Sims 3 for Mac to get a major update in early 2020

Published on by BluebellFlora

These really are exciting times for Mac Simmers! After EA_David’s announcement that Sims 4 is dropping support for Lion this week, he’s just announced that the Sims 3 is getting a big update. In a nutshell:

  • Sims 3 for Mac will be updated to support 64-bit (finally!)
  • It will also be updated to support Metal (yay!)
  • The update will be through Origin and will require existing users to uninstall their current game and install the new version
  • The update will be free to all users with a currently registered copy of Sims 3 and add on packs in Origin
  • The update is expected to be available in early 2020 although no exact date has been announced yet.
  • Requirements will be a Mac running macOS 10.9 Mavericks or later and be Metal supported.

64-bit information
The upgrade to 64-bit means that Sims 3 will run in macOS Catalina, the first macOS to completely drop support for 32-bit apps, which Sims 3 is. It will hopefully also mean the game should run much better than it ever has. This is because there is virtually no limit to the amount of RAM a 64-bit app can use whilst 32-bit apps can only access up to 4Gb RAM. The current version of the Sims 3 for Mac has only ever been able to use 2Gb RAM and is part of the reason for the frequent crashes and inability to run the game

Metal information
Metal is the graphics API introduced by Apple to replace OpenGL. For more in-depth information have a look at this Apple article. However not all Macs support Metal. The following Macs will be able to run the upcoming version of Sims 3:

  • MacBook models introduced in 2015 or later
  • MacBook Air models introduced in 2012 or later
  • MacBook Pro models introduced in 2012 or later
  • Mac mini models introduced in 2012 or later
  • iMac models introduced in 2012 or later
  • iMac Pro (all models)
  • Mac Pro models introduced in late 2013, plus mid-2010 or mid-2012 models with a recommended Metal-capable graphics card.

If your Mac is not listed above you will not be able to update to the new version of the Sims 3 but will still be able to play the current version.

I’ll keep this site updated with more information as it is released but this is really FANTASTIC news 😀

45 thoughts on “Sims 3 for Mac to get a major update in early 2020”

  1. Pingback: Sims 2, Sims 3, Sims Medieval and SimCity are no more in macOS Catalina – BluebellFlora

  4. I didn’t know about the 32 drop so I had JUST bought a new expansion pack before doing the update. now I have to wait 2+ months to play it 😓😭😡….😂😂

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  5. Pingback: How macOS Catalina Inadvertently Breathed New Life into The Sims 3 - Vero.moe

  6. No matter how often I try, I just can’t enjoy Sims 4. The complicated challenges are exhausting, frankly. I also think it’s missing the whole-world, god-like perspective of Sims 3. Story progression was also awesome – it felt like a more organic experience. I’m really looking forward to playing Sims 3 again!

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  8. would the nrass mods work with the 64-bit sims 3?
    and would this mean that there wouldn’t be as much lag and i wouldn’t need to play on the lowest setting?

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  9. Pingback: The Sims 2 now 64-bit, compatible with macOS Catalina – BluebellFlora

  14. Is there any updates yet? With being isolated indoors due to the pandemic, it would be so nice to play TS3 again! I have probably over $250 worth of games and EP’s invested!
    I have a question, though. My laptop is is a mid-2012 MacBook Pro, it runs on Mojave 10.14, would I be able to play once (if?) it gets updated? I literally know nothing about computers.

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    1. As for now there’s no update for the sims 3 on macOS Catalina what means there’s no chance playing it, BUT if you’re running Mojave you’re all good, just stick with Mojave and don’t update

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  16. I updated to Catalina to get Final Cut and….lost Sims!!!! Please someone send help. Where is this new update everyone speaks of? I’m looking into Bootcamp and am so afraid I’m going to mess everything up. Has anyone Bootcamp’d or is it worth waiting for Sims3 to come to Catalina?

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  17. BluebellFlora :
    The Sims 3 is 32-bit and consequently will not run in macOS 10.15 Catalina. If you’re getting Error 327682:0 this will be why. You can wipe and reinstall a previous version of macOS, partition your drive, install on an external or install in a Virtual Machine. EA have announced they are working on a 64-bit version of Sims 3 for Mac but as of now, March 2020, nothing has been released or even word of an update.

