Apple Announces Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther)

Confirming a number of recent rumors, Apple officially announced Panther (Mac OS X 10.3) Client and Mac OS X 10.3 Server today.

The latest update to Mac OS X will be available on October 24th beginning at 8:00pm. Special events (Night of the Panther) will be held on October 24th in Apple's retail stores and authorized resellers to celebrate the introduction.

Mac OS X 10.3 Client will be available for $129 for a single user license. A $199 5-user family pack is also available. (Mac OS X Single User vs Family Pack Explained)

Meanwhile, the new Panther Client upgrade is available for a shipping and handling fee ($19.95) through the Mac OS Up-To-Date program for: 1) all customers who have purchased a PowerMac G5 (regardless of purchase date), 2) all purchasers of any new Mac after October 8th, 2003, or 3) anyone who has purchased Jaguar (Mac OS X 10.2) after October 8th.

Word that Mac OS X (10.3) had hit "Gold Master" first appeared last week, while hints at an October 24th release was first noted by a Page 2 rumor and recently confirmed. Finally, a last minute rumor on Monday had predicted today's official announcement.

Update: Some reports of success with Aluminum PowerBook Mac OS X Up-to-Date.