The Sims 4 Mac Legacy Edition thread

There seems to be a lot of confusion and potential issues for some attempting to download and install the Legacy Edition of the Sims 4. This thread aims to answer some common questions and also serve as a help thread for those needing further clarification and assistance. I am merging all current threads into it so as not to clog up the Mac forum with multiple posts on the same issue and also to not drown out those needing help on other issues. @EA_Mai has already posted a very helpful and informative sticky here, please read it together with this post before leaving a comment, your question has probably already been answered.

Update 18.04.23 - The Legacy version will no longer launch, users will instead get an unsupported hardware error message. There is no fix for this. In order to play the Sims 4 you must be using a Metal compatible Mac

Update 14.11.22 - From 12 December 2022 the Legacy Edition of the game will no longer be available to download. In order to play the Sims 4 you must be using a Metal compatible Mac (source).

Q. Do I need to download and install the Legacy Edition of The Sims 4?

A. Prior to December 2022 you could download and install the Sims 4 Legacy Edition if you were running a Mac that does not support Metal. The following Macs DO NOT support Metal:

• MacBook 2010 models and earlier (White MacBooks)
• MacBook Air - 2011 models and earlier
• MacBook Pro 2011 models and earlier
• Mac mini 2011 models and earlier
• iMac 2011 models and earlier
• Mac Pro models can vary due to the ability to upgrade the GPU. Please see this Apple support page for more specific information and this thread from a user with a 2008 Mac Pro

Q. My Mac supports Metal but still forces me to install the Legacy Edition

A. Make sure you are running macOS 10.11.6 El Capitan or later. The current version of the game will not run on previous versions of macOS.

Q. Will downloading the Legacy Edition on a Mac which supports Metal fix any game issues I am experiencing?

A. No! The Legacy Edition is ONLY for those with Macs that are not Metal compatible. If your Mac supports Metal it will attempt to load the normal version of the game. The Legacy Edition is NOT A FIX for game issues on supported computers.

Q. Origin is prompting me to install the Legacy Edition, how do I do that?

A. The Legacy Edition is no longer available for download.

Q. My Mac is running macOS El Capitan/Sierra/High Sierra, why can't I run the current version of the game?

A. Some 2010 - 2011 model Macs can run versions of macOS up to and including macOS High Sierra 10.13 but do not support Metal. This is because the Intel/AMD/NVIDIA video cards Apple used in these machines do not support Metal.

Q. Is my Mac 64-bit?

A. Yes! The 32-bit instruction for The Sims 4 Legacy Edition is only applicable to Windows users. The Sims 4 has always been 64-bit for Mac. Please disregard any and all comments regarding the 32-bit application of the Sims 4 that you read anywhere on the internet, it does not apply to Mac users.

Q. I cannot access the Gallery in the Legacy Edition

A. The Legacy Edition does not support any online features.

Q. I am not receiving any new game features introduced in new patches such as the hot tub, firemen, Alt window placement, platforms, scenarios, infants etc.

A. Patches released for the current version of the game were not applied to the Legacy Edition, although the game did appear to update.

Q. I've purchased and installed an Expansion/Game/Stuff Pack/Kits through Origin but it is not showing up in my game.

A. Packs released since November 2019 were not compatible with the Legacy Edition. Realm of Magic was the last legacy compatible Pack.

Q. Will my Mods and CC work in the Legacy Edition?

A. No idea, you need to check with the creator that they are Legacy Edition compatible. EA are not responsible for 3rd party content working in the game.