The Mac Operating System, version 10.2, named ‘Jaguar’ provides good internationalization features but also puts forward new challenges before clients who use localized legacy software. The ‘Jaguar’ requires porting of legacy applications to a new format which proves a little dicey. In the process, one needs to modify or recreate resource elements as also their localized versions.

Mac OS X v 10.2 made localization enthusiasts happy by its full Unicode capabilities through an improved input system and a new Unicode character palette. The OS also comes with high quality fonts in many international languages. The OS now allows a single binary to support multiple languages and regional dialects which is a more suitable way of doing so. It also reminds one of the localization methodology adopted by latest Windows offerings. There is also a mechanism with provision of allowing developers to dynamically add resources for new languages.

Another innovative step taken by Mac is to allow selection of multiple language options as the first, second and third choice. One can install particular applications specifying their default languages. If the default language is not supported in the system or is not available then the software automatically uses the second or third language as per the priority order.