ravynsoft/ravynos

Free

An open-source OS project that aims to provide source and binary compatibility with macOS® and a similar user experience.

FreeFree tier

Type

Open Source

Visit Website GitHub (38 stars)

About ravynsoft/ravynos

ravynOS is an open-source operating system project that aims to provide a macOS-like user experience and source compatibility on x86-64 systems (with future arm64/arm64e support). It builds on the foundations of Darwin and FreeBSD, incorporating existing open-source packages and new code to fill gaps. Design goals include source compatibility with macOS applications, eventual binary compatibility, similar GUI metaphors and UX (e.g., top menu bar, file manager, application launcher), compatibility with macOS folder layouts and filesystems (HFS+, APFS, plus FAT, NTFS, ZFS), self-contained applications in App Bundles, support for DMG files and other archive formats, and an updated Unix environment with modern tools. The project is in early development and welcomes contributions.

Key Features

Source compatibility with macOS applications

Binary compatibility with macOS (in progress, eventual goal)

Similar GUI metaphors and familiar UX (top menu bar, file manager, app launcher)

Compatible with macOS folder layouts and filesystems (HFS+, APFS, FAT, NTFS, ZFS)

Self-contained applications in App Bundles

Support for DMG files and other archive formats

Updated Unix environment with current tools, shells, and power user tools

Runs on x86-64 hardware (arm64/arm64e planned)

Built on Darwin and FreeBSD foundations

Open source with active community on GitHub

Pros & Cons

Pros

Open source and free to use, with no licensing fees
Source compatibility allows macOS applications to be compiled and run
Familiar macOS user experience and GUI metaphors ease transition
Self-contained App Bundles simplify software distribution and installation
Leverages stable foundations of Darwin and FreeBSD for reliability
Active development community with opportunities to contribute

Cons

Binary compatibility with macOS not yet achieved; requires recompilation
Currently only supports x86-64; arm64/arm64e support is planned but not available
Early stage of development; may have bugs, missing features, and limited hardware support
Requires compilation of applications; no native macOS binary support at this time
Smaller user and developer base compared to mature operating systems

Best For

Developing or porting macOS applications on non-Apple hardwareUsers seeking a free, open-source alternative to macOS with a familiar experienceBuilding a Unix-based desktop environment with macOS-like aestheticsLearning OS development by studying a Darwin/FreeBSD hybrid projectRunning macOS-compatible software on commodity x86-64 systems

FAQ

What is ravynOS?

ravynOS is an open-source operating system that aims to provide a similar user experience and source compatibility with macOS on x86-64 systems (and eventually arm64). It builds on Darwin and FreeBSD foundations.

Is ravynOS compatible with macOS applications?

Currently, ravynOS aims for source compatibility, meaning you can compile a Mac application on ravynOS and run it. Binary compatibility is a long-term goal but not yet achieved.

What hardware does ravynOS support?

The project currently focuses on x86-64 systems. Support for arm64/arm64e is planned for the future.

How can I contribute to ravynOS?

Contributions are welcome. You can join the Discord server, the Matrix channel (#ravynOS-general:matrix.org), or check the CONTRIBUTING.md file in the repository for current projects and needs.