Because iOS, watchOS, and tvOS all share a common naming scheme, there's been some speculation that OS X, the operating system for Macs, could see a name change to "MacOS" at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference.
Earlier this year, Apple referenced "MacOS" in an environmental website update, and today the company has made the same gaffe on a developer FAQ page outlining new App Store revenue sharing policies, again raising the question of whether a name change is on the horizon.
In a section on when the new revenue split goes into effect, Apple references the types of apps that are eligible, listing iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS.
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Unlike the first time "MacOS" was spotted on the Apple website, the iTunes Connect mention uses "macOS" with a lowercase "m" that better fits with the lower case letters used in iOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
It continues to be unknown if the macOS mention is a mistake made because of the naming of Apple's other operating systems or an error made because of an imminent name change planned for OS X.
If Apple is planning to switch from "OS X" to "macOS" or "MacOS," it is not clear if the company will continue on with naming each iteration after California landmarks, a tradition that started with OS X Mavericks in 2013. tvOS, watchOS, and iOS operating system upgrades follow a number-based naming scheme.
We don't have long to wait to find out if there's a naming change in store for Apple's Mac-based operating system. The Worldwide Developers Conference is set to kick off next Monday with a keynote event that will take place at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
Update: Apple has updated the page to change "macOS" to "OS X."
Top Rated Comments
(View all)Actually, I just hope it isn't OS X 10.12. After OS X 10.9, it should've gone to Mac OS 11.
No, staaahp. It's not a decimal number. Each number on either side of the period is a discrete number.I hope they keep the X - fond memories of those giant Xs on the old CDs.
Almost every single news or rumour to come from Apple in the past year has been bad. The latest include app subscriptions and ads in the App Store. No thanks; I hate subscriptions with a vengeance and the same with ads.
The end of iTunes downloads? Two rumours suggests there's a fire. I'd use a mix of Amazon and CDs if iTunes shut down.
The whole approach Apple is taking under Cook is encouraging me to look at alternatives to Apple and technology in general. I have fallen out of love with the tech world. It is obsessed with ripping people off with IAPs and subscriptions, and there is nothing exciting anymore. Everything is static. Music has died; culture has died; hardware and software have atrophied. The world is running madly and going nowhere.