Apple is set to release the newest version of its Mac operating system today, Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. Advertised as being an upgrade for previous-generation Mac OS X owners, the latest revision to the Mac OS has been priced at just $29. Those who’ve applied for Apple’s “Up to Date” program will be able to upgrade for just $9.95.

Last year, Apple announced and previewed Mac OS X Snow Leopard to developers, touting it as being the next major version of the world’s most advanced operating system. As such, Snow Leopard would enhance the performance of OS X, rather than focusing primarily on new features, in an attempt to set a new standard for quality.

The Mac maker also confirmed that Snow Leopard was optimized for multi-core processing, GPU-focused, able to use massive amounts of RAM, and would feature a modern media platform called QuickTime X – a much improved version of the company’s media-playing app. Lastly, Apple also promised that Snow Leopard would include out-of-the-box support for Microsoft Exchange 2007 and that it was scheduled to ship in about a year.

Since Apple has made good on its promise, all this is about to materialize today, with the official release of Mac OS X Snow Leopard. Although Mac OS X 10.6 was initially scheduled for a September release, Apple wrapped up development earlier, and was thus able to print Build 10A432 (GM) on optical media ahead of the promised release date.

Softpedia readers and Apple fans should expect the online Apple store to go down today so that the Mac maker can update the venue with its new offerings. We may well see other additions in tandem with the official debut of Snow Leopard.

Yesterday, the Apple Specialist Marketing Co-op (ASMC) confirmed Snow Leopard launch events at multiple, independent Apple specialist resellers across the US and Canada with in-store specials, Snow Leopard demonstrations, and more. The ASMC also announced an initiative to help save the endangered wild snow leopard.