Apple has officially released the latest version of its Mac operating system, OS X Yosemite, to the public.

Apple's next-gen operating system was launched at the company's iPad launch event in Cupertino on Thursday.

The major desktop OS update is now available as a free download at the Mac App Store. A free upgrade is also accessible to all Mac users, reports said.

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During the company's event at Apple's headquarters, Apple Senior Vice President of Software Engineering Craig Federighi said the new OS came out shortly before iOS 8.1's Monday launch.

With the release of OS X 10.10 Yosemite, users can now take advantage of added functionality Extensions in their desktop. The new operating system offers a tighter integration with iOS 8 along with its brand new look and design.

OS X 10.10 Yosemite introduces numerous tweaks and extensions such as Share, Spotlight, Continuity, Today View, Finder Sync, AirDrop functionality and Action.

Mac users can only run the new update if they have 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. Additionally, OS X 10.6.8 Snow Leopard must be installed in the desktop for Mac App Store access in order to download the update.

OS X Yosemite can perform on the following: Macs: Xserve (Early 2009), Mac Pro (Early 2008 or later), Mac Mini (Early 2009 or later), MacBook Air (Late 2008 or later), MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid-2009 or later), (15-inch, Mid/Late 2007 or later), (17-inch, Late 2007 or later), MacBook (13-inch Aluminum, Late 2008), (13-inch, Early 2009 or later), and iMac (Mid-2007 or later).

TagsOS X Yosemite, Mac