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Mac (computer)

technology Maturity 11-13 Next article →

A Mac is a brand of personal computers designed and marketed by Apple.

Steve Jobs and Macintosh computer, January 1984, by Bernard Gotfryd - edited
Steve Jobs and Macintosh computer, January 1984, by Bernard Gotfryd - edited

The name is short for Macintosh, which was the official name until 1999. This name refers to the McIntosh apple. Today, the Mac lineup includes several different types of machines. You can find laptops like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. There are also desktops like the iMac, Mac Mini, and Mac Studio. All these computers run on macOS. This is a Unix-based operating system, which is the software that manages the hardware. Apple does not license macOS to other companies. It is exclusively bundled with Mac computers.

The way a Mac works is centered on its graphical user interface. This interface allows users to interact with the computer through visual elements. Instead of typing complex text commands, users can use a mouse. You can move files by using a technique called drag and drop. You can also launch applications by double-clicking icons. This interface was inspired by the Xerox Star. The Mac improved this by making the manipulation of windows and files more intuitive. This design helped make the Mac the first mass-market WYSIWYG computer. WYSIWYG stands for "what you see is what you get." This means the text on the screen looks like the printed page.

MacOS Tahoe screenshot
MacOS Tahoe screenshot

The history of the Mac began with the Macintosh project in 1979. Jef Raskin originally conceived the project. He wanted an affordable and easy-to-use computer for the masses. The initial team included Raskin, Burrell Smith, and Steve Wozniak. In 1981, Steve Jobs took control of the project. Under Jobs, the Mac became more like the Lisa computer. It gained a mouse and a graphical interface. The first Macintosh launched in January 1984. Apple promoted this launch with a famous "1984" advertisement during Super Bowl XVIII.

Ad apple 1984
Ad apple 1984

As the Mac evolved, its internal parts changed many times. In 1987, the Macintosh II was released with color graphics. This model was marketed as a professional workstation. In 1994, the line transitioned to PowerPC processors. These replaced the older Motorola 68000 series. By 2006, Macs moved to Intel x86 processors. This transition allowed for new product lines like the MacBook and Mac Pro.

New Mac Pro (12093123884)
New Mac Pro (12093123884)

Since 2020, Macs have used Apple silicon. These are chips based on ARM64 architecture. This means Apple designs the processors themselves to work specifically with their hardware.

The Mac has faced many different stages of success and struggle. In the early years, the Mac helped start the desktop publishing market. This happened because of programs like PageMaker and the LaserWriter printer. Companies would buy a few Macs to make newsletters. Soon, they would own hundreds of them. However, sales dropped in the 1990s. The Mac's market share fell from 9.4% in 1993 to just 3.1% in 1997. During this time, many corporations switched to Windows NT machines. Apple struggled with quality control and stagnant hardware.

Apple Mac Worldwide Quarterly Sales
Apple Mac Worldwide Quarterly Sales

Apple turned the company around by acquiring NeXT in 1997. This brought Steve Jobs back to the company. NeXT had developed the NeXTSTEP operating system. This system had strong Internet and multimedia capabilities. Apple used NeXTSTEP as the foundation for its new operating system strategy. This helped the Mac become competitive again. The product line was also refreshed with the iMac G3 in 1998. This helped the Mac compete against IBM PC compatibles.

IMac colorful internet lowres
IMac colorful internet lowres

The Mac connects to many different fields of work. Because of its typography and design tools, it became a standard for publishing. The PowerBook line also changed how people used mobile computers. The PowerBook 100 was the first laptop with a palm rest and a trackball. This made the Mac a status symbol in many industries. Today, the Mac remains a major part of the personal computer market. It continues to change as Apple develops new silicon and software.

Powerbook 100 pose
Powerbook 100 pose
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🖼️ Images & Media (17)
File:Steve Jobs and Macintosh computer, January 1984, by Bernard Gotfryd - edited.jpg
Steve Jobs and Macintosh computer,...
File:Macintosh Portable-IMG 7541.jpg
Macintosh Portable-IMG 7541.jpg
File:Powerbook 100 pose.jpg
Powerbook 100 pose.jpg
Apple Mac Worldwide Quarterly Sales.webp
File:IMac colorful internet lowres.png
IMac colorful internet lowres.png
File:Power mac g4 cube.png
Power mac g4 cube.png
File:IBook G3 M6497 J.jpg
IBook G3 M6497 J.jpg
File:IMac G4 and keyboard.jpg
IMac G4 and keyboard.jpg
File:Steve Jobs with MacBook Air 2.jpg
Steve Jobs with MacBook Air 2.jpg
File:New Mac Pro (12093123884).jpg
New Mac Pro (12093123884).jpg
File:MacBook Pro Retina 001.jpg
MacBook Pro Retina 001.jpg
File:M1 iMac Green model.jpg
M1 iMac Green model.jpg

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