X-Plane is a flight simulation software initially launched by Laminar Research in 1995. Commercial desktop versions are sold for macOS, Windows, and Linux. In addition, Laminar Research also distributes FAA-certified versions for professional use. A mobile version has been available for Android, iOS, and webOS since 2009 as well.
X-Plane is pre-packaged with various aircraft and global scenery, which covers most of the Earth. X-Plane’s architecture allows users to create their own add-ons such as aircraft, scenery, or plugins to extend functionality. There are numerous forums where users share their creations for X-Plane, some freeware and some payware. Laminar Research also maintains a Scenery Gateway, which allows users to submit and refine airports for inclusion in the default global scenery.
On September 5, 2022, Laminar Research launched their latest version, X-Plane 12, as early access. X-Plane 12 was officially launched on December 17, 2022. It brings a new photometric lighting engine, volumetric clouds, 3-D water, windscreen rain effects, and moving jetways. It also features an updated flight model, an entirely new ATC system, and new Primus avionics. New aircraft such as the Airbus A330, Cessna Citation X, F-14, PA-18 SuperCub, and the Cirrus SR22 were added to the default fleet of X-Plane.
In October 2023, Laminar Research announced the price for X-Plane 12 would be raised from 59.99 USD to 79.99 USD on the 31st. In the same announcement, they also shared that the version numbering would change from a one-point system to a two-point system starting from version 12.0.8 to allow for more versions to be released faster.
On December 9, 2019, X-Plane Mobile Global, a major update for the mobile port, was released. Although initially available for free, only five initial locations are available without the purchase of a monthly subscription.
