Uncovering macOS Easter Eggs: 10 Surprising Features Revealed
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Here are ten hidden surprises in macOS that most users are unaware of, showcasing Apple’s sense of humor.
Apple's user interface designers have cleverly embedded hidden easter eggs throughout their software, adding an element of fun for users to discover. In tech jargon, an ‘Easter egg’ refers to a secret feature that is not documented and is often included as a playful joke.
For example, if you ask Google to "do a barrel roll," you'll see a surprising effect.
Now, let’s delve into over ten delightful easter eggs within macOS that are bound to astonish you.
# 1. The Date of an Incomplete Download — January 24, 1984
When you check the information on a file that’s still downloading in Safari, you might notice the creation date listed as January 24, 1984.
Why this date, you may wonder? It marks the day Steve Jobs introduced the first Macintosh, a nod from Apple to remind users of its legacy.
Try it yourself with a sample file — but be mindful of your data plan!
# 2. The Hidden Meaning Behind the Voice Memos Icon
If you’ve used the Voice Memos app, you might not have noticed that its icon represents the audio waveform of the word "Apple."
# 3. Steve Jobs’s Favorite Words as Hidden Gems
To find a list of words frequently used by Steve Jobs, follow these steps: - Open System Settings. - Navigate to Users & Groups. - Click your profile picture to edit it. - Under ‘Suggestions’, scroll down to see a vinyl record image.
Zoom in on the record, and you’ll discover words like: 1. Magic 2. Revolution 3. Boom! 4. Unbelievable
These words reflect the phrases Steve Jobs often used in his presentations.
For the full-resolution image, check out `/Library/User Pictures/Instruments/Turntable.heic`.
# 4. The Open Book Emoji’s Secret Message
Ever wondered what the open book emoji contains? By copying it into TextEdit and enlarging the font size, you’ll find text from “The Crazy Ones” — part of Apple’s "Think Different" campaign from 1997–2002.
It reads:
“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels...”
The text continues to emphasize how these individuals challenge the status quo.
This beautiful text was once clearly displayed in the old TextEdit icon, which has since changed.
# 5. macOS as a History Teacher
Need some quick historical facts? Open Terminal and type cat /usr/share/calendar/calendar.history to access important dates in history.
Impress your history teacher with your newfound knowledge — don’t forget to thank your Mac!
Bonus History Commands
- Famous birthdays: cat /usr/share/calendar/calendar.birthday
- Computer events: cat /usr/share/calendar/calendar.computer
- Lord of the Rings timeline: cat /usr/share/calendar/calendar.lotr
- Music-related events: cat /usr/share/calendar/calendar.music
# 6. The Maps Icon’s Unique Design
The Maps icon actually depicts a route leading to Apple Park in Cupertino, California.
The blue line shows the path, while the quarter circle represents a portion of Apple's headquarters.
# 7. A Tribute to Steve Jobs
When you save a page in Safari, you’ll see an icon of glasses that symbolize Steve Jobs’s iconic round glasses.
# 8. Apple’s Subtle Dig at Windows
If your Mac detects a Windows PC on the same network, it represents it as an outdated CRT monitor displaying the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSoD).
This humorous jab highlights the rivalry between the two companies.
To view the full-resolution BSoD image, check out `/System/Library/CoreServices/CoreTypes.bundle/Contents/Resources/public.generic-pc.icns`.
# 9. Meet Dogcow
By opening TextEdit and using ? + P, you’ll find a quirky character known as Dogcow — a combination of a dog and a cow.
Originally created in 1983, Dogcow has seen a resurgence in macOS 13 Ventura.
# 10. The Clock App Icon is Functional
With macOS 13 Ventura, the Clock app icon is not just a static image; it actually shows the correct time.
On iOS, it even displays seconds.
# +1. The Calendar App Icon is Functional Too
Much like the Clock app, the Calendar icon reflects the current month and date.
On iOS, it also shows the day of the week.
Are these icons merely app icons or disguised widgets? What do you think?
Bonus Easter Egg for iPhone Users
If you have the Apple Store app on your iPhone, search for “10 years” and enjoy the surprise of two blue balloons celebrating the occasion.
This fun feature was introduced in honor of the Apple Store’s 10th anniversary in June 2020.
Want More Easter Eggs?
For additional hidden tricks, check out the following links: - Six funny Google tricks 99% of people never tried - Amazing Mac Tricks
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