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Steam Launches Native Apple Silicon Support in Latest macOS Beta Update

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Steam has taken a major step toward full Apple Silicon support with its latest beta release for macOS. As of Thursday, testers using Macs with M-series chips can now run both the Steam client and its companion helper app natively, eliminating the need for Rosetta 2 emulation. This shift marks a significant performance upgrade, as Valve prepares to transition Steam into a Universal app that better utilizes the hardware capabilities of Apple’s custom silicon.

According to release notes published Friday, the updated beta allows the Steam app to run directly on Apple Silicon, with no reliance on Apple’s Rosetta 2 translation layer. Rosetta has served as a useful bridge for running Intel-based apps on M1 and M2 machines, but native support offers better speed and energy efficiency. Valve’s move brings Steam in line with a growing number of macOS applications that have already embraced native Apple Silicon performance.

Early feedback from beta testers has been largely positive. Users report that the native version of Steam for Mac launches noticeably faster and offers smoother navigation across core sections like the Library, Store, and Community tabs. Since the Steam client uses Chromium for its interface—a platform not known for its efficiency—the performance gains are particularly welcome. While the stable release still runs under Rosetta 2, Valve is expected to bring the native version to all users in an upcoming update.

Apple first introduced its M1-powered Macs in late 2020, prompting a wave of developers to optimize their software for the new architecture. In the years since, many popular apps have transitioned to Universal binaries that run seamlessly on both Intel and Apple Silicon machines. Valve’s move to join that list underscores the growing importance of native optimization, especially for power users and gamers who demand faster, more responsive software on modern Macs.

iPadOS 19 Expected to Undergo Major Revamp, Enhancing Multitasking and Productivity Features

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Apple is reportedly preparing a significant update to iPadOS, the operating system that powers its iPad lineup. According to well-known journalist Mark Gurman, the next version, iPadOS 19, could bring a much-needed overhaul, aligning the iPad experience more closely with macOS. This change is seen as a response to the increasing power of recent iPad models, particularly those equipped with the new M4 chipset. With hardware advancements leaving the software experience lagging behind, Apple seems poised to enhance the multitasking and productivity features of the iPad, potentially transforming it into an even more versatile tool for users.

The overhaul of iPadOS is expected to be a major focus at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, scheduled for June 9. Gurman suggests that the revamp will address the growing demand for improved multitasking, app window management, and productivity tools. iPadOS has long been an extension of iOS, adapted to larger screens, but many users have voiced frustration over its limitations. Apple is said to be responding by making the iPad a more robust platform for professional and power users, with features that are closer to what macOS offers, such as enhanced window management and a more flexible multitasking experience.

This shift could also be part of a broader strategy to unify Apple’s ecosystem. Gurman previously reported that Apple intends to reduce the visual distinctions between its devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and even the Apple Vision Pro. One of the anticipated changes is the introduction of design elements similar to those found in visionOS, the operating system powering Apple’s spatial headset. This could lead to a more cohesive user experience across all of Apple’s devices, providing a consistent feel regardless of the platform being used.

While official details remain sparse, some of the rumored design changes include glass effects throughout the user interface, which would add a touch of sophistication and fluidity to the overall experience. As the lines between Apple’s devices continue to blur, iPadOS 19 could be the bridge that brings the iPad closer to macOS in terms of functionality, while maintaining its distinctive touch interface and portability. If these changes come to fruition, the iPad could become an even more powerful tool for productivity and multitasking, setting it apart from other tablets on the market.

Apple Said to Be Working on Two Prototype Models for Second-Generation Studio Display

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Apple is reportedly working on multiple prototypes for its second-generation Studio Display, as it prepares to update its external monitor lineup. The original Studio Display was released nearly three years ago, and given the typical product refresh cycle, a successor could be expected either later this year or early next. According to veteran journalist Mark Gurman, the company is currently testing two distinct prototypes, with Apple potentially choosing one of them for its new Studio Display or offering both, each catering to different customer preferences in terms of size or features.

In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman discussed Apple’s intentions to replace the current Studio Display with an upgraded model. While earlier reports hinted at a product identified by the model number J427, Gurman revealed that another monitor, under the model number J527, is also in the works. This could indicate that Apple is exploring various possibilities, and rather than choosing just one prototype, it may opt to offer both models, possibly with differing screen sizes or specifications.

If this turns out to be true, Apple’s strategy could provide customers with more flexibility when selecting a compatible monitor for their desktop Macs, such as the Mac mini, Mac Pro, and Mac Studio. By offering two variations of the second-generation Studio Display, Apple could cater to a broader range of user needs, whether they prioritize screen real estate or particular technical specifications. This would mark a departure from the current approach, where only a single model — a 27-inch 5K Retina display — is available, offering 600 nits of peak brightness.

As the company continues to refine its offerings, the Studio Display refresh is likely to be a significant update in the growing ecosystem of Apple’s desktop monitors. If Apple follows through on this dual-prototype strategy, it could give consumers more options and enhance the user experience, especially for those who need a professional-grade display for demanding tasks or want something more compact for their workspace.