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macOS Catalina Launch Expected on Oct. 4

Apple seems to have leaked the macOS Catalina launch date in an image for Apple Arcade.

 & Matthew Humphries Former Senior Editor

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It looks as though Apple has managed to leak the release date for its own macOS Catalina update, and we have Apple Denmark to thank for it.

As MacRumors reports, the proposed launch date is Oct. 4 and we can deduce that from an Apple Arcade image included on the Apple Denmark website. The image states that Apple Arcade will be available for Macs on Oct. 4, and as Arcade requires the macOS Catalina update in order to work, Catalina must also be launching on the same day.

Apple has also stated previously that Catalina would be released in October, but no specific date was given. Now it's known, albeit accidentally it seems.

macOS Catalina is a major update for Mac users, promising to make it easier for iOS developers to port their apps over to the desktop. iTunes is gone, security is improved, and you can use your iPad as a second screen. There's also a very good chance your Mac will run Catalina, with hardware as far back as 2012 being supported.

With the launch now expected a week from today, that's more than enough time to read PCMag's detailed preview of what's good and bad about Catalina (it's mostly good) and why you're probably going to want to install it as soon as possible. Alternatively, if you were planning to go out and purchase a Mac or Macbook this weekend, maybe wait another week? That way you'll be buying a new Mac with Catalina already installed.

About Our Expert

Matthew Humphries

Matthew Humphries

Former Senior Editor

My Experience

I started working at PCMag in November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.

I hold two degrees: a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Games Development. My first book, Make Your Own Pixel Art, is available from all good book shops.

My Areas of Expertise

  • PC components and system building
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Software development
  • Storage technology
  • Video games and gaming hardware

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