Apple Unveils Mac OS X and Internet Strategy at Macworld Expo

MACWORLD EXPO, SAN FRANCISCO—January 5, 2000—During today’s keynote at Macworld Expo, Apple® reasserted its leadership in personal computer operating systems by unveiling Mac® OS X, the next generation Macintosh® operating system, and took the wraps off its highly anticipated Internet strategy, introducing a new category of Internet services called iTools and a completely redesigned Apple.com web site featuring iReview and iCards. Apple also announced a multi-year partnership with EarthLink to deliver the best ISP (Internet Service Provider) service to Macintosh customers in the U.S.

Mac OS X is a completely new implementation of the Macintosh operating system, featuring state-of-the-art technology throughout, including an entirely new user interface called “Aqua.” Mac OS X is designed to make computing even easier for consumers, while simultaneously extending the functionality for professional users. Over 100 developers have pledged their support for the new operating system, including Adobe and Microsoft. Mac OS X will be commercially released this summer.

At the core of Apple’s Internet strategy is iTools, a revolutionary new category of Internet services that takes advantage of Apple’s technology on both ends of the Internet—Mac OS 9 on the client side and services software (iTools) running on Apple’s Internet servers. Apple announced its first four iTools today: KidSafe, a breakthrough way to protect our kids on the Internet; Mac.com, an email service run by Apple, giving users an exclusive address on the Internet; iDisk, an entirely new way to store, transfer and share files over the Internet; and, HomePage, the easiest way to build your own personal web site—in less than 10 minutes.

The newly redesigned Apple.com web site, which currently draws over nine million visitors per week, also features iReview and iCards. iReview is the Internet’s finest web site review guide, with web sites reviewed and rated by Apple. iCards is Apple’s electronic greeting card site, offering premium greetings cards that can be sent and viewed via standard email.

Apple and EarthLink announced a multi-year partnership to deliver the best ISP service to Mac customers in the U.S. Under the terms of the partnership, EarthLink will become the exclusive ISP in Apple’s Internet Setup Software included with all Apple Macintosh computers sold in the U.S. Apple will profit from each new Mac customer that subscribes to EarthLink’s ISP service. In addition, Apple will invest $200 million in EarthLink and receive a seat on EarthLink’s board of directors.

During today’s Keynote, Apple’s iCEO Steve Jobs also recapped the success of the recently introduced iBook™ and the new family of iMac™ computers and iMac DVs which include Apple’s groundbreaking new iMovie™ software, and the continued success of The Apple Store™ (102.p.syniva.es), which has reached a run rate of more than $1 billion in annual sales.