Apple’s Sophisticated Operating System 1.3 (SOS 1.3) made its debut in 1982, specifically designed for the Apple III Plus computer. This updated version of the original Apple SOS was publicly released on November 1st of that year and offered a menu-driven utility program and programming application programming interface (API) for accessing the resources of the Apple III.
As a single-tasking, single-user operating system, SOS 1.3’s interpreter program was loaded at boot time and used the SOS API to make requests for the system. Despite its age, the Apple SOS 1.3 still holds a special place in the company’s history and has proven to be a significant milestone in the development of Apple’s operating systems.
| Released | November 1, 1982 |
| System Requirements | Apple III Apple III Plus |
| Distribution | Floppy disk |
As we celebrate the 41 years of this operating system, it’s worth noting the impact it had on the technology industry and how it paved the way for the advancements we see in operating systems today. While it may not be as widely used as it once was, the legacy of Apple SOS 1.3 will always be remembered.
Further Reading and References
- Apple SOS – Wikipedia
- Apple III SOS Reference Manual: Volume 1: How SOS Works (PDF) – Apple3
- The Apple III Fiasco – Google Books
- TechRef – Appendix – ProDOS, the Apple III, and SOS – Prodos8
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Last updated: March 7, 2023
