Cyberpunk 2077 on Apple Silicon: Benchmarking the future of macOS gaming
Once dismissed as a gaming afterthought, macOS is now entering a new developmental phase—driven by the power of Apple Silicon. CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077 running on Apple’s custom processors highlights the changing dynamic. Recent performance tests across various M1, M2, and M3 Macs reveal a range of frame rates between 13 and 105 FPS at 1080p, depending on hardware and in-game settings. These results are not only impressive—they are symbolic of macOS’s shifting role in the landscape of modern gaming. In this article, we’ll break down the actual performance numbers, what they mean for AAA titles, and where Apple’s gaming trajectory leads next.
Benchmarking Cyberpunk 2077 across Apple Silicon Macs
When running Cyberpunk 2077 on Apple Silicon, results vary considerably based on system-tier and configuration. At 1080p resolution, here’s a rough breakdown of performance:
| Mac Model | Chip | Average FPS (1080p) | Settings Preset |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air (M1, 2020) | Apple M1 | 13–25 | Low |
| Mac mini (M1, 2020) | Apple M1 | 20–35 | Low–Medium |
| MacBook Pro (M2 Pro, 2023) | Apple M2 Pro | 40–55 | Medium |
| Mac Studio (M2 Max, 2023) | Apple M2 Max | 55–75 | Medium–High |
| MacBook Pro (M3 Max, 2023) | Apple M3 Max | 90–105 | High |
The highest-end M3 Max chips deliver console-tier frame rates, even on a non-native port, thanks to game translation tools like Apple’s Game Porting Toolkit. These numbers solidify Apple Silicon’s potential for handling graphically intensive games with respectable visual fidelity and smoothness.
How Apple Silicon changes the game for macOS
The performance demonstrated by Cyberpunk 2077 is not just a technical milestone—it’s a cultural one. Historically, even attempting to run a AAA title on a Mac required compromises or virtualization layers, often resulting in subpar results. But Apple’s unified architecture—combining CPU, GPU, and memory—has improved how games run, even without native support.
The use of Metal, Apple’s graphics API, alongside new porting tools and the emerging support from middleware like Unity and Unreal Engine 5’s macOS compatibility, is reshaping perceptions. For developers, the message is clear: performance and stability on macOS are no longer glaring liabilities.
Could more AAA games come to macOS?
One game doesn’t make a gaming platform—but it can open doors. If Cyberpunk 2077 sets a precedent, then publishers and studios may be more inclined to consider simultaneous macOS releases. With ever-closer ties between iOS, iPadOS, and macOS via Apple Silicon, developers can now justify multi-platform deployment in the Apple ecosystem.
Moreover, Apple Arcade has demonstrated Cupertino’s interest in exclusive gaming initiatives. If performance thresholds stabilize and developer tools continue to mature, future titles from Bethesda, Ubisoft, or even indie darlings may be optimized for Mac without needing third-party wrappers or emulation.
Hardware considerations and recommended setups
If you’re exploring gaming on Mac, the choice of hardware significantly affects your experience. Here’s a quick guide for prospective buyers:
- Casual gamers: Mac mini (M2) or MacBook Air (M2) will handle indie titles and older games smoothly at 30–50 FPS.
- Mid-core gamers: Opt for the MacBook Pro (M2 Pro or M3 Pro), which delivers a stable 50–70 FPS for current-gen games on Medium settings.
- Hardcore gamers: The Mac Studio with M2 Max or M3 Max is the definitive choice, capable of matching mid-range gaming PCs across a wide game catalog.
Pairing with peripherals—a good external monitor, eGPU-compatible keyboard/mouse, and proper thermal management—will further enhance your macOS gaming setup.
Final thoughts
The arrival of Cyberpunk 2077 on Apple Silicon may not be a full native release, but the performance results are hard to ignore. In a landscape where gaming on macOS was once an afterthought, Apple is methodically carving out potential as a legitimate platform for AAA entertainment. As tools like Apple’s Game Porting Toolkit evolve, and as more developers take notice, we could be at the start of a decade where Mac gamers are no longer sidelined. For now, it’s wise to temper expectations—but the trajectory is clearly upward. Apple’s chips aren’t just industry-changing for mobile—they may finally be ready to change the game on desktop.
Image by: Árpád Czapp
https://unsplash.com/@czapp_arpad
