Yes, The Sims 4 runs on M1 Macs via Rosetta 2.
The Sims 4 is a life simulation game that gives you the power to create and control your very own Sim.The Sims 4 is the latest entry in the legendary Sims series and features tons of new systems that make it the more sophisticated and enthralling Sims game to date.
The Sims 4 on Mac
The Sims 4 hasn’t always delivered great Mac support. For a while, it was no longer playable due to a lack of 64-bit support. But ever since, developer Maxis has stepped up its game and ensure The Sims 4 on Mac is just as good as on Windows.
From here, you can select to download and install any add-on content you wish to play with on the Mac version of The Sims 4. How to make sure purchasing add-on content shows up. Log into the Origin client using the same account that you use to play The Sims 4 on Mac. An account is required to play The Sims 4. Select the My Game Library tab. I was also wondering if my MacBook air will run the sims 3 properly. I have an external disc drive and have installed the base game, seasons and pets. For some reason, when I open the launcher and hit 'play', it just opens a plumbob loading screen but never launches. I am up to date on software updates. This is what my mac has. I recently bought the MacBook Air and would now like to play Sims 4 on it. I looked at the minimum requirements of the game and unfortunately my processor struggles a bit. In my system information, it says that the laptop has a '1.1 GHz dual-core Intel Core i3' processor, the minimum requirement is an 'Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 2.4 GHz'. Is there still any way I can play the game?
Is The Sims 4 worth it? The reviews
So did The Sims 4 delivered? Is it as good as its predecessors? The game didn’t receive exceptional reviews at launch. Most agreed The Sims 3 had more to do and they punished The Sims 4 for it.
Yet The Sims 4 has always had more depth. And since its initial release, the game has received plenty of updates and DLCs.
13-inch MacBook Air (2020): Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU, 8 GB RAM; OS MacOS Big Sur version 11.1; The Sims 4: Version 1.; Submit & Request M1 results. To take our M1 benchmarks and compatibility tests to the next level, we definitely need your support! If you’re interested in testing games on your own M1 Mac, you can use this form. I've been thinking about buying Sims 3 for a long time. I've already checked the internet to see if Sims 3 is running on my laptop (MacBook Air). But I haven't been able to find anything yet. If you have the same computer and Sims 3 is running on you, please write me! Then I would be a little relieved! Thank you in advance! P.S.: I look forward to every answer;-).
Bottom line: In spite of average reviews, The Sims 4 is the best Sims game you can buy today, by far.
The Sims 4 Mac requirements
These are the game’s official Mac requirements:
| Minimum Requirements | |
| OS: | 10.11 |
| Processor: | 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo |
| Memory: | 4 GB RAM |
| Graphics: | NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT, ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro |
| Hard Drive: | 16 GB |
| A 64-Bit OS and Metal support are required | |
Note that according to these system requirements, a Mac with integrated graphics should not be able to run it. But we can confirm it’s possible. More on that below.
The Sims 4 M1 Mac support
Yes, The Sims 4 runs on M1 Macs with Apple Silicon via Rosetta 2.
Last Updated: February 3, 2021:
What is Rosetta 2? Rosetta 2 is a translation process that enables an M1 Mac with Apple silicon to use apps built for Intel-based Macs.
As you can see below, the game is still exclusively written for Intel-based Macs, but thanks to Rosetta 2, The Sims 4 can nonetheless run great on M1 Macs:
More M1 gaming? Visit our M1 Supported Games list for 100+ Mac games we have tested and confirmed as M1-compatible.
The Sims 4 M1 Mac benchmarks
The table summarizes our results as well as results from other members of the community:
As a reminder, this is how we describe the different levels of performance: Auto clicker for mac advanced mouse clicker.
- Below 20 FPS: Unplayable: Laggy gameplay, full of stutters and slowdowns.
- 20-30 FPS: Borderline: Can be OK in slow-paced games. Still, not optimal.
- 30-45 FPS: Playable: Acceptable for most (most gaming consoles do this).
- 45-60 FPS: Smooth: Fluid gameplay, with no perceivable stutters.
- 60+ FPS: Very Smooth: For hardcore and professional players, a luxury for most.
We usually aim for 30 FPS, because 30 FPS is enough to guarantee a smooth and fluid experience for most casual gamers.
Tested versions:
Concerning our in-house benchmarks, the game was tested on the following M1 Mac:
- 13-inch MacBook Air (2020): Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU, 8 GB RAM
- OS MacOS Big Sur version 11.1
- The Sims 4: Version 1.70.84.1220
Submit & Request M1 results
To take our M1 benchmarks and compatibility tests to the next level, we definitely need your support!
If you’re interested in testing games on your own M1 Mac, you can use this form:
You can also join our Discord to request a game or talk with other M1 Mac users.
The Sims 4 Mac download
You can download The Sims 4 from EA.com.
Be aware that the game is also available on Steam but that version does not support macOS.
Sims On Macbook Air
And more importantly, if you have your own M1 test results to share, on this game or another, please share them with us using this form.