Apple vs. Mac — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 12, 2023
"Apple" refers to the tech company, while "Mac" is a product line of computers by Apple.
Difference Between Apple and Mac
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Apple is a multinational technology company that designs, manufactures, and sells consumer electronics, software, and online services. One of the most iconic products that Apple has produced is the Macintosh, commonly known as the "Mac," which is a series of personal computers.
Apple's brand is globally recognized for its innovation in high-tech, and it stands as one of the industry leaders in technology. The Mac, on the other hand, refers specifically to a family of computers under the Apple brand, known for their distinct OS and sleek design.
Apple's scope is broad, encompassing various devices like iPhones, iPads, and also software services like iOS, macOS, whereas Mac is a specific range of these products, identified as desktops and laptops that run on Apple's macOS.
Apple, as a company, represents a broader culture of technological advancement, consumer lifestyle, and digital communication. In contrast, the Mac signifies a specific contribution to this culture, representing high-end computing, often favored by professionals in creative industries.
Apple's identity is tied to its diverse range of products, innovations, and services it provides. The Mac, while a significant aspect of Apple's product range, represents only a fraction of the company's complete portfolio.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A technology company.
A computer product line.
Scope
Broad (various products)
Specific (computers)
Representation
Technological innovation.
High-end computing.
Usage
Refers to the entire company.
Refers to specific products.
Association
Linked with diverse technology.
Linked with computing.
Compare with Definitions
Apple
Apple represents the tech company founded by Steve Jobs.
Apple releases new products every year.
Mac
Mac is a line of personal computers made by Apple.
I purchased a Mac to help with my graphic design work.
Apple
Apple is a fruit.
I ate an apple for breakfast.
Mac
Mac in Scottish context means "son of."
MacDougal translates to son of Dougal.
Apple
Apple can refer to something that is dear or cherished.
His daughter is the apple of his eye.
Mac
Mac is short for Mackintosh, a type of raincoat.
Don't forget your mac; it's raining outside.
Apple
Apple in colloquial terms might refer to someone's favorite.
This town is the apple of my heart.
Mac
Mac can refer to a form of address for a man whose name is unknown.
Hey Mac, can you help me out?
Apple
A cultivated deciduous tree (Malus domestica or M. pumila) in the rose family, native to Eurasia and having alternate simple leaves and white or pink flowers.
Mac
Used as a form of address for a man whose name is unknown.
Apple
The firm, edible, usually rounded fruit of this tree.
Mac
A mackintosh.
Apple
Any of several other plants, especially those with fruits suggestive of the apple, such as the crabapple or custard apple.
Mac
Clipping of mackintosh
Apple
The fruit of any of these plants.
Mac
Clipping of macaroni
Is there any mac and cheese left?
Apple
A common, round fruit produced by the tree Malus domestica, cultivated in temperate climates.
Mac
Shortened form of Macintosh, a brand name for a personal computer; as, the latest Mac has great new features.
Apple
Any fruit or vegetable, or any other thing produced by a plant such as a gall or cone, especially if produced by a tree and similar to the fruit of Malus domestica; also (with qualifying words) used to form the names of specific fruits such as custard apple, rose apple, thorn apple etc.
Mac
A prefix, in names of Scotch origin, signifying son.
Apple
Something which resembles the fruit of Malus domestica, such as a globe, ball, or breast.
Mac
Shortened form of mackintosh, a waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric.
Apple
The ball in baseball.
Mac
A waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric
Apple
(informal) When smiling, the round, fleshy part of the cheeks between the eyes and the corners of the mouth.
Mac
Mac can mean a devotee of something.
He's a real Mac when it comes to tech gadgets.
Apple
The Adam's apple.
Apple
(Christianity) The fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, eaten by Adam and Eve according to post-Biblical Christian tradition; the forbidden fruit.
Apple
A tree of the genus Malus, especially one cultivated for its edible fruit; the apple tree.
Apple
The wood of the apple tree.
Apple
Short for apples and pears, slang for stairs.
Apple
A Native American or red-skinned person who acts and/or thinks like a white (Caucasian) person.
Apple
An assist.
Apple
(slang) A CB radio enthusiast.
Apple
(ambitransitive) To make or become apple-like.
Apple
(obsolete) To form buds, bulbs, or fruit.
Apple
The fleshy pome or fruit of a rosaceous tree (Pyrus malus) cultivated in numberless varieties in the temperate zones.
Apple
Any tree genus Pyrus which has the stalk sunken into the base of the fruit; an apple tree.
Apple
Any fruit or other vegetable production resembling, or supposed to resemble, the apple; as, apple of love, or love apple (a tomato), balsam apple, egg apple, oak apple.
Apple
Anything round like an apple; as, an apple of gold.
Apple
To grow like an apple; to bear apples.
Apple
Fruit with red or yellow or green skin and sweet to tart crisp whitish flesh
Apple
Native Eurasian tree widely cultivated in many varieties for its firm rounded edible fruits
Apple
Apple is a symbol of knowledge in religious and mythological traditions.
The apple is often seen as a symbol of temptation and knowledge.
Common Curiosities
Is Mac only related to computers?
In the context of Apple, yes, Mac refers to their line of personal computers.
What does Mac stand for in Apple products?
Mac stands for Macintosh, a brand name for a line of computers from Apple.
What's the primary difference between Apple and Mac?
Apple is the company; Mac is a product line by Apple.
Is there a difference in the customer base for Apple and Mac?
Apple has a broad customer base due to its various products; Mac is popular particularly among creative professionals.
Does Apple produce anything other than Mac?
Yes, Apple produces iPhones, iPads, software, and more, while Mac is specifically their line of computers.
Is Apple the only company that makes Macs?
Yes, Mac is a proprietary line of computers developed and sold by Apple.
Are all Apple products Macs?
No, Macs are a category of computers; Apple has other products like the iPhone, iPad, etc.
Can the term Apple and Mac be used interchangeably?
No, Apple refers to the entire company, while Mac refers to a specific series of computers.
Can you run macOS on devices other than a Mac?
Typically, no. macOS is designed specifically for Apple's Mac line of computers.
Are Macs the first products made by Apple?
No, Apple's first product was the Apple I computer.
Does the name 'Mac' have any relation to the founders of Apple?
No, 'Mac' refers to Macintosh, and it's not related to any founders' names.
Can I call Apple 'Mac' since Mac is an Apple product?
No, 'Mac' specifically refers to a line of computers, not the entire Apple company.
What operating systems do Mac computers use?
Mac computers use macOS, designed by Apple.
Are Macs more expensive than other Apple products?
Macs can be more expensive due to their high-end computing capabilities, but Apple has a range of products at various prices.
What's the most significant difference between Apple's iPhones and Macs?
iPhones are smartphones for general use, while Macs are high-performance computers.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
