All M-series Macs can run Cyberpunk 2077 — except one

Cyberpunk 2077 Launches on Mac with Exciting New Features

Cyberpunk 2077, one of the most anticipated games in recent years, is finally making its way to Mac users. The game will be available on June 17 through the Mac App Store. For those who already own the game on platforms like Steam, GOG, or the Epic Games Store, they will also have access to the Mac version without needing to repurchase it. This release marks a significant milestone for Mac gamers, as the game is now supported across all M-series Macs, from the original M1 to the latest M4 models, including both laptops and desktops.

However, there's one catch: devices with only 8GB of unified memory will not be able to run the game. This means that certain models, such as the MacBook Air M1 and M2, as well as the base models of the MacBook Pro 14-inch and the iMac M1 and M3, are out of the running. Even the Mac Mini M1 and M2, which start with 8GB of memory, won't support the game. While Apple has increased the minimum unified memory requirement with the M4 series, several older models remain incompatible due to their limited resources.

Optimized for Apple Silicon

For those who can play the game, the port is designed to take full advantage of Apple’s M-series chips. Instead of traditional graphics presets, Cyberpunk 2077 introduces a "For this Mac" setting that automatically adjusts the game’s performance based on the specific Apple Silicon model being used. This feature ensures that players get the best possible experience tailored to their hardware.

At launch, the game supports several advanced technologies, including Apple’s MetalFX upscaling, FSR 3 upscaling, and frame generation. It also includes spatial audio support, though this is currently limited to AirPods. Additional features such as HDR, controller support, Magic Mouse, and trackpad compatibility are also included, along with cross-progression between platforms.

Future Enhancements with Metal 4

While the initial release looks promising, CD Projekt Red has hinted at even more improvements coming later this year. The game will receive updates that integrate features from Apple’s upcoming Metal 4 API, including frame generation and denoising. These enhancements are expected to significantly improve performance and visual quality.

Apple introduced these features during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), but they haven’t yet been implemented in any major games. Metal 4 represents a major update to Apple’s graphics technology and is set to enable real-time path tracing, a powerful rendering technique that enhances lighting and reflections in games. This feature is expected to bring a new level of realism to Cyberpunk 2077 on Mac.

Limited Support for Older Models

Despite these advancements, the future support for older Mac models may be limited. Although CD Projekt Red hasn’t officially outlined which configurations will be supported, Apple only began incorporating dedicated ray tracing hardware into its M-series chips with the M3 family. This means that users with earlier models, such as the M1 or M2, may not benefit from some of the more advanced features that will be added later.

Overall, the release of Cyberpunk 2077 on Mac is a welcome addition for Apple users, offering a high-quality experience on compatible devices. With ongoing updates and improvements, the game is set to deliver an immersive and visually stunning experience for those who can play it.