Apple could roll out the much-anticipated macOS Catalina update for the MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and iMac as soon as this week, according to information that was spotted on the Danish version of the company's before it was later removed.
Specifically, MacRumors uncovered a reference on the macOS Catalina section of Apple's website that said that Apple Arcade would be available from October 4 – hinting that's when the next version of macOS will finally start making the rounds.
Announced in June, macOS Catalina is Apple's vision for the future of Mac.
Naturally, it's overflowing with new features, with Sidecar being the star of the show – an innovative tool that lets you turn an iPad into a second screen for your iMac or MacBook. But that's just the tip of the iceberg; there's a lot more to be had here.
macOS Catalina also does away with iTunes in favour of three standalone applications: Music, Podcasts and TV to deliver a straightforward user experience. Instead, hardware – an iPhone 11, for example – will be managed through Finder.
Plus, Screen Time has been brought over from iOS to macOS for keeping track of usage, there are new options for Mail and Notes, security has been beefed up across the board, and there's the facility to approve security prompts from Apple Watch.
The full list of everything macOS Catalina brings to the table is too long to list here, so if you want to find out more about what the software will do to your iMac, MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and Mac Mini, head over to Apple's website.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
While macOS Catalina introduces a mound of new features, its hardware requirements remain the same as for the current macOS Mojave – if you can run Mojave, you can run Catalina. All you need to do is install it when it starts rolling out.
Here are the Macs that meet the requirements:
- iMac (2012 or later)
- iMac Pro (2017 or later)
- MacBook (2015 and later)
- MacBook Air (2012 or later)
- MacBook Pro (2012 or later)
- Mac Mini (2012 or later)
- Mac Pro (2013 or later)
To be clear, this isn't confirmation that macOS Catalina will launch on October 4. All we know for certain is that Apple will start circulating it sometime in October. This could be October 2, October 4, October 24, October 31 or any time in between.
We'll have to wait and see – for now, at least.
Having spent half a decade writing about the latest news for some of the world’s largest publications, Josh is one of the most recognised reporters in the space. Nowadays, in addition to covering the odd news article, he spends most of his time keeping T3's long-form consumer content up to date, while also researching and reporting on the best deals to help you save some serious scratch.
-
Apple MacBook Pro set for its biggest upgrade in many years
It's great news for Apple fans
By Sam Cross Published
-
Corsair HS80 Max Wireless review: a solid mid-tier gaming headset
A capable audio option for the price you're paying
By David Nield Published
-
Logitech C920 Pro HD review: a solid and affordable webcam upgrade
The Logitech C920 Pro HD has plenty to offer shoppers on a budget
By David Nield Published
-
Apple Mac mini M4 review: smaller and faster
Apple’s latest Mac mini isn’t just smaller, it’s the perfect size
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
Microsoft's 5-star Surface with keyboard is Best Buy's killer deal
Best buy it at Best Buy!
By David Nield Published
-
Sonos' premium soundbar just hit its lowest-ever price in 5-star deal
Top-tier sound doesn't have to cost top dollar
By David Nield Published
-
Huge 75in Sony TV is now cheaper than ever in Amazon's Black Friday sale
You can now get a top-quality TV for less, with 100s of dollars off this set
By David Nield Published
-
Improve your Wi-Fi with 5-star Netgear kit – now cheaper than ever
This is one of the most powerful home Wi-Fi setups you can have – and it has hit a new low price on Amazon
By David Nield Published