When Cyberpunk 2077 launched in 2020, the idea of playing CD Projekt Red’s sprawling RPG on a MacBook seemed like sci-fi fiction. Fast-forward to today, and Apple’s silicon revolution has transformed macOS into a legitimate gaming contender. We tested Cyberpunk 2077 across four Apple laptops—M1 Air, M1 Max, M3 Max, and the latest M4 MacBook Pro—to see how Night City performs on the go. The results? A masterclass in raw power evolution.
The Setup
Using Apple’s Game Porting Toolkit and CrossOver 23, we ran Cyberpunk 2077 at 1200p resolution with FSR 3 upscaling enabled. Settings varied by chip, but we prioritized playable frame rates while balancing visual fidelity. No ray tracing was tested—these are still integrated GPUs, after all—but the Core i5 mod was applied to optimize CPU utilization.
M1 MacBook Air: The Underdog
The base M1 Air (8GB RAM, 7-core GPU) struggled but survived. At Low settings, it managed 24–30 FPS in quieter districts but dipped to 18 FPS in dense areas like Japantown. Fans? Silent—because there aren’t any. Thermal throttling kicked in after 20 minutes, but casual explorers could navigate Night City without meltdown. Verdict: Playable for the patient, but hardly ideal.
M1 Max MacBook Pro (2021): The First Giant Leap
The 32-core GPU M1 Max (32GB RAM) flexed its muscles at Medium settings, hitting 35–45 FPS. Crowded firefights and driving sequences stayed above 30 FPS, thanks to the Pro’s active cooling. This chip proved Apple’s gaming potential wasn’t a fluke—it was a statement.
M3 Max MacBook Pro (2023): Smooth Operator
With a 40-core GPU and 48GB RAM, the M3 Max crushed High settings at 40–55 FPS. Even Corpo Plaza’s neon jungle ran fluidly, and upscaling artifacts were minimal. The real win? Efficiency: after an hour, temps hovered at 65°C. This machine made Cyberpunk feel like a native experience.
Want to see these tests in action? Our video breakdown captures every stutter, frame spike, and triumph across all four models:
WATCH: Cyberpunk 2077 on M1 Air vs. M1 Max vs. M3 Max vs. M4 Pro
M4 MacBook Pro (2025): The New King
Apple’s M4 (10-core CPU, 40-core GPU, 48GB RAM) redefined expectations. At High settings, it averaged 60–72 FPS—touching 80 FPS in interiors. Dynamic cityscapes rendered with startling clarity, and GPU utilization stayed below 80% thanks to architectural tweaks. For the first time, a MacBook delivered a premium AAA gaming experience sans compromises.
The Big Picture
Five years ago, running Cyberpunk 2077 on a MacBook Air would’ve been a joke. Today, the M4 Pro rivals mid-tier gaming laptops. Apple’s silicon leap, combined with tools like the Game Porting Toolkit, has cracked open macOS gaming. While titles still require tweaks (and Windows bridges), our tests prove the hardware is ready. The software ecosystem just needs to catch up.
Final tip: If you’re diving in, stick to 1200p resolution and FSR 3. Ray tracing remains a bridge too far—for now.
Ready to see the future of Mac gaming? Watch our full benchmark video here.
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