What version of the MacOS is pre-installed on the iMac G3 models? Does the iMac G3 run the MacOS? Can it run MacOS X or just MacOS 9?: EveryMac.com

iMac G3 Q&A - Updated February 15, 2009

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What version of the MacOS is pre-installed on the iMac G3 models? Does the iMac G3 run the MacOS? Can it run MacOS X or just MacOS 9?

All iMac G3 models run a version of the MacOS and all iMac G3 models are capable of booting in both MacOS 9 and a version of MacOS X.

Likewise, the versions of MacOS X that are supported by all iMac G3 models -- MacOS X "Panther" 10.3.9 and lower on models with a 350 MHz or slower processor and MacOS X "Tiger" 10.4.11 on models with 400 MHz or faster processors -- are capable of running MacOS 9 within the "Classic Environment" as well.

The version of the MacOS pre-installed, as well as the maxium version of MacOS X supported is provided on the specs page for each system. However, this information also is provided below for your convenience:

iMac G3	Pre-Installed	Maximum
G3/233 Original - Bondi (Rev. A & B)	8.1, 8.5	X 10.3.9
G3/266 (Fruit Colors)	8.5.1	X 10.3.9
G3/333 (Fruit Colors)	8.6	X 10.3.9
G3/350 (Slot Loading - Blueberry)	8.6	X 10.3.9
G3/400 DV (Slot Loading - Fruit)	8.6	X 10.4.11
G3/400 DV SE (Slot Loading)	8.6	X 10.4.11
G3/350 (Summer 2000 - Indigo)	9.0.4	X 10.3.9
G3/400 DV (Summer 2000 - I/R)	9.0.4	X 10.4.11
G3/450 DV+ (Summer 2000)	9.0.4	X 10.4.11
G3/500 DV SE (Summer 2000)	9.0.4	X 10.4.11
G3/400 (Early 2001 - Indigo)	9.1	X 10.4.11
G3/500 (Early 2001 - Flower/Blue)	9.1*	X 10.4.11
G3/600 SE (Early 2001)	9.1*	X 10.4.11
G3/500 (Summer 2001 - I/S)	9.1, X 10.0.4*	X 10.4.11
G3/600 (Summer 2001)	9.1, X 10.0.4*	X 10.4.11
G3/700 SE (Summer 2001)	9.1, X 10.0.4*	X 10.4.11

*Please refer to the appropriate specs page for complete details.

For more on MacOS 9, please refer to the MacOS 9/Classic Support Q&A.

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