Apple Unveils Next Generation of Mac OS to Developers

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 8, 1995 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at its Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple Computer, Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL) unveiled the next generation of the Mac OS -- code-named Copland and targeted for delivery in mid-1996. With the new OS running on Apple's PowerPC processor-based computers, the Macintosh platform is expected to be an unmistakably superior competitor to a mainstream PC.

"Our first step in leading the next generation of personal computing was to deliver a superbly engineered PowerPC processor-based Mac," said David Nagel, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide research and development. "The next step is to deliver a powerful new software foundation that -- while familiar -- makes it far easier for people to use a personal computer on their own terms."

Nagel continued, "Copland will do for the Mac OS what the PowerPC processor has done for Mac hardware -- accelerate system performance to new levels, and provide new opportunities for developers to be successful."

In demonstrating Copland to its developers, Apple identified four major areas of enhancement: revolutionary system performance and stability, achieved by fully exploiting the power of the PowerPC RISC chip; portability, so that minimal changes are required for Mac compatibles to run Copland; new standards for ease of use, which include automatic, intelligent assistance and a user interface which can be customized to fit each person's level of computing expertise; and integration of several key Mac OS technologies that provide new capabilities in the areas of multimedia, communications, graphics, international support, and component software.

Revolutionary Performance and Stability

Apple is engineering a superior system foundation for Copland by writing the new OS as "native" to the PowerPC, meaning that it fully exploits the RISC chip's architecture and performance. In addition, Apple is designing the operating system based on a microkernel architecture, which provides enhanced capabilities for software applications, such as improved multitasking and memory protection. Copland's architecture also enables Apple to implement an advanced new file system and a high-performance input/output subsystem.

Portability

Copland's microkernel architecture supports a hardware abstraction layer which separates the OS from the hardware, making it easier for a computer vendor to design Mac OS-compatible systems and, ensure that Mac OS applications run smoothly on them.

Setting New Standards for Ease of Use

Copland redefines ease of use, extending it well beyond the graphical user interface of the 1980s. With Copland's active assistance capability, the computer can automatically complete tasks requested or scheduled by the user. Copland helps its users cope with "information overload" by providing innovative ways to search, view, and manipulate information. Copland also provides unique personalization capabilities, including a scalable feature set that can be tailored to a user's expertise level and tastes.

Integrating Key Mac OS Technologies

With Copland, Apple is refining many of its industry-leading system software technologies and integrating them more closely with the OS, while providing its customers new ways of working based on its continuing innovation. Copland extends Apple's leadership in graphics and multimedia with the enhancement of its QuickTime multimedia software, QuickDraw 3D technology, and QuickDraw GX graphics software. Copland also enhances Apple's communication and collaboration capabilities with updates to its PowerTalk messaging software and Open Transport networking software. Additionally, Copland delivers a truly global operating system capable of supporting multiple languages with its inclusion of Apple's WorldScript technology and support for the Unicode international encoding standard. And finally, Copland incorporates support for the industry-standard multiplatform component software architecture by including OpenDoc.

Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized pioneer and innovator in the information industry, creates powerful solutions based on easy to use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, online services, and personal digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple develops, manufactures, licenses and markets products, technologies and services for the business, education, consumer, scientific & engineering and government markets in over 140 countries.

Apple Computer, Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, QuickTime, and WorldScript are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Mac, OpenDoc, QuickDraw and PowerTalk are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. PowerPC is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, used under license therefrom. All other brand names mentioned are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders, and are hereby acknowledged.
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/NOTES TO EDITORS: 1) If you are interested in receiving Apple press releases by fax, call 1-800-AAPL-FAX (1-800-227-5329) and enter your PIN number. If you do not have a PIN, please call the Public Relations Hotline at 408-974-2042.

2) A technology overview of Copland titled "An Introduction to Copland" is available by calling the Apple Public Relations Hotline or on the World Wide Web at: tp://www.austin.apple.com/macos/rels/coplandsumm.html/