Apple’s MacBook Neo is the cheapest Apple Laptop available, and it might just be the best budget option for The Sims 4!

Apple’s MacBook Neo just launched on March 11th 2026, and the question that comes to the front of a Simmer’s mind is ‘can it run The Sims 4?’ At $599, the MacBook Neo is the cheapest laptop Apple has ever released, and one of the most affordable ways to get into the Mac ecosystem. Powered by an A18 Pro chip (the same silicon found in the iPhone 16 Pro) rather than the usual M-series, it’s a genuinely new kind of Mac. But cheap doesn’t have to mean underpowered, and for Sims 4 players, the early footage looks promising. Let’s take a look at the community’s reaction and some gameplay demos on Apple’s latest MacBook!

What Is The MacBook Neo?

The Neo is Apple’s most affordable Macbook to date, starting at $599. It’s a 13-inch fanless machine that runs in complete silence, and it marks the first time Apple has used an A-series chip in a Mac. The A18 Pro includes a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU. It’s not a gaming laptop by any normal definition, but The Sims 4 isn’t a traditional gaming benchmark either. For Simmers, what matters is: does it run smoothly, does it stay cool, and does it hold up when playing with every piece of DLC? Let’s get into it.

Base Game Performance

For context, most players consider anything above 60FPS to be smooth and comfortable gameplay. Hitting 90FPS on one of the cheapest laptops in Apple’s lineup is impressive. Over on TikTok, @Milesabovetech has posted a video, showcasing the game running at a smooth 90FPS, even when zoomed all the way out with no noticeable dips in gameplay. Take a look at his benchmark test!

@milesabovetech Replying to @fatoubessem Should I try Cyberpunk next? #sims4 #macbookneo #milesabovetech #apple #macbook ♬ jelly belly – Carpe & sakuracloud

For players who only run The Sims 4 base game, the MacBook Neo looks like a legitimately strong option. It’s quiet, it’s smooth, and at $599, it undercuts most comparable machines considerably.

Performance With All DLC

Base game performance is one thing. But the Sims community knows that most of us aren’t playing only the Base Game. Between Expansion Packs, Game Packs, Stuff Packs, and Kits, a fully loaded install of The Sims 4 looks very different. This is where the MacBook Neo faces its real challenge.

On X, @jackofallgames7 shared a TikTok by @juliakcrist showcasing exactly how the MacBook Neo performs with every pack installed. While they didn’t run an FPS test, it seems to run incredibly smoothly, with no noticeable frame drop. They do note, however, that the area above the keyboard can get hot, so it’s best not to play on your lap or blanket, and make sure to give it enough room to cool effectively.

@juliakcrist Replying to @Gabbie🏹 testing The Sims 4 on the new MacBook Neo!! 👀 this is Apple’s new affordable laptop, and i’m so shocked at how powerful it still is for just $599!! 🤯 #macbookneo #thesims #macneo #pinkmacbook ♬ sonido original – sin nombre

MacBook Neo VS. The Sims 4 Recommended Specs

Take a look at the recommended specs for The Sims 4 compared to the specs of the MacBook Neo:

Minimum Mac System Requirements for The Sims 4

• OS: macOS 10.15 (Catalina), with Metal support.
• Processor: (Intel)Intel Core i3-3225 3.5 Ghz (2 cores, 4 threads) or better.
• Memory: At least 4 GB RAM.
• Graphics Card: (Nvidia)Support for Metal. Intel HD 4000 (Integrated Graphics) or better.
• Hard Drive Space: At least 25 GB of free space with at least 1 GB additional space for custom content and saved games.

Recommended Mac System Requirements for The Sims 4

• OS: macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later.
• Processor: (Intel)Intel Core i5 (4 cores) or better.
• Memory: 8 GB.
• Graphics Card: (Nvidia)Intel HD and Iris Graphics from the HD 4000 series or newer.
• Hard Drive Space: At least 50 GB of free space with at least 1 GB additional space for custom content and saved games.

MacBook Neo Specs

• Processor: Apple A18 Pro chip
• Memory: 8 GB (Unified)
• Storage: 256 GB SSD
• Graphics Card: 5‑core GPU

Have you got, or do you intend on getting, a MacBook Neo? Let us know your experience below, and stay tuned to Sims Community for all the latest on The Sims 4!