SimCity 4 Update for Mac

Used SimCity 4 Update for Mac?

The download only contains an incremental update to the actual product, which has to be acquired separately.

SimCity 4 Update Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

SimCity 4 Update is a free application designed for Mac users, enhancing the classic city-building simulation game, SimCity 4. This update addresses various bugs and performance issues, improving the overall gameplay experience. Players can expect enhanced stability and compatibility, ensuring that the game runs smoothly on modern Mac systems.

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Paid

In addition to bug fixes, the update may include improvements to graphics and gameplay mechanics, allowing for a more immersive simulation. Users will find that this update not only revitalizes their existing game experience but also extends the longevity of a beloved title in the strategy genre. Overall, SimCity 4 Update serves as a valuable enhancement for both new players and returning fans.

SimCity 4 Update for Mac

Used SimCity 4 Update for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: January 29, 2004

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 1.0.2

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System

Mac OS X
Mac OS X 10.2
Mac OS X 10.3
Mac OS X 10.4

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 63,316

Downloads Last Week: 1

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Last Updated

User Reviews

3/5

11 User Votes

Does not work!
missjennyoDecember 30, 2010
Pros
I have no idea, as I can't play the game for more than 5 minutes at a time.
Cons
It shuts off and crashes my computers after 5 minutes of play.
Summary
I received this in a boxed set of 5 SimCities games, none of which work. The game shuts off after 5 minutes or less of play (on Windows 7, Windows Vista and on my sister's Windows XP). I've tried it on 3 computers (all of which exceed the minimum required specs per their readme file). I had my hubby double check and neither of us can figure out why. I wish I would have read reviews first, as this is apparently a really common problem. I got it for Christmas without a receipt (and don't really want to ask for it), so I'm just going to pitch it.
Just doesn't work.
clacroix11February 28, 2009
Pros
none. 10 character limit eh.
Cons
Doesn't work. It downloads a file with "update" in the name, so I don't think this is the game; maybe it's a patch. So why don't they say so in the description? I just hate it when software makers dick their users around like this.
Summary
don't bother with this.
Pretty good, but slow...
moofsterFebruary 22, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />On a PowerBook G4 667MHz, it works *pretty* well to start with... But as the size of the city grows, it gets slower and slower until it's a bit annoying to use. However, the graphics are great, and they've added a lot of interesting tidbits to it. If you're a Sim City fan and enjoyed the previous three versions, then you'll like this one.. However, don't bother buying it if you don't have a modern enough graphics card/computer.
SOOOOO SLOW.....
Thomas4October 28, 2003
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Very disapponting. The graphics and games are beautiful, but icannot get it to operate smoothly on a G4. Something is wrong with the programming of this app!
Excellent Game
tukeSeptember 4, 2003
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I love all the features and complexity of developing a city and/or region in SC4. SimCity 2000 impressed many people and ran very well on my Quadra; Great game. Sim 3000 ran like crap on my G3; I didn't play it much. SC4 is definitely requires better than average hardware: ram, processor, video card. SC4 runs slower than acceptable on my Dual G4 800 with 64 MG GeForce Twinview card and 1.25 GB ram. There are delays and it can seem slow, however the general gameplay is amazing. I do recommend this game to anyone with a G4 and 512+ MB ram and who likes the SimCity series. The developer needs to optimize the game more.
Good game, some small bugs...
Stimpson CatSeptember 1, 2003
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />A very good game all in all. Very enthralling, good graphics. I've gladly wasted quite a lot of my life playing this game in just the first week I've had it. But be warned, if you install the application on a disk other than your OS X partition, you cannot save any games (an error occurs every time). Also, there is as of yet no way to download all of the extra items available to Windows users (grrrrrrr). Your CD key will not work at EA games Sim City website.
Great game, but falsely advertised
Why NotAugust 8, 2003
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />The game is great, in fact easily the best in the series, especially after SC 3k. But, one thing that needs to be noted and addressed by Aspyr is the fact that they talk about sharing maps, cities, regions, etc., etc., etc., but fail to offer any way of doing so. In fact, they link right from the main screen of the game to the Sim City 4 website, which does not and will not offer any way of downloading cities without purchasing the windows version with a valid serial number. What I have a serious problem with is the fact that they link to the site, talk about sharing files on the box, yet when it comes to delivery, they simply do not follow through. In some ways, it very easily could be made that a case of false advertising exists. Normally, I would not say anything about stuff like this, but unless people do, the problems never get addressed. if you are looking to share your maps online and download cool cities, regions and other parts from the Sim City 4 website, <b>forget it</b>. They say they are working to provide the updates, but only the official ones. None of the user contributed files will be included, which was most of the point of that very website.
Command-H, anyone??
phantasmJuly 15, 2003
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I'm sick and tired of games that take over the screen of a gosh darn multitasking OS and don't even have a hide feature so you can get your latest instant message or email without quitting. Instant loss of 2 stars. Medal of Honor has both a windowed mode and a hide mode; seems like the last few new Mac games don't. This is ridiculous... Other than that, the game has nice graphics/sound and detail level, some graphical glitches on my Cinema Display. Speed seems fine, I have a G4/733/1GB RAM. I laughed the first time a fire truck careened around a corner to get to a fire... that stuff is fun. But PLEASE make these games hide-able!!
Great game thus far...
SFWIguyJuly 15, 2003
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Went to my local CompUSA the morning their website showed the game in stock and grabbed the first copy. I read the Read Me which set my expectations RE: the intentional graphics tradeoffs they made (when zooming, rotating, etc.), but just to test my system (Dual 1GhZ G4 01/2002 QuickSilver, 1 GB Ram, GeForce 4MX with 64 Megs) I bumped up all the graphics settings to their max. The game plays fine; granted, I don't have a huge city that covers the entire visible map yet, but it's been chugging along without any sluggishness (perceived or otherwise). I skipped version 3, so the new interface is a bit different, but acceptable. I'd recommend that folks spend 20 minutes to read the brief manual that comes with the game -- it provides tips / suggestions which will pay off if you follow them (vs. what I did, which was to dive right in and then scratch my head wondering why my first 2 cities booted me out as mayor...)
Fun to play, hard on machine
Mike TrentJuly 15, 2003
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />This game is definitely a good time -- I have a city of 40,000 sims (which I guess is small by expert standards) and I can easily kill 3-4 hours per sitting just tweaking the zoning characteristics. 's fun! The game is murder on my 667mhz TiBook: like all GL apps the fan runs at its highest setting, and I'm often waiting 2-5 seconds at a time for the game to catch up with me after I click somewhere. Probably better to play this on a desktop system.

Developer’s Description

Update SimCity 4 to version 1.02.