It can be difficult to understand the differences between operating systems, especially if they are all from the same company. This article will examine the differences between OS X and macOS, two Apple operating system.
Overview of macOS and OS X
OS X The Foundation
OS X, pronounced “OS ten”, was Apple’s second major operating system series. It was designed for Macintosh computer. OS X, which was unveiled in 2001, had a new architecture that drew on the previous Mac OS system and Unix-based NeXTSTEP. It was designed to work with Macintosh Hardware and most Unix Software.
OS X was distinguished by its revolutionary Aqua user interface. Its water-like elements made it stand out. The OS was known for its efficiency, stability, and seamless integration with a fully-featured Unix system. OS X has received a number of updates over the years. Each update was named after a big cat or California landmark, including Cheetahs, Pumas, Tigers, Leopards, Snow Leopards, Lions, Mountain Lions, Mavericks and El Capitan.
macOS The Evolution
Apple decided in 2016 to standardize the branding across all of its devices. OS X became macOS in order to align with the nomenclature used by iOS, watchOS and tvOS. The first version to be released under the new name is macOS Sierra.
macOS follows the tradition of naming its updates after California landmarks. It has the same Unix architecture as OS X and the interface is largely unchanged, but it continues to change subtly. MacOS brought with it some important changes such as the increased integration of Apple devices and services, and the introduction new technologies, like the Apple File System.
Differences between OS X and macOS
MacOS is essentially a continuation OS X. However, there are several differences that set the two operating systems apart.
Integration of Other Apple Devices and Services
macOS has significantly improved the integration of Apple devices. Apple Pay authorizations based on iPhones and Universal Clipboard were among the new features. macOS features deeper iCloud Integration, which makes it easier to access data and documents across multiple devices.
Siri for Mac
Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, was one of macOS’s most notable features. Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, was already an integral part of iOS. Its integration into macOS, however, marked a major step forward for desktop operating systems. Users can now perform voice-activated search, set reminders and send messages.
Apple File System (APFS).
Apple File System (APFS), introduced in macOS High Sierra to replace the Hierarchical File System Plus, was designed to improve efficiency and reliability. The Apple File System (APFS) introduced new features such as space sharing, snapshots and clones that were not present in HFS+.
Supports iOS Apps
Apple’s macOS Catalina introduced Project Catalyst which allows developers to port iPad apps more easily to macOS. This was an important change, bringing a multitude of iOS apps to Mac OS users and blurring the line between Apple’s desktop operating system and mobile operating system.
Conclusion
MacOS is an evolution of OS X. It features the same architecture, but also includes key enhancements and integrated services that reflect the evolving technology landscape, as well as the growing ecosystem of Apple products and services. The core goal of macOS remains unchanged despite the rebranding: to offer a sleek,
