Skip to Content

Macs May Be Getting 'Pro Mode' Option to Boost Performance, According to macOS Catalina Beta

Apple's Macs could soon have the option for a "Pro Mode" that boosts performance according to data found in the macOS Catalina 10.15.3 beta.

Released in December, the beta contains code discovered by 9to5Mac that references an optional Pro Mode that appears to override fan speed limits and energy saving restrictions to improve performance. Code in the beta says "Apps may run faster, but battery life may decrease and fan noise may increase" when Pro Mode is turned on.

macoscatalina10153promodecode
As with Do Not Disturb, Pro Mode is a temporary option that is set to turn off the next day after being enabled, likely to make sure Macs are running in optimal conditions.

The code found in the beta seems to suggest Pro Mode is coming to the 16-inch MacBook Pro, but MacRumors has also received an anonymous tip suggesting the Mac Pro will also get a Pro Mode option that will override maximum fan speed software limits for improved thermal performance.

More information on Pro Mode should be available when macOS Catalina 10.15.3 sees a release, provided this is the update where it will be introduced.

Related Forum: macOS Catalina

Popular Stories

macbook air blue

What's Coming in the M5 MacBook Air

Thursday February 26, 2026 3:57 pm PST by
Along with the low-cost MacBook, Apple could introduce a refreshed version of the MacBook Air next week. Most of the focus will be on the new machine, but the MacBook Air is expected to get some useful internal updates. M5 Chip The next-generation MacBook Air will adopt the M5 chip, which Apple already introduced in the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro models that came out last year. Apple's M5...
Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature 1

Apple Teases 'A Big Week Ahead' With Announcements Starting Monday

Thursday February 26, 2026 6:06 am PST by
Apple CEO Tim Cook today teased "a big week ahead," with announcements starting Monday. His post included an #AppleLaunch hashtag with a colorful Apple logo, along with a short video that ultimately shows an Apple logo on the lid of a Mac. Apple is reportedly planning a three-day stretch of product announcements from Monday, March 2 through Wednesday, March 4, with up to five new products...
ipad mini 7 1

Could Apple's OLED iPad Mini Finally Be a Kindle Killer?

Friday February 27, 2026 12:08 pm PST by
With a similar screen size and easy, one-handed grip, the iPad mini has always been the Apple device that overlaps most with dedicated e-readers. Now, amid rumors pointing to an OLED display for the next generation, could the iPad mini finally replace devices such as the Kindle and Kobo? The shift from LCD to OLED could make the iPad mini far more appealing as a reading device. OLED panels...

Top Rated Comments

oneMadRssn Avatar
80 months ago
Psh, innovate my ass. My 486 had one of these:



Attachment Image
Score: 87 Votes (Like | Disagree)
80 months ago
If my fans are allowed to run even higher under full load, my iMac will start flying around my office.
Score: 39 Votes (Like | Disagree)
madmin Avatar
80 months ago
So when I'm running my 16" in "Pro Mode" can you switch off all your resource hungry launchd jobs like photoanalysisd photolibraryd and spotlight please ?
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
80 months ago
Before everybody acts like it's stupid or innovative, Dell, Lenovo, HP have had this feature for at least a decade, along with lap mode and quiet mode.





Attachment Image

Attachment Image

Attachment Image
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macfacts Avatar
80 months ago
Translation: get ready for cpu throttle mode as default
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Delgibbons Avatar
80 months ago
Pro mode. Or... Err...the way the CPU is designed to run in the first place.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)