macOS is based on a Unix-based operating system, specifically built on NeXTSTEP and other NeXT technology.
This foundation stems from Apple's acquisition of NeXT in the late 1990s. NeXT, founded by Steve Jobs after leaving Apple, had developed the NeXTSTEP operating system. When Jobs returned to Apple, NeXTSTEP became the core of what would become Mac OS X (later OS X, and now macOS). This provided macOS with a robust and modern base, inheriting many of its strengths, including:
- Unix underpinnings: This provides stability, security, and compatibility with a wide range of software and development tools.
- Object-oriented programming: NeXTSTEP was built using object-oriented principles, which made it easier to develop and maintain.
- Advanced graphical user interface: NeXTSTEP featured a sophisticated GUI, which influenced the design of macOS.
In essence, while macOS has evolved significantly since its origins in NeXTSTEP, the core architecture and many of its fundamental features can be traced back to this influential operating system and the technologies developed by NeXT.
