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A secret project, a stubborn developer, and a lot of glossy icons: here's the story behind macOS's Dock as it turns 25


Published on 2025-01-07 14:42:19 - TechRadar
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  • If you've ever used a Mac, you can't have failed to notice the row of app icons that runs along the bottom of the screen.

The article on TechRadar discusses the 25th anniversary of macOS's Dock, detailing its origin and evolution. It highlights how the Dock was initially a part of a secretive project called "Puck" at Apple, spearheaded by a developer named Chris Espinosa. Despite initial resistance from Steve Jobs, who was skeptical about its utility, the Dock was eventually integrated into macOS, first appearing in Mac OS X Public Beta in 2000. The Dock's design was influenced by NeXTSTEP's interface, and it has since become a defining feature of macOS, known for its glossy icons and the ability to quickly access applications and documents. Over the years, the Dock has seen numerous updates, adapting to new technologies and user interface trends, yet it retains its core functionality and aesthetic, underscoring its enduring appeal and utility in the macOS ecosystem.

Read the Full TechRadar Article at:
[ https://www.techradar.com/computing/mac-os/a-secret-project-a-stubborn-developer-and-a-lot-of-glossy-icons-heres-the-story-behind-macoss-dock-as-it-turns-25 ]