In a blog post on 5 April, technologist Andy Baio revealed that a PDF of the Bitcoin whitepaper has been included in every copy of macOS since Mojave in 2018. This means that anyone who has purchased a Mac computer in the past three years has had access to Satoshi Nakamoto’s original vision for Bitcoin without even realizing it.
Summary
What could the presence of Bitcoin’s whitepaper mean for Mac computers?
Satoshi Nakamoto’s whitepaper on Bitcoin is considered by many to be the foundation of the world’s first decentralized cryptocurrency. First published in 2008, the whitepaper outlined the blueprint for a digital currency that could operate without centralized control or intermediary institutions, and has since become a touchstone for cryptocurrency enthusiasts and academics.
However, it appears that the document has been hiding in plain sight for some time, as it was discovered to be included in every modern version of Apple’s macOS operating system.
Baio noted that the inclusion of the whitepaper on Apple devices, is likely due to the fact that it is a key document in the history of cryptography and computer science and has become a cultural document in the cryptocurrency world.
He also pointed out that this is not the first time Apple has included important historical documents in its software: for example, the 2019 version of macOS Catalina included the full text of the US Declaration of Independence.
The discovery of the whitepaper’s inclusion in macOS has sparked renewed interest in the document and its author, who remains shrouded in mystery.
Satoshi Nakamoto is believed to be the pseudonym of one or more individuals who created Bitcoin and then disappeared from circulation in 2011. Despite numerous attempts to discover their true identity, to this day their identity remains unknown.
Bitcoin’s impact is a historical event
The fact that Bitcoin’s whitepaper has been included in every modern version of macOS for the past three years testifies to the lasting impact of Nakamoto’s vision for a decentralized, peer-to-peer digital currency.
It also serves as a reminder that the roots of cryptocurrencies are deeply intertwined with the history of computing and cryptography, and that the development of these technologies is often driven by individuals and communities with a passion for innovation and a desire to challenge existing power structures.
As the world continues to grapple with the implications of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, it is worth remembering the origins of this technology and the ideals that drove its creation.
The inclusion of the whitepaper in macOS is meant to be a reminder that the history of cryptocurrencies is still being written and that the future of this technology has yet to be fully realized.
Furthermore, the fact that the paper has been hidden in plain sight within macOS for so long underscores the importance of accessibility and education when it comes to new and emerging technologies. While Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have become increasingly mainstream in recent years, many people still struggle to understand the basic principles and concepts of these digital assets.
By including the whitepaper in its operating system, Apple has made it easier for millions of users to access and learn about the origins of Bitcoin. This could inspire more people to take an interest in cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology and explore the many ways these innovations could transform the way we live and do business in the future.
Naturally, the inclusion in macOS is only a small part of the ongoing conversation about cryptocurrencies and their role in the world. As governments and financial institutions grapple with the implications of decentralized digital currencies, there are sure to be many more debates and discussions in the years to come.
However, the fact that Satoshi Nakamoto’s original vision for Bitcoin is now more accessible than ever is an important reminder that innovation and progress are often driven by the open sharing of ideas and information. Whether or not Bitcoin is successful as a mainstream currency, its impact on the world of technology and finance is undeniable, and the inclusion of its whitepaper in macOS is a small but significant part of that legacy.
