itch.io app v26.6.0: native Apple Silicon, OAuth login, and 32-bit retirement
The itch.io desktop app shipped version 26.6.0, its first stable release in a while. The update modernizes the app's infrastructure with native Apple Silicon support, a new authentication flow, and the end of 32-bit builds.
Comparing Steam and itch.io as platforms for indie game distribution
Native Apple Silicon
macOS users on M-series chips will now get a native arm64 binary instead of running through Rosetta 2. The app auto-updates to the arm64 version, so existing users don't need to do anything manually. This should noticeably improve performance and battery life on Apple Silicon Macs.
OAuth replaces in-app login
The default login flow now opens your browser for OAuth-based authentication instead of asking for username and password inside the app itself. This change directly addresses credential stuffing attacks, where bots try leaked username/password combinations against login forms. Password login is still available as a fallback, but OAuth is the default going forward.
Electron and build changes
The app upgraded from Electron 22 to Electron 25, which brings Chromium and Node.js updates under the hood. 32-bit builds are fully retired. This affects very few users at this point, but it's a clean break that simplifies the build pipeline.
On Linux, the installer now ships an AppImage instead of the previous format. There are also new arm64 Linux builds for the first time, which is relevant for developers on ARM-based Linux machines and single-board computers like Raspberry Pi.
Butler rebuilt with Go 1.24
Butler, the CLI tool that developers use to upload and manage game builds on itch.io, has been rebuilt with Go 1.24 and updated dependencies. This is a backend change that most developers won't notice directly, but it keeps the tool compatible with current systems and TLS requirements.
Why this matters
The itch.io desktop app is how a lot of indie game players discover and manage games outside of Steam. It handles downloads, automatic updates with delta patching, and offline play for browser-based games. The app had been relatively quiet on updates for some time, so this release signals renewed investment in the platform's client-side infrastructure.
The modernized build and release pipeline should also mean more frequent updates going forward. The team has already followed up with v26.9.0, which upgraded to Electron 40 and added sandboxing overhauls across all three operating systems.