

Improved font management through FontSync.Speakable Items 2.0, also known as PlainTalk, featuring improved speech synthesis and recognition along with AppleScript integration.A redesigned Sound control panel and support for USB audio.A Software Update control panel for automatic download and installation of Apple system software updates.

Keychain, a feature allowing users to save passwords and textual data encrypted in protected keychains.Support for voice login through VoicePrint passwords.Integrated support for multiple user accounts without using At Ease.Mac, then MobileMe, which was replaced by iCloud) and included improved TCP/IP functionality with Open Transport 2.5. Mac OS 9 also featured integrated support for Apple's suite of Internet services known as iTools (later re-branded as. Features Īpple billed Mac OS 9 as including "50 new features" and heavily marketed its Sherlock 2 software, which introduced a "channels" feature for searching different online resources and introduced a QuickTime-like metallic appearance. At the 2002 Worldwide Developers Conference, Steve Jobs began his keynote address by staging a mock funeral for OS 9. The final updates to Mac OS 9 addressed compatibility issues with Mac OS X while running in the Classic Environment and compatibility with Carbon applications. While Mac OS 9 lacks protected memory and full pre-emptive multitasking, lasting improvements include the introduction of an automated Software Update engine and support for multiple users.Īpple discontinued development of Mac OS 9 in late 2001, transitioning all future development to Mac OS X. Introduced on October 23, 1999, it was promoted by Apple as "The Best Internet Operating System Ever", highlighting Sherlock 2's Internet search capabilities, integration with Apple's free online services known as iTools and improved Open Transport networking. Mac OS 9 is the ninth and final major release of Apple's classic Mac OS operating system which was succeeded by Mac OS X (renamed to OS X in 2011 and macOS in 2016) in 2001.
