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Apple’s Mac lineup consists of MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Pro, and Mac Mini. The Mac runs macOS for its operating system.

History

The Mac is Apple’s lineup of computers, and it can be considered the company’s oldest product. The name “Mac” comes from the original Macintosh, which was introduced in 1984 and is also considered the first personal computer for the masses to have a graphical user interface. The first Macintosh hit the stores on January 24, 1984, costing $2,945.

Among all these years, Apple has introduced many different Mac models, ranging from desktops to laptops to professional tower machines. The current lineup consists of the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, and Mac Pro. However, there have been other Mac models were discontinued, such as the eMac, MacBook, and iMac Pro.

The history of modern Macs began in 1998, a year after Steve Jobs returned to Apple. Apple had dozens of Macintosh computers at that time, but Steve decided to rethink the entire lineup. In 1998, Apple announced the iMac G3, which ditched the floppy disk and serial ports in favor of USB connectors.

Macintosh and iMac G3.

Unlike the Macintosh, the first iMac was considered a huge success — not only for its technology, but also for its unique design with colorful translucent plastic. Apple quickly expanded the Mac lineup with other models, which included the iBook and PowerBook (which became the MacBook and MacBook Pro) and the PowerMac, which is now the Mac Pro.

macOS

What makes a Mac the Mac is the macOS operating system, which has also had a long history since the introduction of the first Macintosh. Initially called Mac OS, the operating system was rebuilt when Steve Jobs returned to Apple.

The first version of Mac OS X was released on March 24, 2001 with a new interface that is still present in some ways in current versions of macOS. Apple’s desktop operating system comes with many free applications such as Pages, Keynote, Numbers, iMovie, and GarageBand.

With macOS, users also have access to deep integrations with other Apple devices. For instance, you can answer calls and send SMS from your iPhone using your Mac. Handoff lets you switch from one device to the other and pick up where you left off. Apple Watch users can unlock their computer without entering a password, and you can even copy and paste between devices.

How to install macOS Monterey beta walkthrough

Apple’s desktop operating system is also integrated with services offered by the company, such as iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple TV+.

The current version of macOS is macOS Monterey (version 12), which features Focus mode for notifications, Portrait mode in FaceTime, Live Text, iCloud+, SharePlay, redesigned Safari, and more. Other new features include the Shortcuts app for the first time on macOS, AirPlay to Mac, on-device dictation, and Spatial Audio for AirPods users.

Architecture Transitions

The Mac has had three major architecture transitions in its history. Apple’s first computers ran on Motorola processors, but the company decided to migrate to the new PowerPC platform in 1994. While this brought benefits at the time, the PowerPC processors were not delivering what Apple expected.

It was in 2005 that Apple confirmed the transition from PowerPC to Intel. Intel processors had become faster and more efficient than PowerPC, which enabled the development of new Mac computers that were more powerful and also more compact. Developers have been given access to a Developer Transition Kit running Mac OS X Tiger with Intel Pentium 4 to update their apps before the transition begins.

Power PC, Mac OS X, and Intel processor.

Apple said that the transition would begin in June 2006 and be finished by the end of 2007. However, the transition to Intel was fully completed in August 2006 when the company replaced the PowerMac with the new Intel Mac Pro.

As the years went by, Apple once again felt the need to have more powerful and efficient processors for its computers. This time, the company was already working on its own chips for the iPhone and iPad. In June 2020, Apple confirmed that it was changing the architecture of the Mac, now from Intel to ARM chips, which are called Apple Silicon.

Apple offered a Mac mini DTK running on the same A12Z Bionic chip as the 2020 iPad Pro. This way developers could once again update their apps ahead of the transition. In addition to being more powerful and energy efficient, the ARM architecture of Apple Silicon chips has enabled Macs to run iOS apps for the first time.

The first Apple Silicon Macs were released in November 2020 with the M1 chip, and Apple says the transition should be completed by 2022.

In October 2021, Apple introduced the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, which deliver even more performance than M1. The new M1 Pro chip features a 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, and can be configured with up to 32GB of RAM. The M1 Max chip has a 32-core GPU and can be configured with up to 64GB RAM.

To complete the M1 family, Apple announced in March 2022 the new M1 Ultra chip. It combines two M1 Max chips working together as one, featuring a 20-core CPU and up to 64 GPU cores.

Current Mac lineup

Apple currently sells a variety of Mac computers, which includes MacBooks, Mac mini, iMac, and Mac Pro. While some of the Macs have already been updated with an Apple Silicon chip, others remain with Intel processors.

MacBook Air

The MacBook Air is Apple’s most affordable laptop and it has become popular for its light, compact design. The 2022 version is powered by the M2 chip and is offered with 8GB, 16GB, or 24GB of RAM. Plus, it has a new, edge-to edge 13.6-inch Retina display.

