Can You Play The Sims 4 On Macbook Air

Yes, The Sims 4 runs on M1 Macs via Rosetta 2.

Apple’s Macbook 12”, which was in the intersection between the Air and Pro, was released in 2016 for people clamoring for the solo Macbook model. If you’re one of the people who think the 12-incher deserves a comeback, you’d have to wait. Luckily, you can cop the Sims 4 version created by MXIMS.

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 a 3D simulation game for Mac computers. You can create any Sim you can dream up. Plan their lives, pick their friends, make enemies, and watch their hilarious stories unfold. Go ahead, make a Sim whose greatest aspiration is to hone his gardening skills. With enough work, he might become the world's greatest freelance botanist.
In the same way Is a MacBook good to play Sims on? There are many other suitable options for a Sims 4 laptop out there, like the newer MacBook Pros (2014 onwards) and the MacBook Air (2015 onwards), which can run the game with pretty much all the expansions at low to medium graphics settings.

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.

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.

Bottom line: In spite of average reviews, The Sims 4 is the best Sims game you can buy today, by far.

7.5 IGN

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

Macbook Air Sims 4

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:

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.

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.

Computers have been a real vital part of everyone’s lives. I mean, imagine a world without them and let’s shudder collectively at the thought of not being able to play The Sims anymore.

How did we even live then?

Well in the Sims, the importance of a computer is no different. With these nifty electronics, your Sim can play games, find jobs, study, hire help… basically anything you can think of.

However, we can all agree that the choices in-game are a bit vanilla. But with a few custom mods we can add totally new computers to give your Sims some cooler options!

15. Personal Objects

Don’t you hate it when some rando walks into your home and uses all your stuff?

You know the scenario – you throw a party at home and next thing you know, Mortimer from across the street is writing some salacious novel on your computer without your permission. Ugh!

Before you flip a lid, take a chill pill and look at this mod created by LittleMsSam.

Personal Objects enables you to set your computer, laptop, and even tablet (plus a few other items) as your personal object. Voila, no other Sim will be allowed to get their grubby hands on anything marked as yours.

14. Triple Monitor Desktop Computer

Is your Sim a Secret Agent who needs to do some intelligence sleuthing?

Or are they a budding computer wiz?

Maybe they just want to be the most effective Internet stalking device (you never know). Well this Triple Monitor Desktop Computer CC by LindseyxSims is ideal for the fervent multitasker.

And the best thing about this CC? All three screens are fully functional.

13. Work Hard Notebooks

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but having a cool-looking notebook is not a personality trait. We won’t stop you from going crazy with it, though.

If you’re a hardcore believer in following a theme with tech, then you’ll be sure to find a design that suits you with the customizable Work Hard Notebooks by Nadilein’s CC.

This custom CC is not just for design, but it’s also completely usable too! It comes in 40 swatches with a wide range of designs matching on both the laptop and mouse.

12. Dung Computer

Imagine this scene: the camera panning into the second floor of a dingy apartment through the window. Our focus is then shifted to a struggling writer, cooped up inside, writing their masterpiece between puffs of a cheap cigar.

If you play The Sims 4 to do storytelling, Salomia’s Dung Computer will be a perfect prop to your vintage urban setting.

Never mind the less-than-appealing name. This desktop evokes a sense of old school charm, with prints on the body and a design that reminds us of the computers of yesteryears.

11. Microsoft Surface Studio

It’s a question that has sparked a million debates between fanboys: are you a PC or a Mac?

Whatever team your Sim is rooting for, you’ve most definitely heard of Microsoft’s Surface computers.

Modder RyotMan converted one of the most successful members of the Surface family: the Microsoft Surface Studio.

This computer is for your Sim who’s in between their transition from hungry artist to watercolor dabbler. And hungry your Sim shall be, because this costs 8,400 Simoleons in-game! Nothing like a little motherlode won’t fix.

10. Soho Laptop

Is your Sim’s dream to be a tech guru and crush it in the world of e-sports?

