it is not guaranteed to improve performance for everyone, particularly for users who are already GPU-limited.
Laminar’s “What’s new” post also includes example benchmark outcomes from internal testers that show measurable improvements in some scenarios, while reinforcing that results vary depending on where a system is limited. That framing aligns with the release note guidance to treat the feature as a workload distribution change rather than a universal frame rate increase.
Airbus A330-300 Overhaul
Another substantial element to the new version of X-Plane 12 is the extensive update that the default Airbus A330-300 receives. The aircraft receives significant systems refinements, including electrical system modeling improvements, display behavior adjustments, and deeper integration between flight director logic, autopilot modes, and aircraft systems.
The update also enhances cold and dark configurations, display startup logic, and system interdependencies, bringing the aircraft closer to structured airline operating procedures. These changes position the A330 refresh as one of the central components of the 12.4.0 release rather than a minor revision.
Avionics Updates for GA Pilots
Beyond general avionics improvements, X-Plane 12.4.0 adds specific new X1000 features that are directly useful for GA-style flying and self-managed navigation. The X1000 gains a Trip Planning page that includes ETA and ETE to destination, along with sunset and sunrise times at your arrival point. It also adds a Utility page that tracks items such as air time, distance flown as an odometer, and ground speed record.
The update also expands the X1000’s configuration and data presentation options, including additional map and system behavior changes, and it refreshes the X430 and X530 with new pages such as traffic, terrain awareness, NEXRAD weather presentation, frequencies logic, and GPS status information. Together, these changes broaden what can be handled inside the default avionics without relying on external utilities.
ACARS and Third MCDU Support for Online Flying
For VATSIM and other online operations, Laminar highlights ACARS support via the third MCDU in the updated Airbus A330-300. The feature allows pilots to request weather, ATIS, and pre-departure clearance through the third unit when flying on VATSIM or when using the built-in ATC system, supporting more structured, airline-style information flows without leaving the cockpit environment. This ACARS and AOC-oriented capability expands the operational depth of the default A330 and aligns with airline-style communication workflows used in structured online environments.
VR Updates and SteamVR Improvements
X-Plane 12.4.0 also includes VR-focused changes, including VR-specific graphics settings and improvements to SteamVR controller detection and performance. Laminar notes quality-of-life improvements for VR workflows, including updated controls and reduced excessive logging tied to controller detection.
Alongside VR, the update introduces native Tobii Eye Tracker 5 support on Microsoft Windows, with Laminar advising users to remove the old Tobii plugin since it is no longer required. This provides an additional head and eye tracking option for users who want view control without VR hardware.
New Default Custom Airport and Compatibility Notes
X-Plane 12.4.0 adds Bilbao Airport (LEBB) as a new custom default airport, expanding the set of curated base-simulator sceneries available without third-party add ons. The release also includes updates to Global Airports and a range of scenery and library changes aimed at improving default coverage and asset variety.
Release Status and Availability
Laminar lists February 18, 2026, as the public release date for X-Plane 12.4.0, and notes that users no longer need to remain opted into the beta to access the update. The version history in the official notes also shows a February 13, 2026 “declared final” milestone that was confirmed as final on February 18, 2026. For background on Laminar’s earlier framing of 12.4.0 as a broad review of aircraft, avionics, and internal systems, see our previous coverage on the topic to get you caught up.
Laminar’s notes include several compatibility items that users may want to factor into update timing. They state that some plugins will need updates, and they blacklist the SAM plugin in 12.4.0 due to SDK violations and high crash rates, recommending openSAM as an alternative. If you’d like to take a look at the change log for this update, you can do so here.
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