Version 10.9 of the Mac OS X operating system. Introduced in October 2013, Mavericks features Apple Maps, a streamlined calendar, an enhanced Safari browser with social integration, iBooks synchronization with iOS devices and an iCloud keychain that remembers passwords. Users can also interact with their mail, calendar and message notifications without leaving the app they are working in.
For the first time, Finder supports tabs, consolidating multiple file views into one open app. Tags allow files to be grouped together in a manner somewhat similar to Windows' Libraries. Tag groups cross all boundaries, including Finder, apps and iCloud.
A Free Upgrade
The Mavericks upgrade is free to Mac OS X users going back as far as Snow Leopard. By giving it away and encouraging all Mac users to upgrade, Apple is no longer required to support security updates on earlier versions of the OS.
Last Cat - First Dog
Starting with Mavericks, which is a popular surfing area a quarter mile off Pillar Point Harbor in Northern California, Apple dropped the jungle cats naming for its Mac operating system: Mac OS X Version 10.8 is Mountain Lion, and Version 10.9 is Mavericks.
Mavericks turns out to be an ironic first choice in a new naming category, because the area was named after a dog. Maverick, a white-haired German Shepherd, accompanied three Half Moon Bay surfers to this spot in 1961, and although the waves were not perfect that day, Maverick had a great time, so they named the place after him. The area is actually spelled "Maverick's." See
Mac OS X.