Unlike the 13-inch MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air has a Magic Keyboard with function keys and no Touch Bar (but it has Touch ID). The laptop has two Thunderbolt 3 compatible USB-C ports, a MagSafe connector for charging, and a headphone jack. Prices start at $1199 in the US. It’s offered in silver, space gray, starlight, and midnight.

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Apple is still selling the M1 MacBook Air for prices starting at $999.

MacBook Pro

There are currently three different versions of the MacBook Pro, which are the 13-inch MacBook Pro, the 14-inch MacBook Pro, and the 16-inch MacBook Pro.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro with M2 is only available with 8GB, 16GB, and 24GB of RAM. It still features the Touch Bar and has only two USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, in addition to the headphone jack. The Retina LCD display supports wide color gamut (DCI-P3) and up to 500 nits brightness. Available in silver and space gray, prices start at $1299.

M1 MacBook Pro.

There’s also the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with the new M1 Pro chip. Both models feature new edge-to-edge Mini-LED display that also supports ProMotion for refresh rate up to 120Hz. The Touch Bar has been replaced by the classic function keys on these models.

The new 2021 MacBook Pro features an all-new design that is thicker, but comes with more ports. There are three USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, HDMI port, SD card slot, MagSafe, and the headphone jack. Customers can upgrade both models with the M1 Max chip for more powerful graphics.

Despite having a notch, these Macs lack a TrueDepth camera for Face ID. Still, the new sensor records video in 1080p.

Prices start at $1999 for the 14-inch version and $2499 for the 16-inch version, and they come in silver and space gray.

Mac mini

Mac mini is the cheapest Mac currently available since it’s basically a desktop without a built-in display or other peripherals. The current generation was introduced in November last year with the M1 chip and a starting price of $699 in the US.

It features one Ethernet port, two USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports, HDMI 2.0, two USB-A ports, and a headphone jack. Thanks to the HDMI 2.0 port, Mac mini is the only M1 Mac that supports multiple external displays. It’s also the only M1 Mac with regular USB-A ports.

M1 Mac mini.

The M1 version is offered with 8GB or 16GB RAM, but Apple still offers an Intel version that can be configured with up to 64GB RAM. The M1 Mac mini is only available in silver, while the Intel model is only available in space gray. Apple is expected to update Mac mini with a new Apple Silicon chip and a refreshed design in 2022.

Mac Studio

Mac Studio represents a new category between Mac mini and Mac Pro. It features a design based on the Mac mini, but with a taller body to support the more powerful hardware and also a better cooling system.

By default, Mac Studio already comes with the M1 Max chip, the same one found in the high-end models of the 2021 MacBook Pro. A more expensive option lets users customize Mac Studio with M1 Ultra. The machine offers up to six Thunderbolt ports, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, headphone jack, two USB-A ports, and one HDMI port.

Mac Studio specs

In the US, prices for the Mac Studio with M1 Max chip start at $1999. The M1 Ultra chip version starts at $3999.

iMac

iMac is Apple’s most popular desktop computer with an all-in-one construction. It features a 4.5K display in its 24-inch version and a 5K display in the 27-inch version. At the same time, Apple still sells an entry-level iMac with a regular 1080p display.

The 24-inch iMac is the first to feature the M1 chip, the same as in the Mac mini, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. This allowed Apple to introduce a completely redesigned model with a slimmer design, which is also offered in seven new colors. Customers can customize the new 24-inch iMac with up to 16GB of RAM and 2TB of storage.

The company ships the 24-inch iMac with Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard, plus a Lightning cable for recharging accessories. Prices in the US start at $1299. Apple has discontinued its old 21.5-inch iMac and the 27-inch iMac 5K.

Mac Pro

Mac Pro is a computer built for professional users who depend on extremely powerful hardware. Available in tower and rack versions, it has a completely modular design. That means users can replace RAM, SSD, GPU, and other internal components.

By default, it features four USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports, two USB-A ports, and two 10Gb Ethernet ports. However, the ports can be expanded using the PCI Express slots. Apple also ships the computer with a Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard, but it does not come with an external monitor included.

All models feature Intel Xeon W processors, which are the most powerful processors offered by Intel. Consumers can configure Mac Pro with up to 28-core processor, 1.5TB RAM, and 8TB of SSD storage. In addition to supporting multiple dedicated GPUs, Apple also offers the Afterburner card — which accelerates the decoding of ProRes videos.

The company recently updated the Mac Pro with new graphics card modules, which include Radeon Pro W6800X and Radeon Pro W6900X.

2019 Mac Pro.

Mac Pro prices start at $5999 in the US. Apple has confirmed that it has been working on a new Mac Pro with an Apple Silicon chip, but there are no details on when it will be announced.

