Steam macOS 12 Requirement Begins October 15
Steam is officially ending support for macOS 11 Big Sur on October 15, 2025. This change means Mac users must upgrade to macOS 12 Monterey or later to continue using the Steam platform. The shift is primarily due to Steam’s reliance on an embedded version of Google Chrome that no longer functions on older macOS versions. Additionally, future updates will demand security features only available in macOS 12 and above. The Steam macOS 12 requirement is not just a technical update—it’s a necessary move to enhance performance, protect user data, and align with Apple’s evolving ecosystem.
Why Steam Is Dropping macOS Big Sur
Valve, the company behind Steam, explained that the embedded Chromium engine used within the Steam client has stopped working on Big Sur. More importantly, Apple ended security updates for macOS 11 back in 2023, leaving systems increasingly vulnerable to malware and exploits. This raises concerns about compromised Steam accounts and poor gaming performance. By enforcing the Steam macOS 12 requirement, Valve is aiming to reduce security risks and ensure a stable experience for gamers across supported Apple devices.
Steam’s Transition to Native Apple Silicon Support
This announcement also comes as Valve continues its transition to a native Apple silicon Steam client. Apple’s push to phase out Rosetta 2—used for translating Intel apps to Apple silicon—has encouraged developers like Valve to embrace full compatibility with Apple’s M-series chips. A beta version of the native Steam client was released shortly after WWDC in June, and early testers report much faster launch times and smoother performance. These improvements further emphasize the importance of meeting the Steam macOS 12 requirement to take full advantage of future updates.
What Mac Users Should Do Before October 15
If you're still running macOS Big Sur, now is the time to upgrade. After the deadline, you won’t be able to open Steam or launch any games you’ve purchased. Upgrading to macOS 12 or later ensures continued access to your library and a secure gaming environment. Valve strongly recommends this step to avoid disruption and to benefit from the enhanced features coming to the platform. Staying current with the Steam macOS 12 requirement means you won’t miss out on what’s next for Mac gaming.
