An entry posted in a database of changes to the open source "launchd" framework, which oversees booting of Mac OS X and administers processes running on the system, hints at the upcoming major version of the Mac OS - 10.7. Just minutes ago, Softpedia reported that an analytics firm spotted tablet-like devices being tested under iPhone OS 3.2 in the Cupertino area.

The find, considered a clear reference to OS 10.7, is: “< rdar://problem/7386864> 11A47: SecurityAgent no longer visible via Accessibility,” according to MacRumors. The site whose forums attract Apple fans worldwide thoughtfully explains that, “Apple's build numbering scheme utilizes a numerical prefix indicating the major release version, followed by a letter code indicating the minor release version and a numerical suffix indicating iterations of that version throughout its development.” The numbering scheme is simple, really. Just pay attention to the emphasized characters, as they are typical to the respective Mac OS X iteration.

Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) 9A571;
Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) 10A432;
Mac OS X 10.7 (new-cat) 11A47.

As such, the “11A47” entry cited in the launchd change database should refer to the initial version of Mac OS X 10.7. Based on this numbering scheme, the “47” suffix should indicate that Apple has been working on 10.7 builds for at least the last month or two, the analysis goes at MacRumors, while the software appears to be in very early development stages.

Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) is mostly a tweaked Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard), even according to Apple. However, Mac OS X 10.7 should up the ante on the Mac OS, at least from a graphical point of view, some believe.

Currently, Apple developers are tasked with resolving an issue with viewing shared photo albums in Front Row causing Front Row to crash in Mac OS X 10.6.3 Build 10D538 issued by Apple last Friday. The build, weighing in at over 650MB, also needs special developer attention in areas like AirPort, GraphicsDrivers, QuickTime, and VoiceOver, according to the seed notes. While Mac OS X 10.6.3 is expected to launch within the following three weeks, the major 10.7 iteration may be years away from now.