Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition Launching on Apple Silicon Macs This Week – Compatible with M1 Models and Requires 16GB Unified RAM

In a highly anticipated move, Apple and CD PROJEKT RED have confirmed that the much-awaited Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will be available for Apple Silicon Macs next week. For gamers who have been awaiting this release, the launch promises to harness cutting-edge technologies to enhance image quality and improve frame rates. Notably, this AAA title will support older machines powered by the M1 chip, but players should note that a configuration with at least 16GB of unified RAM is essential for optimal performance.

Visual Presets Tailored for Apple Silicon Models

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is set to launch on platforms such as the Mac App Store, Steam, GOG.com, and the Epic Games Store on July 17. The edition will include both the base game and the Phantom Liberty expansion released in 2023. For those considering a purchase, be sure to check our comprehensive review to get insights on the gameplay experience.

System requirements have clearly been a focus for both Apple and CD PROJEKT RED. The game is compatible with older hardware, including the M1 chip, but users must ensure they have the recommended 16GB unified RAM. Unfortunately, gamers with 8GB of RAM may find themselves at a disadvantage, given the high VRAM demands of this title. Fortunately, Apple Silicon Mac owners can look forward to a variety of graphic settings to customize their gameplay experience. Among these options is a specific preset called ‘for this Mac’, which optimizes performance and image quality according to individual chipsets.

The game will also leverage advanced technologies such as MetalFX upscaling, MetalFX Frame Interpolation, and MetalFX Denoising, all integrated into Apple’s updated Metal 4 API. This technology functions similarly to NVIDIA’s Frame Generation, generating intermediate frames from two input frames to enhance game smoothness. However, players should be mindful that this process may introduce added input lag, necessitating a higher base frame rate for an optimal experience. Additionally, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will feature spatial audio enhanced with head-tracking capabilities for those using AirPods while gaming.

Initial performance tests indicated that the M4 Max can achieve impressive frame rates, potentially reaching 120 FPS when playing this title. However, deeper analysis revealed that such numbers are largely reliant on interpolation and upscaling technologies. For context, our experience with an RTX 4090 laptop yielded frame rates between 75-80 FPS with Frame Generation enabled while using Quality DLSS settings, all at a resolution of 2, 560 x 1, 600 with maximum graphical settings, including path tracing. Following the game’s release, we will conduct an extensive performance evaluation across various Apple Silicon Macs, so stay tuned for more insights.

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