Steam Launches Native Apple Silicon App for Mac
Steam has made significant strides in enhancing its compatibility with Apple’s M series chips, as the latest beta release allows the Steam client and its helper app to run natively on Mac computers equipped with Apple Silicon. This transition marks a pivotal moment for users, promising improved performance and efficiency compared to the previous version that relied on Apple’s Rosetta 2 translation environment. As Valve prepares to launch a Universal app, gamers can expect a smoother experience on their Macs.
Native Performance on Apple Silicon
The recent beta release of the Steam client has been a game changer for Mac users. According to the release notes, both the main Steam client and the Steam Helper app now operate natively on Apple Silicon models. This development signifies that Valve has successfully updated the app’s code, eliminating the need for Rosetta 2, which previously allowed older applications to function on newer Mac systems.
Beta testers have reported a noticeable increase in speed with the new native version. Users have experienced quicker launch times and faster navigation through the Library, Store, and Community tabs. The reliance on Chromium for the app’s interface has also contributed to these enhancements. In contrast, the stable version of the app has been criticized for its sluggish performance on modern Mac models. However, Valve is expected to roll out these performance improvements to all users in an upcoming stable update.
Transitioning to Universal Apps
The shift towards native applications for Mac began shortly after Apple introduced its first M1 chip models in November 2020. Over the years, many developers have transitioned their applications to Universal apps that run natively on Apple Silicon. While some applications still rely on Rosetta 2, the trend is clearly moving towards native compatibility.
Valve’s decision to develop a native version of Steam comes at a crucial time, as Apple recently announced that macOS Tahoe will be the final OS upgrade for Intel-based Mac computers. This change underscores the urgency for developers to adapt their applications to ensure optimal performance on the latest hardware.
Future of Rosetta 2 and Gaming on Mac
As Apple prepares for the future, it has indicated that Rosetta 2 will be deprecated with the release of macOS 28 in 2027. This means that developers will need to prioritize native app development to keep pace with evolving technology. Apple has stated that a portion of its translation layer will remain to support older games that have not been updated for modern Mac systems.
This strategic move by Apple and Valve reflects a broader industry trend towards optimizing software for new hardware capabilities. As more applications transition to native versions, users can look forward to enhanced performance and a more seamless gaming experience on their Mac computers.
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