Infinite Mac is a project by Mihai Parparita to make classic Mac and NeXT emulation easily accessible. It uses WebAssembly ports of Mini vMac, Basilisk II, SheepShaver, DingusPPC, PearPC, and Previous to allow a broad set of OS versions to run on the web.

Shortcuts to the most popular versions are available: system6.app, system7.app, kanjitalk7.app, macos8.app, and macos9.app.

FAQ

How do I use it?

The welcome document or Stickies in each machine has instructions. For a demo of the kinds of capabilities the emulators have, see this video.

How does it work?

To learn more, including how it was built, see this series of blog posts. Source code is available on GitHub.

Why is it called Infinite Mac?

Partly because it evokes Infinite Loop, partly because porting something to the web means it can be run on an almost infinite number of devices, and partly because it's a forever project.

Why is NeXTStep included?

It's a contemporary of classic Mac OS and an ancestor of Mac OS X.

Why is Mac OS X so slow?

Mac OS X is a much more resource-intensive operating system than classic Mac OS (it also ran rather slowly on real early 2000s hardware). It's possible that adding QEMU as an emulator option will improve performance. You can subscribe to GitHub issue #72 to get updates on any QEMU-related progress.

What about DOS or Windows? Apple II? ProDOS? BeOS?

The project is focused on classic Macintosh and adjacent systems, but if you're interested in other operating systems, you can check out PCjs or Virtual x86 for Windows, and Apple ][js for ProDOS.

Do you have a web counter?

Ah, the staple of mid-90s personal pages. Sort of – emulated Mac instances have been started since the site debuted.

How can I provide feedback?

You can reach Mihai via email or @mihaip@hachyderm.io. For bug reports or software requests, you can also file an issue on GitHub.

How can I support the project?

Using it, sharing it, and giving feedback is the best way. If you'd like to support the project financially, you can donate.

Infinite Mac

Infinite Mac is a collection of classic Macintosh and NeXT system releases and software, all easily accessible from the comfort of a web browser.

Pick any version of System Software, Mac OS, Mac OS X or NeXTStep from the 1980s, 1990s or early 2000s and run it within a virtual machine. An “Infinite HD” disk with representative software from that era is also available. You can also run a custom version with your choice of machine and disks. On some operating systems files and disk images can be imported and exported using drag and drop and virtual CD-ROMs can be mounted – refer to the welcome screen in each machine for more details.

You can learn more, see what's changed recently or donate to support this project.

Releases:

1984

System 1.0
January 24, 1984

Initial system software release, shipped with the Mac 128K.

1985

System 2.0
April 8, 1985

Introduced the ”New Folder” and ”Shut Down” commands, the MiniFinder, and the Choose Printer DA. Also added icons to list view and the Command-Shift-3 screenshot FKEY.

System 2.1
September 17, 1985

Added support for the Hard Disk 20 drive and the HFS file system.

1986

System 3.0
January 16, 1986

Added more complete support for HFS, a RAM disk cache, zoom boxes for windows and a redesigned control panel. Introduced with the Mac Plus.

1987

System 5.0
October 8, 1987

Introduced the MultiFinder, revised the Finder about box, and improved printing support.

1988

System 6.0
April 30, 1988

Added MacroMaker, Map and CloseView utilities.

NeXTStep 0.8
October 12, 1988

First publicly-available preview release. Included the Mach kernel, an object-oriented API based on Objective-C, a Display PostScript-powered UI, and several applications.

1989

NeXTStep 1.0
September 11, 1989

Includes the ability to kill applications from Workspace Manager, a redesigned Preferences application with additional features and other polish.

1990

System 6.0.5
March 19, 1990

Bundled 32-bit QuickDraw (previously a separate package). Added support for the Mac IIfx.

NeXTStep 2.0
September 18, 1990

Added support for the NeXTstation and NeXTCube and associated hardware (floppy disks, CD-ROM drives). Also included a revamped Workspace Manager with the Recycler replacing the black hole and an improved browser.

