macOS 10.15.4 brings enhanced HDR support, custom reference modes for Pro Display XDR

macOS Catalina

After updating to 10.15.4, users with monitors that support high dynamic range — or HDR — will now see a checkbox within the Display section of System Preferences. Ticking this box will automatically adjust the display to show high dynamic range content.

As it pertains to Apple's Pro Display XDR, the new customized reference modes came as a firmware update to the monitor itself. There does not appear to be any way to get the firmware update, without having macOS 10.15.4.

Apple highlighted the change in the macOS 10.15.4 release notes. The company specifically noted "customized reference modes that you can tailor to specific workflow needs by selecting from several color gamut, white point, luminance, and transfer function options."

Additionally, Apple has published a new support document that explains how to use the new reference modes. These modes will allow advanced users to create tailored modes for different workflows by choosing different "color gamut, white point, luminance, and transfer function options".

Stability improvements are also found in the 2.2.2 Pro Display XDR firmware.