Rumors about upcoming Macs

Top stories about the Mac

Jony Ive tried to discontinue the MacBook Air – Walt Mossberg

Ive reportedly wanted to discontinue the MacBook Air

A rather sketchy report claims that Jony Ive tried to persuade Apple to cease making the MacBook Air, leaving a redesigned MacBook Pro as the only portable Mac.

The story comes from Walt Mossberg, who admits that it’s based on a single source within Apple, but says that person was at “a very high level” with exceptional product knowledge …

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Best Thunderbolt monitors for Mac and what sets them apart from USB-C displays [January]

Thunderbolt monitors for Mac

In 2024, there are more Thunderbolt monitors than ever. While Apple currently offers two options, its displays at $1,600-$5,000+ won’t be the right fit for everyone. Luckily, there are more affordable, solid choices from LG, BenQ, and Samsung. Below, we’ll cover the best Thunderbolt monitors for Mac as well as what you get with a Thunderbolt monitor vs a USB-C monitor.

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Apple’s iconic ‘1984’ Super Bowl ad aired 40 years ago this week; how it almost didn’t happen

On this day 40 years ago, Apple’s first Macintosh went on sale, just two days after being introduced to the world during a commercial break in the third quarter of Super Bowl XVIII. Although “1984” became a cultural phenomenon and a watershed moment for product launches, Apple’s Board of Directors was against it from the start. Here’s how the legendary ad almost didn’t air…

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Macintosh 40th anniversary: Remembering my own love affair with the original Mac

The Macintosh 40th anniversary isn’t actually until tomorrow, but the celebrations are underway, with Apple execs sharing their own perspective on the machine which ultimately transformed not just how we interacted with personal computers, but also set the scene for them to become mass-market consumer devices.

I’m old. Old enough to have bought that very first Macintosh, all the way back in 1984 – but was only able to actually do so because, in those days, Apple needed the likes of me more than we needed Apple …

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Apple execs go in-depth on the Mac as it celebrates its 40th anniversary

M3 iMac

On Wednesday, January 24, the Mac will celebrate its 40th birthday. In a new piece for WIRED, Steven Levy spoke with five Apple executives on the state of the Mac, 40 years in:

  • Greg Joswiak, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing
  • John Ternus, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering
  • Craig Federighi, Senior Vice President of Software Engineering
  • Alan Dye, Vice President of Human Interface Design
  • Molly Anderson, industrial design leader
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Security Bite: Dangerous malware found in these commonly pirated macOS apps

Security Bite by 9to5mac

Security researchers have detected a new strain of malware hidden in some commonly pirated macOS applications. Once installed, the apps unknowingly execute trojan-like malware in the background of a user’s Mac. What happens from here is nothing good…


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Best USB-C and Thunderbolt displays for Mac [January]

Best USB-C/Thunderbolt displays Mac Samsung 5K

USB-C/Thunderbolt display options have really expanded over the last couple of years. While Apple’s Pro Display XDR isn’t the best fit for most Mac users at $5,000+, it also offers the more affordable Studio Display. But there are also lots of solid choices from LG, Samsung, BenQ, and more. Let’s look at the best USB-C/Thunderbolt displays with many available in the $400-$1,600 range.

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Windows PCs will follow Mac example with ‘Neural Engines’ this year – Canalys

Neural Engine equivalents coming to Windows PCs | M3 chip line-up shown

While critics might say Apple is falling behind in the AI race, there’s one area where the Cupertino company has led the way: on-device AI processing using the Neural Engine in its iPhone, iPad, and Mac chips.

Market intelligence company says it expects Windows PC brands to follow Apple’s lead this year, putting their own equivalent of Neural Engine chips into high-end laptops this year …

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Review: Dough Spectrum One with edge-to-edge Gorilla Glass – is it a true Studio Display competitor? [Video]

I first learned about the newest version of the Dough Spectrum One from an email sent to me by the company’s CEO, Konstantinos Karatsevidis. The email contained the subject line: Is This the Studio Display Killer for Gamers and Mac Users Alike?

I was intrigued and took the company up on the offer. A few weeks later, the newest Dough Spectrum One and its corresponding stand arrived in my mailbox, but not before being ravenously opened and inspected by customs agents. So, while my unboxing experience was less than ideal, thankfully, the Gorilla Glass-covered display arrived without a scratch.

But is this, as Dough conjectures, a Studio Display killer, or is it altogether something else? Watch the hands-on video walkthrough, and subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for more videos.

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Mac: How to scan for malware and remove it with free and paid tools

virus scanner for Mac

Macs are more protected from malicious software like viruses, Trojans, adware, etc. than Windows and Linux. However, they aren’t immune, and more and more malware is being designed specifically for Mac. Whether you just want to do a checkup or think your (or someone else’s) machine might be affected, here’s a look at 6 valuable malware/virus scanner Mac tools including free and paid options.

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