Mac users who utilize Steam will no longer receive support as of a certain date, unless they carry out a particular action.
In the world of technology, it's essential to keep up with the latest updates, and this is particularly true for Mac users who enjoy gaming on Steam. Here's what you need to know about the upcoming changes.
Starting from October 2025, Steam will require macOS 12 Monterey or later for gameplay. To ensure compatibility, Mac models need to meet certain criteria. Fortunately, a wide range of Macs, including those as old as 2012, can run macOS Monterey. The compatible models include the MacBook (Early 2015 and later), MacBook Air (Mid 2013 and later), MacBook Pro (Late 2013 and later), Mac mini (Late 2014 and later), iMac (Late 2014 and later), iMac Pro (2017 and later), Mac Pro (Late 2013 and later), and even the Mac Studio (2022).
However, it's important to note that Apple stopped issuing security updates for macOS 11 in 2023, making it progressively riskier to stay on this older OS. To avoid potential issues, an upgrade to macOS 12 Monterey is recommended, even for non-Steam gamers.
The Steam Client will cease to function entirely on macOS 11 from October 15, 2025. This is due to the inability of an embedded version of Google Chrome to function on older versions of macOS. Valve, the company behind Steam, does not take responsibility for the end of Steam Client support on macOS 11.
For Mac users running macOS 11, an upgrade to macOS 12 Monterey is possible. Apple is preparing to launch macOS 26, but the specific details about it are not yet available. It's crucial to verify your Mac model using the Apple menu > About This Mac to confirm compatibility with macOS Monterey and future updates.
In summary, to continue playing Steam games on a Mac from October 2025, an OS upgrade will be necessary. Ensure your Mac meets the compatibility requirements for macOS 12 Monterey, and consider upgrading to maintain security and avoid potential issues.
- To enjoy Steam games on a Mac beyond 2025, it's necessary to upgrade the operating system to macOS 12 Monterey or later, ensuring a wide array of Mac models, including smartphones-turned-gadgets like the Mac Studio (2022), are compatible.
- As the Steam Client will no longer function on macOS 11 from October 15, 2025, smartphone users who have been running this OS on their Macs might need to consider an upgrade to macOS 12 Monterey to reap the benefits of the latest technology while protecting their devices from potential security risks.
