Every new MacBook comes with a robust suite of pre-installed software designed to cover productivity, creativity, communication, and system management. Apple’s macOS includes essential applications like Safari for browsing, Mail for email, and Finder for file management, alongside specialized tools such as GarageBand for music production and iMovie for video editing. While core utilities like Calculator, Calendar, and Notes are always included, some apps—such as Pages, Numbers, and Keynote—may require download from the Mac App Store, particularly on newer models. The pre-installed software varies slightly by macOS version, but the foundation remains consistent across devices.

Key findings from the sources:

• Core pre-installed apps include Safari, Mail, Finder, Calendar, Contacts, Messages, Maps, Photos (replacing iPhoto), and system utilities like Activity Monitor and Disk Utility ^[1][3][9].
• Productivity suite (iWork): Pages, Numbers, and Keynote are free for new Macs but may need to be downloaded from the App Store ^[4][5][7].
• Creative tools: iMovie and GarageBand are often included for free with new purchases but may require manual installation ^[4][5].
• Recommended third-party apps (not pre-installed) include Final Cut Pro, Bear, Pixelmator Pro, and Hazel, as suggested by users for enhanced functionality ^[6].

Pre-Installed and Recommended MacBook Software

Core macOS Applications and Utilities

Every MacBook ships with macOS, which bundles a comprehensive set of applications and utilities tailored for daily use. These tools are categorized into productivity, creativity, communication, and system management, ensuring users can perform essential tasks without additional downloads. The exact lineup may evolve with macOS updates, but the foundation remains consistent across recent versions.

The Finder app serves as the primary file management system, allowing users to organize, search, and access documents, media, and applications. It integrates with Launchpad, a simplified interface for viewing and launching installed apps, which is particularly useful for new users transitioning from other operating systems ^[3]. For web browsing, Safari is pre-installed, offering energy efficiency, privacy features like Intelligent Tracking Prevention, and seamless integration with iCloud Keychain for password management ^[1][3].

Communication and organization are handled by a suite of apps:

• Mail for email management with conversation threading and smart mailbox features ^[1][3].
• Messages for iMessage and SMS integration, supporting end-to-end encryption ^[1].
• Calendar for scheduling, with iCloud sync across devices ^[1][3].
• Contacts as a centralized address book, linked to Mail and Messages ^[3].
• Notes for digital note-taking, supporting checklists, sketches, and rich media ^[1][2].

System utilities provide deeper control over the Mac’s performance and maintenance:

• Activity Monitor tracks CPU, memory, and disk usage in real-time ^[9].
• Disk Utility manages storage devices, including formatting, partitioning, and repairs ^[9].
• Time Machine offers built-in backup solutions with versioning support ^[4].
• Preview handles PDF and image viewing/editing, including annotations and signatures ^[5][9].

Apple’s App Store is also pre-installed, serving as the gateway for updating existing apps and downloading additional software, including free titles like iMovie and GarageBand for eligible users ^[1][9].

Productivity and Creative Software

Beyond core utilities, MacBooks include or provide access to Apple’s iWork and iLife suites, though their installation process has evolved. Since 2013, Pages (word processing), Numbers (spreadsheets), and Keynote (presentations) have been offered for free with new Mac purchases, but they are not always pre-installed. Users typically download them from the Mac App Store after setting up their device ^[4][5][7]. Similarly, iMovie (video editing) and GarageBand (music creation) are free for new Mac owners but may require manual installation ^[4][5]. These apps are tied to the device’s initial activation, so second-hand buyers might need to verify eligibility ^[4].

For media management, Photos replaces the older iPhoto, offering cloud sync via iCloud Photo Library and basic editing tools ^[4][9]. iTunes has been phased out in favor of separate Music, Podcasts, and TV apps, each handling their respective media types while retaining iTunes Store access ^[9]. Books (formerly iBooks) manages eBooks and PDFs, with features like annotations and collections ^[1][3].

Users often supplement pre-installed software with third-party recommendations. Popular choices include:

• Final Cut Pro for professional video editing, favored by content creators ^[6].
• Bear for Markdown-based note-taking with cross-device sync ^[6].
• Pixelmator Pro as a lightweight alternative to Photoshop for graphic design ^[6].
• Hazel for automated file organization and workflow management ^[6].
• Alfred or Raycast for enhanced productivity through app launching and custom scripts ^[8].

While these third-party apps are not pre-installed, they are frequently cited in user guides and tutorials as essential for maximizing a MacBook’s potential ^[6][8]. The pre-installed software alone, however, provides a complete foundation for most users’ needs, with Apple’s ecosystem ensuring tight integration between devices and services.