Mac OS X Public Beta

The Mac OS X Public Beta was an early, test version of the Mac OS X operating system released to the public in late 2000 for USD 30. Hardcore Macintosh fans could therefore get a taste of the upcoming operating system before its final release.

The Public Beta was the first time people could use the Aqua interface. Virtually everything was new in the operating system: fonts, the Dock, even the menu bar (with an Apple logo at the centre, which was later repositioned). The icons exploded in size, and new OS eye candy was all the rage.

As it was a public beta, this version was not without its bugs and inconveniences. Apple used user feedback to improve upon the OS, so that a vastly improved Golden Master version of Mac OS X was ready for release by March 2001.

The Public Beta version came with a price tag, and a time limit (set for May 15, 2001). In spite of all these shortcomings, it was still welcomed by the Mac community, with people eager to test drive the new OS.

The Public Beta was superseded by Mac OS X 10.0.0, the first final release of Mac OS X.

Packaging
The packaging for Mac OS X Public Beta was relatively simple: documentation plus a CD in a compact box. The outside had a huge, aqua X greeting the purchaser.

Inside, on the left, were documentation and support files which were tucked behind a short greeting from Apple:


 * Dear Mac OS X Beta Tester,


 * You are holding the future of the Macintosh in your hands.


 * Mac OS X is a new, super-modern operating system that will usher in a new era for the Macintosh. New from the ground up, Mac OS X is specifically designed for the Internet and includes advanced technologies for incredible improvements in stability and performance. It also features a stunning new interface called Aqua.


 * This Public Beta will give you a chance to start using Mac OS X and give us a chance to hear what you think. Let us know by visiting our website at www.apple.com/macosx.


 * Thanks for your help and for being a part of Apple history. We couldn't do it without you.

(Note: The wiki links are not present in the original message.)

On the right was the Mac OS X Public Beta CD, which lay half-immersed in the packaging.