We totally get it: E-sports has become a valid career in the last few years, with a chance to rake in huge amounts of $$$! We even looked at the numbers on this and the earnings are unreal.

Well your Sim won’t be playing Blicblock forever, so grab some gear to ensure they’ll be taken seriously on the way to become a Hillock II champ.

Nynaeve’s Soho laptop has all the elements to make a great gaming laptop: brushed metal body, LED accent lights, and different colored WASD keys. It’s also pretty affordable at 3000 Simoleons.

9. Study Steampunk Laptop

The Steampunk subgenre is the result of combining retro and futuristic elements with a little bit of a Victorian twist.

Simply put, it’s for people who can’t pick a lane and wants the best of both eras!

When you want the steampunk lifestyle but still want to troll around the Internet, the Study Steampunk laptop from ShinoKCR will fit right at your Sim’s home. It’s part of a CC set that you might also want to check out to get the full Steampunk fantasy.

8. Nickel Laptop

You might be thinking right now: “My Sim just wants a simple laptop”.

Fam, we gotchu with this no-frills, no drama laptop created by Wondymoon.

The Nickel laptop looks like it belongs in the real world. We’re guessing it’s heavily inspired by those ultra-thin laptops that are ever so popular these days.

Very clean CC and it comes in three colors: black, silver and gold, and is included in the Nickel Office set.

7. Karkulator-80

Here’s another one of our more creative finds.

Say hello to the Karkulator-80 by Stanislav. Is it a radio? A microwave? Does it even matter?

Creator Stanislav says they were inspired by Apple’s LISA for this creation. LISA, from 1983, was one of Apple’s earliest desktop computers. And it shows in this custom design.

The Karkulator-80 has 5 recolors and costs 400 simoleons.

6. Schmapple SmacBook Pro

If there was an alternate universe for our Sims, we think Schmapple would be the most sought after tech giant in the schmarket, that’s for schure.

Give your Sims a taste of tech luxury with what Schmapple claims is the most expensive laptop on the market – the SmacBook Pro by New Era.

We’re not sure if this laptop will add more meat to our smack talk, but it’s sure to add some style to your tech setup.

Get a wealth of variations with 35 (!) colors, including metallic and retro ones.

5. EA Laptops as Decors

We love you, EA… but sometimes the base game items lack that certain functionality that we need.

It’s a good thing that The Sims has a wealth of generous and talented content creators that think of everything.

Take these EA Laptops as Decors made by Around The Sims 4.

This modder turned the base game’s laptops into decorative items that appear closed, or without a mouse. You can choose from 6 versions with their own variations.

4. MacBook Pro 2019

Sometimes, people get Macbooks largely for aesthetics.. and we can’t blame them!

Apple’s signature laptops are some of the best looking ones out in the market. So much so that many try to duplicate the sleek aluminum body.

If you want your Sim to be all about that Mac life, download this MacBook Pro 2019 CC by Descargas Sims. With functional audio, you’ll feel like you’re using the real thing.

We also love the 16 different legit macOS desktops it comes with, adding to the authentic feel.

3. Functional iMac Pro

Don’t let your dreams be dreams! Make it a reality of you owning one of the most expensive Macs out there… er, well at least your Sim can own one.

Plus the audacity to stick stickers onto it to boot!

The Functional Macbook Pro by Descargas Sims features 6 versions of Apple’s most high-end equipment, converted for the game.

You get a plain version and 5 stickered ones, along with a keyboard and mouse. It’s also fully functional, so even if all your Sim does on the computer is order groceries online, they’ll be doing it in style.

2. Apple Macbook 2016 12”

Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today to pay our respects to a Macbook model that was gone too soon.

Apple’s Macbook 12”, which was in the intersection between the Air and Pro, was released in 2016 for people clamoring for the solo Macbook model.

If you’re one of the people who think the 12-incher deserves a comeback, you’d have to wait.

Luckily, you can cop the Sims 4 version created by MXIMS. You get 20 swatches for the decorative version, 4 swatches for the functional version, and the same for the closed version.