The Sims 3

The Sims 3: Important Information for Mac Users

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TS3 2017 09 23 22 50 32 47

EA_David has shared some important information regarding changes to The Sims 3 when Apple release their new operating system, Catalina.

Please take a look at the post from the EA Answers HQ below.

via EA Answers HQ

Dear Simmers,

If you currently play The SimsTM 3 on Mac, pay close attention to this announcement!

Earlier this year, Apple announced plans to phase out support for 32-bit applications with their new macOS, Catalina. Due to this change, we will be releasing an updated version of The Sims 3 that will be compatible with the new macOS, The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal). We will also be making all DLC content available in this new format, as well.

The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) will be available for download via Origin. We don’t have a release date for when Apple will release Catalina. However, if it occurs before The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) is out and you decide to update your Mac to macOS Catalina, you will not be able to continue playing The Sims 3 until after we release The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal). Once The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) is released, you will have to uninstall your current version of The Sims 3 and packs before re-installing, and you will not be able to patch your existing installation. We will post more detailed instructions when we make this update available. You will not lose your progress in the game and you will keep all the extra content you have acquired over time.

The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) FAQ

Where can I get The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition?

If you are an existing The Sims 3 owner, we will have instructions on this page which will walk you through the steps to get your copy of The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition when it is released.

When will 64-Bit & Metal Edition be available?

This change is planned for early 2020. We will update you once we have a confirmed date.

Will I be able to get the 64-Bit & Metal Edition through a patch to my current game?

No. The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition will be its own version of The Sims 3 and carries significant changes from the currently available version. This means that the game will not be patched and will require the The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition and the packs to be installed like a new release through Origin.

Will the minimum specifications be the same as The Sims 3?

No. The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition will require the latest version of Origin which requires OSX 10.9 or later. Also, since the The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition adds 64-bit and Metal support, the minimum specifications will be adjusted accordingly.

What if I can’t update my Mac?

The Sims 3 and all the packs will be available in their current form for those players who choose not to or cannot update their Mac to Catalina.

Will I need to buy The Sims 3 or my packs again?

No. All The Sims 3 players who have registered their game and packs with Origin will have access to The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition when it releases. If you have the disc version of The Sims 3, you will need to redeem your code in Origin to access The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition in Origin.

Will The Sims 3 (64-Bit & Metal) Edition release for Windows PC?

There are no current plans to update the Windows PC version of The Sims 3. Version 1.6.9 is available to The Sims 3 players via Origin.

What do I need to do to make sure my game is saved before I update to macOS Catalina?

While updating macOS to a newer version should be straight forward, we recommend you backup your saves before updating to macOS Catalina. You can find The Sims 3 save files in DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 3. Simply copy the entire The Sims 3 directory somewhere safe like your cloud storage of choice (eg. iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.) or a USB flash drive. This will backup your downloaded content and your save files among other things.

About the author

Krista

Hey, I'm Krista! Long time Simmer and Sims Community Staff.

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i have a question
i have a question
5 years ago

there’s a 64 bit for TS3? is this available for PC?

Sarah
Sarah
5 years ago

Well I noticed the post said that there is currently no plan to give Windows PC users a 64 bit version of Sims 3. But I hope that they change their minds on that, it might help the game run better on Windows.

hayden brand
hayden brand
4 years ago

does anyone have an update on the 64-bit version for MAC yet?

Morgan
Morgan
5 years ago

Any updates now that we are in early 2020?

Ethan
Ethan
5 years ago

Any update?

Véronique Bellamy
Véronique Bellamy
5 years ago
Reply to  Ethan

The latest update, from around four weeks ago, is this:

Be aware that the studio is still working on this. The Sims 3 for macOS relies on various technologies that Apple no longer supports. This makes the process of updating the game to run on modern (and future) macOS releases not a fast or easy one.

Once we have news to share Mai (and all of the AnswersHQ Heroes) will spread the news. In the meanwhile I hope you’ll be patient with us as we keep plugging away at it.

Fabio Mello
Fabio Mello
4 years ago

I miss my sims 3 game soooo much and this quarantine #StayHome is killing me. I want to Play The Sims 3. :'(

Derek
Derek
4 years ago
Reply to  Fabio Mello

Any news? Hoping to play soon!

Nancy
Nancy
4 years ago

Is there any update on when this will be finished? Its now past early 2020

chace
chace
4 years ago
Reply to  Nancy

i think the best answer is to just boostrap windows 10 onto your mac. that’s the only way it looks like mac users have been able to make it work, will try it out and report back

Martyna
Martyna
4 years ago
Reply to  chace

did it work? please let me know so I could try it out too 🙂

Tayler
Tayler
4 years ago
Reply to  Martyna

Replying to you because I need updates on this topic as well. I reeeeeally miss my Sims 3 game, it’s a classic.

Nancy
Nancy
4 years ago

Is there any update on when this will be finished? Its now past early 2020

chace
chace
4 years ago
Reply to  Nancy

i think the best answer is to just boostrap windows 10 onto your mac. that’s the only way it looks like mac users have been able to make it work, will try it out and report back

Martyna
Martyna
4 years ago
Reply to  chace

did it work? please let me know so I could try it out too 🙂

Tayler
Tayler
4 years ago
Reply to  Martyna

Replying to you because I need updates on this topic as well. I reeeeeally miss my Sims 3 game, it’s a classic.

Ethan
Ethan
4 years ago

Any update?

Véronique Bellamy
Véronique Bellamy
4 years ago
Reply to  Ethan

The latest update, from around four weeks ago, is this:

Be aware that the studio is still working on this. The Sims 3 for macOS relies on various technologies that Apple no longer supports. This makes the process of updating the game to run on modern (and future) macOS releases not a fast or easy one.

Once we have news to share Mai (and all of the AnswersHQ Heroes) will spread the news. In the meanwhile I hope you’ll be patient with us as we keep plugging away at it.

Fabio Mello
Fabio Mello
4 years ago

I miss my sims 3 game soooo much and this quarantine #StayHome is killing me. I want to Play The Sims 3. :'(

Derek
Derek
4 years ago
Reply to  Fabio Mello

Any news? Hoping to play soon!

i have a question
i have a question
4 years ago

there’s a 64 bit for TS3? is this available for PC?

Sarah
Sarah
4 years ago

Well I noticed the post said that there is currently no plan to give Windows PC users a 64 bit version of Sims 3. But I hope that they change their minds on that, it might help the game run better on Windows.

hayden brand
hayden brand
4 years ago

does anyone have an update on the 64-bit version for MAC yet?

Morgan
Morgan
4 years ago

Any updates now that we are in early 2020?