14 DAY TRIAL // A set of pictures purporting to be the final version of Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard has been leaked, complete with retail packaging and the original install / restore disc. Unlike previous (grey-themed) versions of Mac OS X install discs, Snow Leopard appears to bear the large cat native to the mountain ranges of Central Asia – the Snow Leopard – on a white background.
The disc art for Snow Leopard had already been leaked by the people at Gear Live last week. Softpedia reported at the time that those who had snatched themselves a copy of what was believed to be the final version of Mac OS X Snow Leopard had been greeted by a new OS X install icon. The Gear Live site then reported that the install icon “is usually indicative of how the disc is going to look.” It appears it is the case with Snow Leopard, which seems to be undergoing mass production as you are reading these lines.
MacRumors claims to have received a set of images that seem to depict “the retail packaging and disc for Apple's forthcoming Mac OS X Snow Leopard.” Provided that the images are not fake, “It would mean that Snow Leopard discs are already in mass production,” the source adds. Moreover, MacRumors points out, the OS X 10.6 retail copy in question appears to be a Portuguese version of the software. The packaging bears the following message (translated from Portuguese): “The world's most advanced operating system. Perfectly optimized.” Currently, Apple’s dedicated Snow Leopard page touts the OS as being “finely tuned.”
Leaked Snow Leopard packaging
Credits: MacRumors
Additionally, several sources claimed last week that Mac OS X 10.6 Build 10A432, the latest developer seed, had been designated “Golden Master,” fueling beliefs that Apple had wrapped up development with the software being prepped for mass production. Others even claimed Apple would have the discs ready for sale by Friday, August 28, although the company’s website explicitly states that September is the launch time.