Install & Compatibility
Where this runs
tested against v2026.3.1 · pip install
no network on importno background threads
Install × environment matrix
Each cell = how many times install + import succeeded across repeated harness runs. Partial = flaky.
glibc = Debian/Ubuntu slim · musl = Alpine Linux
muslpy 3.10–3.95 runs
build_error
glibcpy 3.10–3.95 runs
installs and imports cleanly · install 6.3s · import 0.594s · 261MB
258MB installed
● package 258MB
Code
Verified usage
Verified import paths — ran on the pinned version, not inferred.
Core
✓ from openvino import Core
✗ from openvino.runtime import Core
This quickstart demonstrates how to initialize the OpenVINO Runtime, create a simple dummy model programmatically (or load a real one), compile it for a specific device (defaults to CPU), run inference with random input data, and retrieve the output. Remember to replace the dummy model creation with actual model loading in a real application.
import openvino.runtime as ov
import numpy as np
import os
# 1. Create a Core object to manage devices and models
core = ov.Core()
# 2. Create a dummy model for demonstration
# In a real scenario, you would load from .xml/.bin using:
# model = core.read_model("path/to/model.xml")
input_shape = [1, 3, 224, 224] # Batch, Channels, Height, Width
output_shape = [1, 1000] # Batch, Class_count
input_node = ov.opset12.parameter(input_shape, ov.Type.f32, name="input")
output_node = ov.opset12.result(input_node) # Simple identity model
model = ov.Model([output_node], [input_node], "dummy_model")
# 3. Compile the model for a specific device
# Use os.environ.get for dynamic device selection in production
device = os.environ.get("OPENVINO_DEVICE", "CPU") # Example: "GPU", "NPU"
print(f"Compiling model for device: {device}")
compiled_model = core.compile_model(model, device)
# 4. Create an inference request
infer_request = compiled_model.create_infer_request()
# 5. Prepare input data (random data for dummy model)
input_data = np.random.rand(*input_shape).astype(np.float32)
infer_request.set_input_tensor(ov.Tensor(input_data))
# 6. Perform inference
infer_request.infer()
# 7. Get output data
output_tensor = infer_request.get_output_tensor()
output_data = output_tensor.data
print(f"Inference successful. Output shape: {output_data.shape}")
print(f"First 5 output values: {output_data.flatten()[:5]}")
benchmark_app --version
Debug
Known issues
breakingMajor API overhaul: The `openvino.inference_engine` module and its classes (e.g., `IECore`, `IENetwork`, `IEPlugin`, `Tensor`) were deprecated and subsequently removed in favor of `openvino.runtime` in OpenVINO 2022.x.fixUpdate all imports and class instantiations from `openvino.inference_engine.*` to `openvino.runtime.*` (e.g., `IECore` becomes `Core`, `IENetwork` becomes `Model`). Consult migration guides for detailed changes.
affects: OpenVINO 2022.1 and newer
gotchaDevice availability and selection: OpenVINO often defaults to 'CPU' if no device is specified or if the specified device is unavailable. Users might expect automatic GPU or NPU usage without explicit configuration.fixAlways explicitly specify the target device during model compilation (e.g., `core.compile_model(model, device='GPU')`). Use `core.available_devices` to check which devices are detected and available on the system.
affects: All versions
breakingIntermediate Representation (IR) version changes: OpenVINO's internal model format (IR) has evolved (e.g., from IR v7 to IR v10). While `core.read_model` typically handles conversion for recent versions, very old `.xml` / `.bin` models might not load or behave as expected.fixWhen encountering issues with older models, try re-exporting them using the latest OpenVINO Model Optimizer. Ensure your model optimization pipeline matches your OpenVINO Runtime version.
affects: Especially prior to OpenVINO 2023.0
breakingPython 3.9 and older are no longer supported. The `openvino` package now requires Python 3.10 or newer.fixUpgrade your Python environment to version 3.10 or higher. For older Python versions, you may need to use an older OpenVINO release (e.g., OpenVINO 2024.x supports Python 3.8-3.11).
affects: OpenVINO 2026.1.0 and newer
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Version history
2026.3.1latest on PyPI · released Aug 26, 2026
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Dependencies
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