Apple to release Mavericks OS X today for free

Apple announced it will release the latest version of its computer software, Mavericks OS X, on Tuesday.

The upgrade will be available for download directly from the Mac App Store for free.

The company made the announcement Tuesday morning at an event in San Francisco, where it is also expected to announce new iPads.

LIVE UPDATES: Apple announcement -- iPad, Mavericks OS X, more

Apple first unveiled Mavericks OS X at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

The update to Apple’s operating system brings with it a number of new features. Among them are the ability to tag files, see links friends share within the Safari browser, and respond to messages within notifications. Mavericks OS X also adds new Maps and iBooks apps.

Additionally, Apple senior vice president of software engineering Craig Federighi said Mavericks OS X will extend users’ battery life and improve their computers’ speed.

Mavericks OS X will be available for a variety of computers, including machines purchased as far back as 2007.

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