Mac owners can finally use an external GPU to boost their computing power now that Apple has released macOS 10.13.4 to the public.
The software update has been in beta testing with developers for months and is now available to everyone for the first time. macOS 10.13.4 brings a number of improvements to the Mac, including some updates to iMessages, Safari and more.
Apple’s new update for the Mac can be downloaded for free directly from the Mac App Store’s software update menu.
What’s in macOS 10.13.4
eGPU support is perhaps the biggest addition in macOS 10.13.4. The feature won’t be used by most Mac users, but it allows anyone that needs additional graphics performance to connect to an external graphics processor in an enclosure.
Apple outlined how to use an eGPU with the Mac on its support site. It looks like there is currently no support for Nvidia GPUs so you’ll have to go with an AMD-based GPU. The feature gives Mac owners a way to upgrade their graphics processing power without having to upgrade to an all-new Mac.
macOS 10.13.4 contains another of other minor changes too. Here’s the full list:
- Adds support for Business Chat conversations in Messages in the US
- Adds support for external graphics processors (eGPUs)
- Fixes graphics corruption issues affecting certain apps on iMac Pro
- Allows jumping to the right-most open tab using Command+9 in Safari
- Enables sorting Safari bookmarks by name or URL by right-clicking and choosing “Sort by…”
- Fixes an issue that may prevent web link previews from appearing in Messages
- Helps protect privacy by only AutoFilling usernames and passwords after selecting them in a web form field in Safari
- Displays warnings in the Safari Smart Search Field when interacting with password or credit card forms on non-encrypted web pages
- Displays privacy icons and links to explain how your data will be used and protected when Apple features ask to use your personal information
