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Apple’s OS X will soon cease to exist

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 9:18PM EST
Apple macOS OS X Name Update
Image: lureofmac.com

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Early next week Apple will detail its latest software advancements at WWDC 2016. Apple’s updated mobile operating system, desktop operating system, watchOS and tvOS are going to be the stars of the show, with the mobile and Mac software updates being the top announcements fans are expecting. There have been plenty of rumors detailing the expected features of the next versions of iOS and OS X, though Apple has yet to confirm any of them. But what Apple has inadvertently confirmed, for the second time now, is a major change coming to the Mac.

DON’T MISS: WWDC 2016 preview: Everything Apple plans to unveil next week

You’ve known it as Mac OS X or OS X for years, but that’s about to change in 2016. Apple will replace OS X with “MacOS” or “macOS,” which would be more in line with its software naming scheme. iOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS rolls off the tongue a lot easier than having “OS X” inserted anywhere in that enumeration.

In a support document related to its early WWDC announcement on Wednesday, Apple let the “macOS” name slip for the second time, MacRumors reports. The new name was spotted in documentation detailing the new revenue split for subscription-based apps, as seen in the following screenshot.

Apple quickly fixed the error, replacing “macOS” with OS X. But at this point it seems pretty clear that a name change is due. Earlier this year, Apple used the new macOS name in an environmental website update. At the time, the company quickly changed its “MacOS” reference – with a capital M – to OS X after it was discovered.

Apple will likely explain its new naming scheme for OS X during next week’s WWDC opening keynote, which kicks off at 1:00PM EDT.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.