Apple today released macOS Catalina 10.15.3, the third update to the macOS Catalina operating system that was released in October. macOS Catalina 10.15.3 comes over a month after the release of macOS Catalina 10.15.2.

‌‌macOS Catalina‌‌ 10.15.3 can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for free using the Update feature in the System Preferences app, and it is available to anyone who has a compatible Mac.

macos catalina wallpaper
macOS Catalina 10.15.3 has code in it that suggests a new "Pro Mode" is coming to Apple's Macs. Pro Mode appears to be an optional setting that overrides fan speed limits and energy saving restrictions to improve performance. The code says that apps "may run faster" but battery life could decrease and fan noise could increase.

It's not entirely clear if Pro Mode is coming to Macs in the 10.15.3 release, but the code is there so it is a possibility. According to Apple's release notes, the update includes Pro Display XDR optimizations and multi-stream video editing improvements.

The macOS Catalina 10.15.3 update improves the stability, reliability and security of your Mac, and is recommended for all users.
This update:
- Optimizes gamma handling of low gray levels on Pro Display XDR for SDR workflows when using macOS
- Improves multi-stream video editing performance for HEVC and H.264 encoded 4K video on the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019)

For more on everything that's new in ‌macOS Catalina‌, make sure to check out our dedicated macOS Catalina roundup.

Related Forum: macOS Catalina

Top Rated Comments

sugargliderdude Avatar
73 months ago
i said i would install Catalina once its at 10.15.3 but still not sure if i should... hearing so many horror stories.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jb-net Avatar
73 months ago
Biggest question: Will it fix Mail's data loss bug? Or is Mail.app on Catalina still randomly deleting E-Mails?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pavvel Avatar
73 months ago

Fingers crossed for Notes syncing with iCloud again.
Never had a problem with notes syncing since the first version.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
VanNess Avatar
73 months ago

I would switch the Apple Mail if it did one thing Outlook did. Separate days in my inbox. I have today, yesterday, last week and older in my main view in Outlook. Apple Mail is just here you go, sort it out.
You can set up smart mailboxes ('https://support.apple.com/guide/mail/use-smart-mailboxes-mlhlp1190/mac') for today, yesterday, last week, etc. Pretty easy to do and I have it set up that way with links copied to the favorites bar. Since they are smart mailboxes your inbox remains untouched. Since doing this I rarely access my inbox. No need.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macintoshmac Avatar
73 months ago

Biggest question: Will it fix Mail's data loss bug? Or is Mail.app on Catalina still randomly deleting E-Mails?
It was said to have been fixed in the third beta. If this build is the same or higher, the bug may be fixed. MR has stopped giving build numbers long back, so just wait for someone to provide you with a build number. I am downloading it, but did not bother to catch the build so can't tell you right now.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Steve121178 Avatar
73 months ago

I just installed the update and the issue with the external monitor and the fans is still there, right now the fans are running at 3200 RPM and the machine is really hot just by browsing the web to get to this page.

I talked to Apple support (again) and now they want a video of the machine so they can hear the fans running, I can't believe that a company that just announced that made 92 billions in revenue in the last quarter can't replicate this issue on their offices. I'm starting to think that their priorities have changed
Not being funny, but you should know the Mac and macOS isn't a priority. The Mac has been severely neglected for many years and macOS gets a token annual update that doesn't really add very much and just further aligns the desktop OS with iOS in one way or another. There's been very little innovation and advancements with macOS.

The number of bugs and issues with Catalina is inexcusable, but do they really care? NO, they don't.

All the talent has been pulled from macOS over the years to work on iOS & it's variants as that is Apple's future. The Mac isn't.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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