Apple releases OS X 10.9.3 with improved support for high-res 4K displays

Apple on Thursday released OS X 10.9.3, a minor update for its Mavericks Mac operating system, bringing improved 4K display support for the latest Mac Pro and 15-inch MacBook Pro, along with other bug fixes and improvements.

OS X 10.9.3 is now available to download through the Mac App Store. Apple says the update is recommended for all Mac users, and that it improves the stability, compatibility and security of the operating system.

Other additions and changes in OS X 10.9.3 are:

• The ability to sync contacts and calendars between a Mac and an iOS device using a USB connection
• Improved reliability of VPN connections using IPsec
• Safari 7.0.3 is also included

While the update introduces a "Retina" output mode for the late 2013 15-inch MacBook Pro, it does not grant the same ability to the 13-inch model. Apple's current Thunderbolt Display does not come with a 4K resolution, meaning the support is only available for third-party monitors.

OS X 10.9.3 had a particularly long beta period, with nine pre-release builds being provided to developers before Thursday's official launch to the public.

The launch of OS X 10.9.3 comes less than a month after Apple opened up its beta seed program to all users in exchange for "quality and usability feedback." The program allows anyone, not just Mac developers, to test pre-release versions of OS X.