Version: 7.6
Platform: United States
Mac OS 7.6 announcement
Apple source ↗Mac OS 7.6
Apple announced Mac OS 7.6 on January 7, 1997. The announcement scheduled US shipping for January 31 and estimated US$99 for the CD or US$129 for floppy disks. These were regional prices and plans, not proof of worldwide sales on that day. Localized versions were expected within the following 90 days.
- Type
- Operating system
- Family
- Classic Mac OS
- Documented announcement
- 1997-01-07
- Planned US prices
- CD US$99 · floppy disks US$129
- Published requirements
- 8 MB physical RAM + 8 MB RAM or virtual memory; compatible 32-bit models
- Documented update
- 7.6.1
Apple · 1997-01-07 · Tech-Insider
The release brought together connection tools such as Open Transport and PPP, alongside QuickTime and improvements to the installer and Extensions Manager. The retail distribution included the Apple Internet Connection Kit. Technical documentation describes an umbrella installer that coordinated tasks and a clean-install option. These are historical features, not a promise that their Internet services remain available.
Apple · 1997-01-07 · Tech-Insider · Apple · TN1090 · Mac OS 7.6
Apple required a compatible Mac with 32-bit addressing and at least a 68030 processor. The technical note explicitly excludes the SE/30, IIx and IIcx, among other models; an upgrade did not automatically make an excluded computer compatible. The announcement required at least 8 MB of installed RAM plus another 8 MB through RAM or virtual memory.
Apple · 1997-01-07 · Tech-Insider · Apple · TN1090 · Mac OS 7.6
The US 7.6.1 update is dated April 7, 1997 and stays within this entry. It improved reliability and hardware support rather than introducing a new collection of features. Apple corrected how many Type 11 errors were classified and handled, which is different from eliminating all crashes. The PowerBook 3400 started with a special version of 7.6 and required its specific 7.6.1 update or the corresponding CD, not the generic updater.
Apple · TN1096 · Mac OS 7.6.1 · Apple · Mac OS 7.6.1 · Applefritter
Dates documented by Apple
Selected milestones, not a complete history. Announcement, planned shipping and the US update are distinct. No build numbers.
ISO date: year-month-day.
Version: 7.6
Platform: United States
US shipping planned in the announcement; not proof of actual sales
Apple source ↗Version: 7.6.1
Platform: United States
Generic updater for US Mac OS 7.6; not the special PowerBook 3400 package
Apple source ↗The Apple announcement is consulted through a copy preserved by Tech-Insider and the updater information file through an Applefritter copy. The technical notes are in Apple's archive. Preservation and revision dates are not treated as release dates.
Devices and compatibility
Macintosh PowerBook 3400c/180 (16 MB, 1.3 GB, floppy) (1997)
7.6
Special factory Mac OS 7.6 for PowerBook 3400, per Apple's technical note. Not the generic retail installation.
Macintosh PowerBook 3400c/180 (16 MB, 1.3 GB, floppy) (1997)
7.6.1
PowerBook 3400-specific update or Mac OS 7.6.1 CD. The generic updater does not apply. The US April 7 date is not assigned to this special package.
Macintosh PowerBook 3400c/180 (16 MB, 1.3 GB, CD 6x) (1997)
7.6
Special factory Mac OS 7.6 for PowerBook 3400, per Apple's technical note. Not the generic retail installation.
Macintosh PowerBook 3400c/180 (16 MB, 1.3 GB, CD 6x) (1997)
7.6.1
PowerBook 3400-specific update or Mac OS 7.6.1 CD. The generic updater does not apply. The US April 7 date is not assigned to this special package.
Macintosh PowerBook 3400c/240 (16 MB, 3 GB, CD 12x) (1997)
7.6
Special factory Mac OS 7.6 for PowerBook 3400, per Apple's technical note. Not the generic retail installation.
Macintosh PowerBook 3400c/240 (16 MB, 3 GB, CD 12x) (1997)
7.6.1
PowerBook 3400-specific update or Mac OS 7.6.1 CD. The generic updater does not apply. The US April 7 date is not assigned to this special package.