The "Mac" is a line of personal computers designed and marketed by Apple Inc. since 1984. Originally called Macintosh until 1999, the name references the McIntosh apple. The Mac was conceived in 1979 by Jef Raskin, with Steve Jobs redefining the project in 1981. Apple is credited with popularizing user-friendly computers and the idea that anyone can find a computer useful.
The current Mac lineup includes MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops, as well as iMac, Mac Mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro desktops. Macs run on macOS, Apple's Unix-based operating system, which is exclusively bundled with Mac computers. Key features include user-friendly interface, high build quality, and fewer hardware incompatibilities compared to PCs. The latest models feature Apple silicon processors (M4, M5, and M3 Ultra), offering improved performance and power efficiency. As of January 2026, the Mac Mini starts at $599, the MacBook Air at $999, the iMac at $1299, and the MacBook Pro at $1599. The Mac Pro is the most expensive, starting at $6999. Macs are available through Apple's website, retail stores, and authorized resellers.
