License Mac OS [Today in Apple history]
On October 2, 1991, Apple announced the licensing of its Macintosh operating system to third-party computer manufacturers. This move was a significant departure from Apple’s previous strategy of keeping its software exclusively for its own hardware products. The decision to license Mac OS was seen as a way to expand the Macintosh platform and reach a broader audience of computer users.
The move to license Mac OS came at a time when Apple was facing increased competition from Microsoft’s Windows operating system, which was gaining popularity with PC manufacturers and users. By allowing other manufacturers to use Mac OS on their hardware, Apple hoped to increase market share and ensure the survival of the Macintosh platform.
One of the first companies to license Mac OS was Power Computing Corporation, which began selling Mac-compatible computers in 1995. Other companies soon followed suit, including UMAX Technologies, Inc. and Motorola. These third-party manufacturers were able to produce Macintosh-compatible computers that ran the Mac OS software, giving consumers more options for hardware and driving down prices in the Macintosh market.
The decision to license Mac OS was not without controversy, however. Some within Apple feared that opening up the platform to third-party manufacturers would dilute the company’s brand and lead to a loss of control over the user experience. There were also concerns that licensing Mac OS would cannibalize sales of Apple’s own hardware products.
In the end, the move to license Mac OS did not have the intended effect of expanding the Macintosh platform. Despite the availability of Mac-compatible hardware from third-party manufacturers, the Mac OS market share continued to decline as Windows-based PCs dominated the market. In 1997, Apple decided to end the licensing program and focus on developing its own hardware and software products.
Today, the licensing of Mac OS remains a footnote in Apple’s history, but it serves as a reminder of the company’s willingness to take risks and innovate in order to stay competitive in the ever-changing technology landscape. While the decision to license Mac OS may not have been a success in terms of market share, it paved the way for future innovations and strategies that have helped Apple remain a major player in the tech industry.
