CD Projekt RED’s (CDPR) game on Apple hardware didn’t achieve this result so easily, so it needs to be looked at more closely.

The M4 Max packs a 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU, offering high-end specs that enable it to run Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition at 120 FPS. While that’s undeniably impressive, the real question is: under what settings is this performance achieved? According to a recent demo at Apple Park, the game was running on ultra settings. The port is expected later this year, and CDPR has confirmed support for advanced features like path tracing, frame generation, and built-in spatial audio. However, it’s worth noting that ultra settings don’t necessarily mean maxed-out options, so some leeway was likely given to help the M4 Max hit higher frame rates.

It’s also safe to assume that Apple’s MetalFX upscaling played a role in the impressive frame rate, though it’s unclear which exact setting was used. Both the 14” and 16” MacBook Pro models feature sharp high-resolution displays, with the lowest native resolution being 3024 x 1964. Running the game at native resolution, without upscaling and with ultra settings, would likely tank performance below 30 FPS, making such a configuration implausible for this demo.

During WWDC 2025, where Apple introduced macOS Tahoe 26, it also unveiled Metal 4, which included a new interpolation feature — better known as frame generation — to boost FPS and ensure smoother gameplay. This makes it highly likely that CDPR’s port had frame generation enabled. After all, the M4 Max is powerful, but not on the level of an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, so hitting 120 FPS likely required frame generation and disabling path tracing.

Source: WCCFTech