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The Steam client will soon receive an update that will have a significant impact on Mac users. Starting October 15, 2025, macOS 11 Big Sur will no longer be supported. Anyone who wants to use Steam on a Mac will need at least macOS 12 Monterey from then on. This affects everyone who plays games through Steam or wants to continue using their game library.
Valve announced this change early to allow enough time for the transition. The reason is technical: The Steam client will be based on an embedded version of Google Chrome, which no longer works on older macOS versions like Big Sur. At the same time, new updates rely on security features that were only introduced with macOS 12. Without this foundation, the platform cannot guarantee stable and secure use.
Why Steam no longer supports Big Sur
The most important technical change concerns the architecture of the Steam client. The built-in version of Google Chrome is no longer compatible with Big Sur. Furthermore, the new client version requires security features that are only available starting with macOS Monterey. Another point: Apple itself has already discontinued security updates for macOS 11 in 2023. This means that systems running Big Sur will no longer receive the latest security patches. This increases the risk of malware, which can compromise not only the operating system but also the Steam client and associated accounts and game saves.
Impact on the operation of the Steam client
Even if support ends, the Steam client can theoretically still be launched under Big Sur. So there's no hard cut that renders the platform completely unusable. However, this also means no new updates, no bug fixes, no new features, and potentially unstable game launches—especially for newer titles. In the long term, this creates a growing risk of incompatibilities. Games that rely on current technologies or security protocols could sooner or later no longer function properly.
Preparing for the change
Valve strongly recommends upgrading to macOS 12 or higher by October 15, 2025, at the latest. This is the only way to retain the full functionality of the Steam client—including store access, online features, and game management. Anyone using a Mac with Apple Silicon benefits twice. Following Apple's announcement that it is phasing out Rosetta 2, Valve has released a native version of the Steam client for Apple Silicon Macs. The first beta came shortly after WWDC in June 2025. Users report significantly shorter loading times and smoother operation – both in the store and in the media library.
Steam client requires macOS 12 or newer
The Steam client will discontinue support for macOS 11 Big Sur with the update effective October 15, 2025. This is due to new technical requirements such as the Chrome-based client structure and modern security features. At the same time, Apple itself is distancing itself from older systems, making the transition necessary. An upgrade to macOS 12 or later is mandatory if the Steam client is to continue to function reliably. Especially on Macs with Apple silicon, the native client offers additional advantages in terms of speed and user experience. Anyone who continues to play regularly or plans to access new titles via Steam should switch over in good time. (Image: Shutterstock / Rokas Tenys)
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