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    1. Thanks! Unfortunately I can’t go back as I had to install software for work that requires Catalina. Was really counting on that Sims3 reboot but in talking to a rep at EA they essentially ignored and didn’t answer me every time I asked about it. Really hoping they get it out to us or at least be clear about if it is ACTUALLY coming and be upfront about it if they just hit delays in production, or if the statement they made was false? Honestly I just want an actual answer from them at this point!

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  18. Is there any update yet on the sims 3 64 but update? I bought a new Mac not knowing about the sims 3 not working and now I can’t play. We’re almost in June and I would like to play the game I paid for

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  19. Really excited about this update. I was lucky enough to play a bit of sims 3 on my 2018 macbook and really appreciated the speed boost in loading and rendering assets. Since I updated to catalina when it came out, I lost access to my sims 3 game, thankfully the update to 64-bit makes me wonder how much would the game benefit in loading in assets in modern tech since I think 64-bit games do not have the ram limit like 32-bit games.

    We are kinda in the middle of 2020 so it makes sense it won’t reach the early 2020 release as initially announced, but I do not mind if they are to use this time to iron out the game as much as possible for the new release as it was really big in scope and ambition, but it did also had a lot of bugs. I am genuinely excited as this may be the most optimized version of the sims 3, I love how a game from 2009 is still getting a lot of love and attention to have it be playable in 2020 platforms. Looking forward to the update! 😁👌

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  20. So, if I’m reading this correctly, does this mean that if you already own a copy of The Sims 3, you will be able to download the new 64-bit version from Origin? I have the copy on a disk which is no use for the MacBook Pro that I have now but I never really gave TS3 the time when it was out and after spending time with TS4, I’d kind of like to go back and try it out again as Plumbella always talks about it being her favourite version of it in her videos.

    I’d have LOVED if Maxis had re-released the first one for the 20th anniversary as a special release or something. That would have been a much better way to mark the age of the game, rather than a stupid hot tub (which should come with the base game, I feel, as it always has done previously!). If they’re doing this now, surely they can do something with it some time in the future, maybe?

    I can dream I guess…

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  21. TS3 will alway be my favourite. I can’t believe that I’ll be able to play in on my MacBook Pro one day. I have it installed on my old Mac desktop, but can no longer access my page, or any of the many, many items I purchased. Hope this will be righted when a Mac-friendly version is finally developed. Thanks for keeping us updated Bluebell! Stay safe and well. Best wishes x

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  24. I downloaded the game 3 hours ago and cannot play I keep getting a installation verification failure I’m on a Mac computer by the way .

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      1. Maxis Joe was working really hard with everyone yesterday to resolve it.

        I didn’t get the problem – when I started my game, I was told my expansion wasn’t compatible with the base game; even though I’d downloaded them all together. It turned out that the Sims 3 folder in my documents was from the old version and causing a problem so I copied my saves out, deleted it and recreated it and bingo, I’m in.

        I followed Bluebell’s Sims 3 removal guide first and redownloaded it and it started for me no problem after that!

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  25. Hey guys, I’m downloading the 64-bit & Metal version RIGHT NOW (on my 13-inch MacBook Air) ! It’s going to take about 3 hours to download (not including packs), so I’ll let you guys know if there’s any glitches or changes.

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  26. What about the expansion packs? Most of them on origin says not compatible with Catalina. I have the base starter pack running just fine but would be nice to add ambitions, generations, supernatural etc..

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    1. All my expansion packs are compatible. There is an issue with open water, though. Sim’s can only interact with it via Free Will. You can’t tell them to swim or snorkel or fish or anything like that. So that takes most of the fun out of Island Paradise but otherwise, everything works. I think I have all of them except the Katy Perry expansion.

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  27. Please help. I’ve downloaded the 64-bit version of the sims 3 on my MacBook and Everytime I try hit the play button the launcher it sends me back to the original launcher and tells me that the game crashed unexpectedly

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  28. hi i tried installing sims 3 starter pack through origin and i cannot see the install button , it only show the game details options etc. I got ea play to be able to play the base game. I have this issue u=with the 64-bit version. please help i tried everything and i just cannot install it. I am afraid i bought ea play for nothing.

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