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

Monday January 13, 2020 12:31 pm PST by Juli Clover

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

Apple TV 4K HomeView HomePod Mini tweaked

New Apple TV 4K, HomeView, and HomePod Mini: 16 Details Just Leaked

Sunday October 11, 2026 12:56 pm PDT by Joe Rossignol

Just two days before Apple's "Welcome home" experience in New York, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has leaked several details about the new products set to be unveiled, including an all-new smart home hub, a HomePod mini 2, and a new Apple TV 4K. Here is an all-in-one summary of the details shared by Gurman:Apple's home hub with a touch-enabled display will be named HomeView, seemingly confirming a ...

• 188 comments

Rumor: Apple to Announce New Partnership With ADT

Saturday October 10, 2026 7:17 pm PDT by Joe Rossignol

Apple may be planning to announce a new partnership with home security company ADT, alongside the introduction of its all-new smart home hub, according to several clues. First and foremost, ADT has been posting "Low Voltage Technician" job listings in various U.S. cities since around July, but those hired for the position so far have been provided with very few details about their specific...

• 65 comments

Apple Product Launch Announced for October 13: 'Welcome Home'

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:04 am PDT by Juli Clover

Apple today announced an upcoming product launch that will take place on Tuesday, October 13. We are expecting Apple's announcement to focus on new smart home products, including the long-rumored smart home hub, a new Apple TV 4K, and a refreshed HomePod mini. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. The home hub is an all-new device that's like a cross between an iPad and...

• 169 comments

Top Rated Comments

oneMadRssn

88 months ago

Psh, innovate my ass. My 486 had one of these:

Score: 87 Votes (Like | Disagree)

lars666

88 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

88 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)

konqerror

88 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.