WebGPU Compatibility Mode

[SenorBlanco]

Hola, TAG!

I'm requesting a TAG review of WebGPU Compatibility Mode.

WebGPU Compatibility Mode is an opt-in, lightly restricted subset of WebGPU capable of running older graphics APIs such as OpenGL and Direct3D11. The goal is to expand the reach of WebGPU applications to older devices that do not have the modern, explicit graphics APIs that core WebGPU requires. This requires Compatibility Mode to prohibit the use of some WebGPU features that the older APIs do not support.

• Explainer¹: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DKFOpDH7pD8OpWLuQgoJYdJuRbzrQFbWIGbWHrZiW2w/edit?usp=sharing
• Specification: https://github.com/gpuweb/gpuweb/blob/main/proposals/compatibility-mode.md
• WPT Tests: https://gpuweb.github.io/cts/standalone/?compatibility=1&q=webgpu:*
• Security and Privacy self-review²: https://gpuweb.github.io/gpuweb/explainer/#questionnaire (Note that this is the self-review as filed for WebGPU Core, since Compatibility Mode is a lightly-restricted subset and does not introduce any accessibility, security, or privacy issues over and above those introduced by WebGPU)
• GitHub repo: https://github.com/gpuweb/gpuweb/
• Primary contacts:
  • Stephen White ([email protected]), Google, proposal author
  • Kai Ninomiya ([email protected]), Google, editor
  • Corentin Wallez ([email protected]), Google, chair
• Organization/project driving the specification: GPU for the Web Working Group
• Multi-stakeholder support³:
  • Although there is not currently an entry for Compatibility Mode in the standards positions repos, WebGPU Compatibility Mode was discussed and approved by Google, Apple and Mozilla in the GPU for the Web Working Group, and has the same support as WebGPU Core. Each of the commits to the compatibility-mode propsal above was approved by a working group member from each of those three organizations, and any disagreements were resolved prior to landing in Working Group meetings.
• Status/issue trackers for implementations⁴: https://issues.chromium.org/issues/40266903

Further details:

• I have reviewed the TAG's Web Platform Design Principles
• Previous early design review, if any: none
• Relevant time constraints or deadlines: none
• The group where the work on this specification is currently being done: GPU for the Web Working Group
• The group where standardization of this work is intended to be done (if different from the current group): same
• Major unresolved issues with or opposition to this specification: none
• This work is being funded by: Google, Apple and Mozilla