1991

System 7.0
May 13, 1991

Fully 32-bit clean, the MultiFinder is now mandatory, reorganized the System Folder into subfolders, made the Apple menu customizable, revamped the window appearance, and much more.

1992

NeXTStep 3.0
September 8, 1992

Introduced Distributed Objects, Project Builder and several development kits. Improved compatibility with other networking and file systems.

1994

System 7.5
September 12, 1994

Featured a new startup screen, drag-and-drop support and the Launcher. Included a hierarchical Apple menu, Extensions Manager, menu bar clock, Find File, Stickies, WindowShade, all based on licensed third-party utilities.

1995

NeXTSTEP 4.0 PR1
September 7, 1995

Preview release of NeXTSTEP 4.0, featuring a revamped look-and-feel. Abandoned in favor of OPENSTEP 4.0, which reverted back to the NexTSTEP 3.3 UI.

1996

System 7.5.3
March 11, 1996

Brought Open Transport and other improvements released with the PCI Power Mac-only 7.5.2 release to a broader set of Macs.

KanjiTalk 7.5.3
March 11, 1996

Japanese edition of System 7.5.3.

OPENSTEP 4.0
June 25, 1996

First release to implement the OPENSTEP specification. Also includes NEXTIME, Samba, PPP, Perl5 and Taylor UUCP support.

1997

Mac OS 7.6
January 7, 1997

First to be officially called “Mac OS”. Improved performance and reliability. Featured a revamped Extensions Manager and speech support.

Mac OS 8.0
July 26, 1997

Introduced the Platinum appearance, multi-threaded Finder, context menus, popup windows, and other features.

1998

Mac OS 8.1
January 19, 1998

Added support for the HFS+ file system.

Mac OS 8.5
October 17, 1998

Introduced Sherlock, 32-bit icons in the Finder, font smoothing, a new help system and the application palette.

1999

Mac OS 9.0
October 23, 1999

Introduced the Keychain, multiple user support, iTools integration, Sherlock internet channels and online software updates.

2000

Mac OS X 10.0 (Public Beta)
September 13, 2000
Unstable

First public release of Mac OS X, allowing software developers and early adopters to test a preview of the upcoming next-generation operating system.

2001

Mac OS X 10.0
March 24, 2001
Unstable

Successor to classic Mac OS based on NeXTSTEP. Featured the Aqua interface, Quartz graphics system, the Dock, access to the UNIX command line, Mail and other built-in applications.

Mac OS X 10.1
September 29, 2001

Added performance enhancements, CD and DVD burning, DVD playback support, Image Capture and Menu Extras.

2002

Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar)
August 23, 2002
Unstable

Introduced Quartz Extreme, Address Book, iChat, MPEG-4 support, Rendezvous, Inkwell, Sherlock 3, and Universal Access.

2003

Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther)
October 24, 2003

Introduced an updated Finder with a brushed metal interface, Exposé, fast user switching, Font Book, iChat AV, FileVault, and Xcode.

2005

Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger)
April 29, 2005
Unstable

Introduced Spotlight, Dashboard, a “unified” appearance, Safari RSS, Automator, VoiceOver, QuickTime 7 and an updated Mail application.

2025

Custom
March 30, 2025

Build a custom instance, using your choice of emulated machine and disk images.

FAQ

How do I use it?

How does it work?

Why is it called Infinite Mac?

Why is NeXTStep included?

Why is Mac OS X so slow?

What about DOS or Windows? Apple II? ProDOS? BeOS?

Do you have a web counter?

How can I provide feedback?

How can I support the project?

1984

System 1.0January 24, 1984

1985

System 2.0April 8, 1985

System 2.1September 17, 1985

1986

System 3.0January 16, 1986

1987

System 5.0October 8, 1987

1988

System 6.0April 30, 1988

NeXTStep 0.8October 12, 1988

1989

NeXTStep 1.0September 11, 1989

1990

System 6.0.5March 19, 1990

NeXTStep 2.0September 18, 1990

1991

System 7.0May 13, 1991