Valve Kills SteamVR Support on MacOS

Gamers who use Valve’s SteamVR with an Apple laptop or desktop are losing access to the platform.

SteamVR, which lets gamers run virtual reality experiences on their laptop or desktop, debuted on macOS in 2017, but support for Apple's OS has now been discontinued, Valve announced in a Thursday notice.

It’s still available on Windows and Linux.

Valve didn’t say why it discontinued macOS support, but it’s no secret that Apple’s operating system falls short of expectations among serious gamers.

Often, they choose Windows or Linux to run high-end titles on capable hardware.

MacOS devices can boost horsepower through an eGPU; however, gamers are more likely to choose a machine that allows modifications and customization, which Windows and Linux certainly embrace, and Valve acknowledged this week.

“SteamVR has ended OSX support so our team can focus on Windows and Linux,” the notice reads.

Legacy builds are still available to download, though.

Valve will offer the files behind SteamVR to developers interested in designing virtual reality apps and games on macOS, but they won't get new features and bug fixes.

Apple, meanwhile, could soon release a similar platform for macOS.

Rumors suggest it’s developing smart glasses that leverage both virtual and augmented reality, and its laptops and desktops would likely be compatible.

Still, futuristic eyewear from Apple has been in the rumor mill for several years.

Nothing tells us Apple is on the verge of announcing its first consumer-ready product in the space.

In fact, a report published last summer claimed that Apple killed the project altogether.

So it’ll take some time before we understand exactly how Apple wants to unify virtual and augmented reality across its portfolio.

Gamers who use Valve’s SteamVR with an Apple laptop or desktop are losing access to the platform.

SteamVR, which lets gamers run virtual reality experiences on their laptop or desktop, debuted on macOS in 2017, but support for Apple's OS has now been discontinued, Valve announced in a Thursday notice.

It’s still available on Windows and Linux.

Valve didn’t say why it discontinued macOS support, but it’s no secret that Apple’s operating system falls short of expectations among serious gamers.

Often, they choose Windows or Linux to run high-end titles on capable hardware.

MacOS devices can boost horsepower through an eGPU; however, gamers are more likely to choose a machine that allows modifications and customization, which Windows and Linux certainly embrace, and Valve acknowledged this week.

“SteamVR has ended OSX support so our team can focus on Windows and Linux,” the notice reads.

Legacy builds are still available to download, though.

Valve will offer the files behind SteamVR to developers interested in designing virtual reality apps and games on macOS, but they won't get new features and bug fixes.

Apple, meanwhile, could soon release a similar platform for macOS.

Rumors suggest it’s developing smart glasses that leverage both virtual and augmented reality, and its laptops and desktops would likely be compatible.

Still, futuristic eyewear from Apple has been in the rumor mill for several years.

Nothing tells us Apple is on the verge of announcing its first consumer-ready product in the space.

In fact, a report published last summer claimed that Apple killed the project altogether.

So it’ll take some time before we understand exactly how Apple wants to unify virtual and augmented reality across its portfolio.