This month, it has been confirmed by Valve that they will be dropping support for SteamVR on Apple’s macOS operating system. This decision comes just three years after launching a SteamVR Mac edition back in 2017. Although older frameworks are still available in beta releases, the focus will now shift away from macOS. SteamVR is a virtual reality hardware and software platform developed by Valve, with a focus on allowing “room-scale” experiences using positional tracking base stations, as opposed to those requiring the player to stay in a singular location.
Background and Impact
Valve’s decision to discontinue support for SteamVR on macOS is significant for several reasons. When SteamVR was initially launched for macOS, it was seen as a major step forward in making virtual reality more accessible to a broader audience. The platform allowed macOS users to experience immersive VR environments, which was a big deal given the limited VR options available for Apple users at the time. However, the adoption rate among macOS users has been relatively low compared to Windows and Linux users. This could be attributed to the higher hardware requirements and the limited number of VR-ready Macs available in the market.
Valve explained in a small update via the official Steam Community:
“SteamVR has ended macOS support so our team can focus on Windows and Linux. We recommend that macOS users continue to opt into the SteamVR [macos] branches for access to legacy builds. Users can opt into a branch by right-clicking on SteamVR in Steam, and selecting Properties… -> Betas.”
Future of SteamVR
The future of SteamVR looks promising, especially with the focus now being on Windows and Linux platforms. These operating systems have a larger user base and more robust hardware support for VR experiences. Windows, in particular, has a wide range of VR headsets and accessories that are compatible with SteamVR, making it a more attractive platform for both developers and users. Linux, while not as popular as Windows, has a dedicated community of users who are passionate about open-source software and VR technology.
For macOS users, the discontinuation of SteamVR support means that they will have to rely on legacy builds to continue using the platform. While this is not an ideal situation, it does provide a temporary solution for those who are heavily invested in the SteamVR ecosystem. Users can opt into these legacy builds by right-clicking on SteamVR in Steam, selecting Properties, and then navigating to the Betas section.
Alternatives for macOS Users
With the end of SteamVR support on macOS, users may want to explore alternative VR platforms and solutions. One such option is the Oculus Rift, which offers a range of VR experiences and is compatible with macOS through third-party software like Boot Camp. Another option is the HTC Vive, which also has limited support for macOS but offers a robust VR experience on Windows.
Additionally, Apple has been making strides in the augmented reality (AR) space with its ARKit framework. While AR is different from VR, it still offers immersive experiences that can be enjoyed on macOS and iOS devices. Developers can leverage ARKit to create engaging AR applications that take advantage of Apple’s hardware and software ecosystem.
In conclusion, while the discontinuation of SteamVR support on macOS is a setback for Apple users, it opens up opportunities for Valve to focus on enhancing the VR experience on Windows and Linux platforms. macOS users still have access to legacy builds and can explore alternative VR solutions to continue enjoying immersive virtual reality experiences.
Source: Steam : UploadVR : Apple Insider
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