Mac users have discovered evidence of a new feature coming to a future release of macOS called “Pro Mode.” This feature would temporarily remove restrictions imposed to keep Macs running coolly and quietly in order to boost short-term performance for demanding tasks common in professional workflows.
9to5Mac reports that users have found references to this “Pro Mode” in the macOS Catalina 10.15.3 beta.
That included text describing the feature that says “fan speed limit may be overridden” and “apps may run faster, but battery life may decrease, and fan noise may increase.”
Further Reading
The evidence found in the beta seems to indicate that Pro Mode would work something like Do Not Disturb: it would be an optional toggle that, by default, would automatically turn off again after a period of time.
While the initial report in 9to5Mac indicated that there is evidence this feature is intended for the MacBook Pro, MacRumors claims to have received an anonymous tip “suggesting the Mac Pro will also get a Pro Mode option.”
Not much else is known about the rollout for Pro Mode, as Apple has not made any public statements on it. However, it’s worth noting that Apple recently filed a new MacBook model with the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC). Apple recently overhauled the 15-inch MacBook Pro with a 16-inch display, a new thermal system, and a new (well, old, really) keyboard. Apple could plausibly be working on bringing similar changes to the 13-inch MacBook Pro, and the company could be holding the Pro Mode announcement until it is ready to talk to the public about the new hardware as well.
macOS Catalina 10.15.3 will be the next major feature release for the Mac operating system, but the update is still in testing, and it is unknown when the public release of 10.15.3 will occur.
