Valve has confirmed that as of October 15, 2025 the Steam macOS client will no longer support macOS 11 Big Sur and earlier versions. Users still running Big Sur must upgrade to macOS Monterey 12 or later to keep using the platform otherwise both the Steam client and purchased games become inaccessible.
Why Steam Is Phasing Out Big Sur
This step stems from technical limitations. Steam relies on an embedded version of Google Chrome which no longer supports older macOS versions. Furthermore future Steam updates will require system features and security enhancements only available in macOS 12 and above.
Apple ended security and technical support for Big Sur in 2023 leaving systems vulnerable to malware performance issues and potential theft of Steam credentials. Valve strongly advises users to upgrade early to ensure continued safe access.
Native Apple Silicon Support
Valve is aligning with Apple’s transition strategy. A native Steam client for Apple Silicon is now in beta offering markedly faster launch speeds and smoother navigation compared to legacy support via Rosetta.This update demonstrates Valve’s commitment to enhancing Mac gaming for modern hardware.
What Mac Users Should Do
To avoid service interruptions:
- Update your Mac to macOS Monterey (12) or newer before October 15, 2025.
- Confirm hardware compatibility for the newer OS versions.
- Back up your data before proceeding with the update.
Failing to act means losing access to Steam and all linked games.
A Broader Industry Trend
Valve’s decision reflects a larger industry shift away from supporting legacy systems. Software and platforms across the tech space including browsers and blockchain applications are increasingly dropping compatibility for older OS versions. This move underscores a push toward performance security and modern feature sets.
Conclusion
Valve decision to discontinue Steam support for macOS Big Sur by October 2025 is both pragmatic and necessary. This change isn’t just about maintaining hardware compatibility it’s a commitment to user safety performance optimization and future proofing the Steam experiences. If you’re still on macOS 11 upgrading isn’t optional it’s essential.
An incredible and almost unjustifiable disservice by the teacher or facilitator to let a sensitive young person struggle so without as much as an aside pep talk or words of encouragement.