What is an OS X reference release?

Summary

Learn what a "reference release" of the Mac OS is.

Products Affected

Mac OS X 10.0, Mac OS X 10.1, Mac OS X 10.2, Mac OS X 10.3, Mac OS X 10.4, Mac OS X 10.5, Mac OS X 10.6, OS X Lion, OS X Mountain Lion

The phrase "reference release" means that the software is distributed as a stand-alone system software package that can be installed regardless of the version of OS X currently installed (assuming the Mac is compatible with the reference release). Note: You should not install OS X versions that are older than what came with your computer.

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