Apple Silicon Macs Struggle with Gaming Memory Limits
Apple Silicon Macs, known for their efficient unified memory architecture, are encountering new hurdles when it comes to gaming performance. Despite the shift from 8GB to 16GB of unified RAM in current-generation models, gaming titles such as Cronos: The New Dawn reveal that even 16GB configurations are sometimes insufficient to maintain smooth frame rates. This issue arises as the system exhausts its framebuffer, forcing it to swap data to the SSD, which inevitably impacts fluidity and overall performance.
Key Details from Recent Gameplay Tests
Popular YouTuber MrMacRight recently showcased gameplay footage of Cronos: The New Dawn running on various Apple Silicon Macs, including the M4 and M4 Pro. The game, built on Unreal Engine 5 and supporting Apple’s MetalFX upscaling technology, was tested at low graphics settings. Despite these optimisations, the base M4 model with 16GB RAM struggled significantly, with frame rates dropping as low as 7FPS in some instances. The M4 Pro, equipped with 24GB of unified RAM, handled the game better but still required low settings and upscaling to achieve playable performance.
The continuous shader compilation and the demanding nature of the game exacerbate the memory limitations, causing the system to rely on SSD swapping when the unified RAM is fully utilised. Restarting the game temporarily alleviates the issue, but it remains a persistent challenge for sustained gaming sessions.
Context and Implications for Apple Silicon Gaming
Apple initially launched its Silicon Macs with 8GB of unified memory, which sufficed for everyday tasks but quickly showed limitations under heavier workloads. The move to 16GB was a clear improvement, yet gaming workloads, especially with modern engines like Unreal Engine 5, are pushing these limits further. While Windows-based PCs continue to dominate the gaming market with more flexible hardware configurations and higher RAM options, Apple Silicon Macs have yet to fully cater to gamers.
It is important to note that gaming is not Apple’s primary focus with its Mac lineup. The company’s strategy has emphasised efficiency, integration, and creative professional workloads over gaming performance. The upcoming low-cost MacBook, reportedly shipping with only 8GB of RAM, is expected to contribute significantly to Apple’s portable computing revenue in 2025 but is unlikely to offer a satisfying gaming experience.
What to Expect Moving Forward
For Apple Silicon Macs to become more viable gaming machines, a higher minimum unified RAM configuration may be necessary. However, given Apple’s current market positioning and priorities, it seems unlikely that the company will prioritise increasing RAM specifically for gaming purposes. Enthusiasts and gamers looking for the best performance might continue to favour Windows-based hardware, which can more readily accommodate demanding titles.
Meanwhile, developers and the Apple ecosystem will need to address these memory constraints to improve gaming experiences on Mac. The recent gameplay footage from MrMacRight offers a clear indication of the challenges ahead, signalling that while Apple Silicon Macs have come a long way, there is still room for improvement in the gaming arena.
For a closer look at the performance issues, you can watch MrMacRight’s video showcasing Cronos: The New Dawn running on Apple Silicon Macs, highlighting both the potential and the current limitations of the platform.
Overall, Apple Silicon Macs face a critical memory bottleneck in gaming that may shape their appeal to gamers in the near future.