WorldScript

WorldScript , released by Apple in the early 1990s, was the first way to display the characters in non-Latin syllabary scripts such as Chinese or Bengali on an inexpensive computer. WorldScript formed a layer between the operating system and the application (text editor, etc.). For Apple users, WorldScript is the forerunner of Unicode .

Starting with System 7.1, Apple merged the implementations of non-Latin writing systems in a programming interface called WorldScript. WorldScript I offered one-byte and WorldScript II two-byte character sets. Support for new writing systems was achieved by installing new Apple Language Kits . Some of these kits came with the operating system, others had to be purchased separately from Apple or other manufacturers.

The support of international writing systems gave word processors such as Nisus Writer a chance as well as programs that used the WASTE text unit (WorldScript-Aware Styled Text Engine), since the dominant Microsoft Word did not offer WorldScript support.

In Mac OS 8.5, the system was expanded to include full Unicode support (through a programming interface called Apple Type Services for Unicode Imaging (ATSUI)). Even so, WorldScript remained the predominant technology for international writing systems until the introduction of Mac OS X , as not many programs supported ATSUI.