# Mac OS X Lion

> eighth major release of Mac OS X

**Wikidata**: [Q476915](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q476915)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS_X_Lion)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mac-os-x-lion

## Summary
Mac OS X Lion (version 10.7) is the eighth major release of Apple's macOS operating system, developed by Apple Inc. and released on July 20, 2011. It introduced significant features like Mission Control and was the first macOS version distributed exclusively via the Mac App Store.

## Key Facts
- Released on **July 20, 2011**, by **Apple Inc.**
- Version **10.7.5** (stable release) was issued on **October 4, 2012**
- Preceded by **Mac OS X Snow Leopard (10.6)** and succeeded by **OS X Mountain Lion (10.8)**
- Based on the **Darwin** operating system and certified under **UNIX 03**
- Licensed under the **Apple Public Source License**
- Distributed exclusively via the **Mac App Store**
- Introduced **Mission Control**, a unified view of open windows and spaces
- Part of the **macOS** series, which began in **2001**

## FAQs
### Q: When was Mac OS X Lion released?
A: Mac OS X Lion was released on **July 20, 2011**.

### Q: What was the last stable version of Mac OS X Lion?
A: The last stable version was **10.7.5**, released on **October 4, 2012**.

### Q: How was Mac OS X Lion distributed?
A: It was the first macOS version distributed **exclusively via the Mac App Store**, marking a shift from physical media.

### Q: What major features did Mac OS X Lion introduce?
A: Key features included **Mission Control**, **Launchpad**, and enhanced multi-touch gestures.

### Q: Is Mac OS X Lion still supported?
A: No, Apple no longer provides security updates or official support for Lion.

## Why It Matters
Mac OS X Lion was a pivotal release in Apple’s operating system history, marking the transition from physical media to digital distribution via the Mac App Store. This shift streamlined software updates and set a precedent for future macOS releases. Lion also introduced **Mission Control**, improving workspace management, and **Launchpad**, simplifying app organization. Its UNIX 03 certification ensured compatibility with professional software, reinforcing macOS’s role in both consumer and enterprise environments. By integrating iOS-like features, Lion bridged the gap between Apple’s mobile and desktop ecosystems, influencing subsequent macOS designs.

## Notable For
- **First macOS version sold exclusively through the Mac App Store**
- **Introduced Mission Control**, unifying Expose, Spaces, and Dashboard
- **UNIX 03 certification**, ensuring compliance with industry standards
- **Launchpad**, an iOS-inspired app launcher for macOS
- **Enhanced multi-touch gestures**, improving trackpad usability

## Body
### Development and Release
Mac OS X Lion (version 10.7) was developed by **Apple Inc.** and released on **July 20, 2011**. It succeeded **Mac OS X Snow Leopard (10.6)** and was followed by **OS X Mountain Lion (10.8)**. The final stable version, **10.7.5**, was released on **October 4, 2012**.

### Distribution Model
Lion was the first macOS version distributed **exclusively via the Mac App Store**, eliminating physical media. This change simplified updates and set a new standard for Apple’s software distribution.

### Key Features
- **Mission Control**: A unified interface combining Expose, Spaces, and Dashboard for better workspace management.
- **Launchpad**: An iOS-like app launcher for quick access to installed applications.
- **Multi-Touch Gestures**: Enhanced trackpad support for intuitive navigation.
- **Auto Save and Versions**: Automatic document saving and version history tracking.

### Technical Foundation
Lion is based on the **Darwin** operating system and holds **UNIX 03 certification**, ensuring compatibility with professional software. It uses the **Aqua** GUI framework and is licensed under the **Apple Public Source License**.

### Legacy
Mac OS X Lion bridged the gap between macOS and iOS, introducing mobile-inspired features to the desktop. Its digital distribution model influenced future Apple software releases, and its UNIX compliance reinforced macOS’s role in professional workflows.

## Schema Markup
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  "version": "10.7.5",
  "datePublished": "2011-07-20",
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## References

1. lobid
2. [About the OS X Lion v10.7.5 Update. 2012](https://support.apple.com/kb/HT5313)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. KBpedia