Apple Again References 'MacOS', This Time on Developer Website - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Again References 'MacOS', This Time on Developer Website

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.

applemacosmention
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."

Popular Stories

Prime Big Deal Days 25 Red and Green

Amazon Launches Prime Day Discounts on AirPods, iPad, MacBook Air, and More

Sunday October 4, 2026 9:15 am PDT by
Earlier this week, we began tracking early Prime Day deals on Apple-related accessories, and now Amazon has introduced major early deals on Apple products as well. This includes AirPods, iPads, MacBooks, and more, all available at some of the lowest prices of the year so far. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small...
Apple Event Logo

Apple Event Reportedly Planned for October 13

Sunday October 4, 2026 5:07 pm PDT by
Last week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple plans to unveil an all-new smart home hub, a new HomePod mini, and a new Apple TV 4K on Tuesday, October 13. In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman specified that "Apple is planning to hold an event" that...
MagSafe 3 Cable Midnight Feature

Apple Releases MagSafe 3 Charging Cable Firmware Update

Monday October 5, 2026 5:59 am PDT by
For the first time since February 2023, Apple has released a firmware update for the MagSafe 3 charging cable for the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. Specifically, Apple last week released firmware version 3.2.0 for the USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable. The previous firmware version for the cable was 3.1.12. It is unclear what is included in the latest firmware, as Apple does not publish release...

Top Rated Comments

radiology Avatar
135 months ago
That's going to be huge. It will change completely the users experience. Can't wait!
Score: 48 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macduke Avatar
135 months ago
The little "m" works for me because it's consistent with the other naming conventions. Sure, it looks weird today, but we'll eventually get used to it. It's like when they changed the name from Mac OS X to just OS X. At least the word "mac" is back in the name now.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
135 months ago
I think it may be time to go to 11!
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
oneMadRssn Avatar
135 months ago
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.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Benjamin Frost Avatar
135 months ago
I have a bad feeling about WWDC this year.

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.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
135 months ago
‘macOS’... I cannot believe it. Looks really cheesy.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Latest Stories
Microsoft OneDrive to Drop Support for These iPhone Models
Microsoft OneDrive to Drop Support for These iPhone Models
23 minutes ago
HomePod Mini Waits Reach Eight Weeks Ahead of Rumored Refresh
HomePod Mini Waits Reach Eight Weeks Ahead of Rumored Refresh
45 minutes ago
Apple Music Is Getting a New Logo
Apple Music Is Getting a New Logo
1 hour ago
Apple Quietly Boosts Email Feature for iCloud+ Subscribers
Apple Quietly Boosts Email Feature for iCloud+ Subscribers
2 hours ago
iOS 27.2 May Let You Hide Specific Suggested Actions in Messages
iOS 27.2 May Let You Hide Specific Suggested Actions in Messages
3 hours ago
Sources: Apple Planning Two Sets of Product Launches in October
Sources: Apple Planning Two Sets of Product Launches in October
10 hours ago
Apple Announces iPhone Duo Apps Can Now Be Submitted to App Store
Apple Announces iPhone Duo Apps Can Now Be Submitted to App Store
10 hours ago
macOS 27.2 Adds Touch Gestures Ahead of MacBook Ultra
macOS 27.2 Adds Touch Gestures Ahead of MacBook Ultra
15 hours ago
Apple and AT&T Have Yet to Explain Cause of iPhone 18 Pro Max Issue
Apple and AT&T Have Yet to Explain Cause of iPhone 18 Pro Max Issue
15 hours ago
tvOS 27.2 Code Hints at Apple Intelligence for New Apple TV
tvOS 27.2 Code Hints at Apple Intelligence for New Apple TV
16 hours ago
Apple Seeds Third macOS Golden Gate 27.2 Beta to Developers
Apple Seeds Third macOS Golden Gate 27.2 Beta to Developers
18 hours ago
Apple Releases Third watchOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2 and visionOS 27.2 Betas
Apple Releases Third watchOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2 and visionOS 27.2 Betas
18 hours ago
Apple Releases Third iOS 27.2 Beta
Apple Releases Third iOS 27.2 Beta
18 hours ago
Apple Cash Adds ID Check for Reloads, Teases Bank Funding
Apple Cash Adds ID Check for Reloads, Teases Bank Funding
18 hours ago
Apple Configurator App Updated
Apple Configurator App Updated
19 hours ago
Apple One Just Went Up in Price in These Countries
Apple One Just Went Up in Price in These Countries
20 hours ago
iPhone 13 Pro vs. iPhone 18 Pro Buyer's Guide: Is It Worth Upgrading?
iPhone 13 Pro vs. iPhone 18 Pro Buyer's Guide: Is It Worth Upgrading?
20 hours ago
iPad Could Get Significantly Thinner Bezels, Leaker Says
iPad Could Get Significantly Thinner Bezels, Leaker Says
21 hours ago
Prime Day Is Not Just Amazon: See the Biggest Competing Deals From Sony, Best Buy, and Walmart
Prime Day Is Not Just Amazon: See the Biggest Competing Deals From Sony, Best Buy, and Walmart
21 hours ago
Apple's Newest Macs Just Got Their Biggest Price Cuts Yet on Amazon
Apple's Newest Macs Just Got Their Biggest Price Cuts Yet on Amazon
23 hours ago
Apple Watch Prime Day Deals Arrive With New All-Time Low Prices for Series 12 and Ultra 4
Apple Watch Prime Day Deals Arrive With New All-Time Low Prices for Series 12 and Ultra 4
23 hours ago
Apple Releases MagSafe 3 Charging Cable Firmware Update
Apple Releases MagSafe 3 Charging Cable Firmware Update
23 hours ago
AirPods Max 2 Drop to $429 in All Colors for Prime Day
AirPods Max 2 Drop to $429 in All Colors for Prime Day
1 day ago
Apple Quietly Triples iCloud Mail Alias Limit to Nine
Apple Quietly Triples iCloud Mail Alias Limit to Nine
1 day ago
Mac Users Reclaim 12GB+ of Storage With Apple Intelligence Removal Tool
Mac Users Reclaim 12GB+ of Storage With Apple Intelligence Removal Tool
22 hours ago
iPhone Duo Makes Focus Modes Easier to Toggle From the Lock Screen
iPhone Duo Makes Focus Modes Easier to Toggle From the Lock Screen
1 day ago
EU iPhone and iPad Users Could Still Face Months-Long Wait for Siri AI
EU iPhone and iPad Users Could Still Face Months-Long Wait for Siri AI
1 day ago
Today Marks the 15th Anniversary of Steve Jobs' Death
Today Marks the 15th Anniversary of Steve Jobs' Death
1 day ago
iPhone 18 Pro's Triple Live Activity Support Comes With a Catch
iPhone 18 Pro's Triple Live Activity Support Comes With a Catch
1 day ago
Apple's New CEO John Ternus is Making Product Design a 'Major Priority'
Apple's New CEO John Ternus is Making Product Design a 'Major Priority'
1 day ago