With Mac OS X Apple delivers system level support for functionality previously delivered by a long list of 3rd party MIDI and audio protocols. By providing support for these common functions it is Apple's intention to deliver superior services that streamline the development process for developers and the configuration process for Mac users. Developers adopting Mac OS X Core Audio services can expect to inherit a growing list of compatibility features reducing or eliminating dependence on 3rd party protocols.

Native multi-channel audio with plug-in support:

Core Audio provides native multi-channel audio scalable to n-channels.

Core Audio handles all data as 32 bit floats allowing highly efficient processing for use with today's 24bit/96kHz peripherals and insuring scalability for future high resolution formats as they arise.

These services provide developers of new applications with capabilities historically delivered by 3rd party multi-channel mix engines including DSP and virtual instrument plug-ins.

Audio Units and Audio Unit Graph (AUGraph) APIs provide a plug-in architecture for both DSP (audio in/audio out) and virtual instruments (MIDI in/audio out), their configuration and realtime control. Mac OS X currently ships with several Audio Units including a reverb, a sample rate converter and a DLS/SoundFont capable virtual instrument. APIs include functions allowing your application to invoke and control Audio Unit properties and parameters in real-time.

Native MIDI:

Mac OS X MIDI services allow for multi-port MIDI capability including MIDI stream management and MIDI configuration management. APIs are provided to allow your application to control a system wide MIDI configuration document.

The Audio Toolbox includes sequencing services allowing developers to deliver real-time MIDI editing including cut, copy, paste, loop, repeat loop, etc., along with APIs for inspecting MIDI events.

Driver support:

Mac OS X CoreOS driver model allows Apple to provide general class drivers to support any MIDI device that supports industry standards. Apple is currently shipping a USB MIDI class driver based on the USB organization specification, and other emergent standards are being investigated.