As of June 12, 2025, Steam’s client and UL’s 3DMark app each gained native support for Apple silicon, but they were separate updates—not a documented joint project. The Steam client update made the client and Steam Helper apps native on Apple Silicon; 3DMark arrived as a native macOS benchmark app for M-series Macs.
What changed—and what did not
Valve’s Steam Client Beta announcement and UL Solutions’ 3DMark for macOS announcement were both dated June 12, 2025. Valve’s update said, “Steam Client and Steam Helper apps now run natively on Apple Silicon.” The wording was reproduced in a Steam community discussion of the beta announcement; the official announcement page identifies the date and title.
Separately, UL released 3DMark as a full native macOS application distributed through Steam. Steam’s product listing identifies UL Solutions as both developer and publisher. The available announcements do not establish a formal Valve–UL partnership or joint development.
Native support for the Steam client does not mean that Windows-only games became playable on Mac, and the beta announcement does not establish a particular performance gain or broad change in game compatibility.
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Can you run 3DMark on an M-series Mac?
Yes, if the Mac meets the current requirements shown on the Steam listing and Steam Support page. The listed minimums are macOS 14 Sonoma, an Apple Silicon M-series system-on-a-chip, 8 GB of system memory, and 2 GB of storage. Intel-based x86 Macs are not supported.
Which 3DMark benchmarks are available on macOS?
UL’s macOS release lists four benchmark tests:
- Steel Nomad v1.0
- Steel Nomad Light v1.0
- Solar Bay v1.0
- Wild Life Extreme v1.1.1.2
UL says these tests run natively using Apple’s Metal graphics API. The app also lists Explorer Mode for Steel Nomad and Steel Nomad Light, custom resolutions, looping runs, HDR, sound, Steam achievements, game-controller navigation in Explorer Mode, and the option to save results to a 3DMark.com account.
Rank #2
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Can Mac 3DMark scores be compared with Windows scores?
UL says 3DMark results are comparable across macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. That is UL’s stated cross-platform position; the available evidence does not include an independent validation study showing that scores have identical meaning across platforms or predict the same real-world gaming experience. Use scores as benchmark results, not as proof that two devices will perform alike in games.
UL also reported that after launching Steel Nomad Light, 1/6 of all iOS app submissions came from macOS devices. UL said running an iOS app on macOS can affect scores in some benchmarks because iOS app frame rates are limited by the display’s refresh rate. This statistic describes submissions, not Mac gaming share or 3DMark adoption.
Rank #3
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What limitations were noted at launch?
UL’s June 12, 2025 launch announcement listed two issues. Some real-time hardware readings, including SoC temperature and clock rate, were unavailable because macOS did not expose those metrics. The Steel Explorer achievement could not then be earned on macOS, and UL said it planned a future correction. Those are launch-era notes; the announcement does not confirm whether either issue has since been resolved.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Availability and ownership
UL said the macOS version was available through Steam and that existing 3DMark owners would automatically receive the macOS version where supported. UL also offered a demo through Steam. Store availability and ownership terms can change, so check the current listing for the latest details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- AN AMAZING MAC AT A SURPRISING PRICE — With an incredibly portable and durable aluminum design, up to 16 hours of battery life,* and the A18 Pro chip, MacBook Neo is ready to go wherever school takes you.
- FOUR STUNNING COLORS. ONE DURABLE DESIGN — Choose from four beautiful colors — Silver, Blush, Citrus, or Indigo — each with a color-coordinated keyboard. And MacBook Neo is made with a durable recycled aluminum enclosure that helps it reach 60 percent recycled content by weight — the most ever in any Apple product.*
- FLY THROUGH EVERYDAY ASSIGNMENTS — Whether you’re cramming for finals, using Apple Intelligence* to summarize class notes, creating presentations, or even playing the latest Apple Arcade game,* MacBook Neo delivers the performance and AI capabilities you need to get things done.
- UP TO 16 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Neo delivers all day battery life, so you can power through from early morning classes to late night study sessions without worrying about plugging in.
- A VIBRANT 13-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Neo supports 1 billion colors, so photos and videos pop and text is crisp for easy reading.
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Sources
- UL Solutions: 3DMark for macOS announcement, June 12, 2025
- 3DMark on Steam: product listing and system requirements
- Valve: Steam Client Beta announcement, June 12, 2025
- Steam Support: macOS requirements
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