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The Mystery of NeXT: How did Steve Jobs turn NeXT technology into the core of Mac OS X?
Since Apple launched its first Mac computer in 1984, Classic Mac OS has been running for nearly ten years. However, this system has never been able to meet the growing needs of multiple users and stability requirements. Therefore, after acquiring NeXT in 1997, Apple began a major change in the future operating system - the birth of Mac OS X. How much technical secrets and business wisdom are hidden behind this change?
"NeXT's technology is not just a simple exchange, but the beginning of a new era."
In the early days of NeXT, Steve Jobs created an object-oriented operating system called NeXTSTEP because of his unique vision and business philosophy. This system is based on the Mach kernel and incorporates various BSD technologies. After several years of development, NeXTSTEP has become mature and stable, and is undoubtedly an ideal solution for Apple. Through this acquisition, Apple not only simplified the complexity of the operating system, but also effectively introduced a new development environment-Cocoa.
"Cocoa is a powerful development framework that allows developers to extend their creativity infinitely."
In Apple's reorganization, Jobs' task for future systems is not just to simply create a new operating system, but to create a technology platform that can integrate past experience and future needs. Under his leadership, Apple's development team combined NeXTSTEP's core technology with the original Classic Mac OS, eventually forming a new system called Mac OS X.
In 1999, Apple launched Mac OS X Server 1.0 for the first time, and in 2001, Mac OS X 10.0 officially entered the desktop market. This version, while criticized for its speed, marked a radical shift for Apple in the coming years. The multi-user and network functions of the operating system have given Apple a certain advantage in the competition with Windows systems.
"Each version update is not only an improvement in functionality, but also Apple's profound consideration of user experience."
With the gradual updates of versions, Apple began to focus on visual and user-friendly operation in interface design. Especially in the Mac OS X 10.1 Puma launched in 2001 and the subsequent 10.2 Jaguar, the user experience has been significantly improved. The introduction of transparency, shadow and animation effects gives users a brand new operating experience.
Although as a Unix-based system, Mac OS X is not limited to technical improvements, but also incorporates many business considerations. NeXT's underlying architecture provided strong support to meet the needs of enterprise users, and Apple found business opportunities and launched its server version to develop a richer market.
Due to early compatibility considerations, Apple launched the Classic environment to support early Mac OS applications. This trick undoubtedly provides developers with the convenience of transformation, allowing them to smoothly transition their products to new platforms without recoding. This measure achieved retention of old users, but also accelerated the acceptance of the new system.
As time goes by and technology evolves, Apple's strategies and technology choices continue to evolve. From the original Mac OS X to later macOS, Apple has continuously integrated the latest technology in the industry into its own operating system. Among them, the support from the open source community and the accumulation of technology left over from the NeXT period are important factors for its success.
"Today's macOS is not only an operating system, but also the core of Apple's product ecosystem."
From "Puma" to "Big Sur", each version change affects users' work and lifestyle. NeXT's technology has not only become the core of macOS, but also provides endless power for Apple's innovation today. As technology advances, what will macOS look like in the future?
