The Mac Startup Sound Is Gone

Say it ain't so, Apple!
Back in 1999, the comforting sound of a Macintosh booting up echoed around the world.
Back in 1999, the comforting sound of a Macintosh booting up echoed around the world.
ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Mac computer startup chime is now a thing of the past.

Apple has reportedly removed the iconic sound and replaced it with (gulp) silence on the new MacBook Pro.

“The new Macs actually automatically turn on when opened, so it’s possible that the removal of the sound is to prevent an unintended interruption just because you opened your laptop,” Gizmodo explained.

Besides, 9to5Mac noted, “It would be annoying to open the lid in a meeting to have it make the noise of its own accord.”

The F-sharp chord, which indicated that the computer passed its initial checks, has serenaded Mac users since 1998, 9to5Mac reported. Apple engineer Jim Reekes originally recorded a C-major chord.

Feeling nostalgic? Here’s a brief audio history of Mac startup sounds.

And if you really really miss the chime, tech site Pingie has posted what it says is a way to restore the sound ― though we can cannot vouch for its effectiveness or safety.

This story was updated with a possible way to restore the sound.

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