Today, Apple announced that the newest major version of OS X, code named Panther, will be released on October 24th. Panther will have a number of new features, including ultra-fast file searching; the revolution new Expos�, giving instant access to all windows on the desktop to increase productivity; iChat AV, the first viable videoconferencing system for OS X; a file vault with AES-128 encryption; fast user switching (which Apple admits Microsoft beat them to); numerous enhancements to the Mail app, including threaded discussions and a must faster interface; a much enhanced PDF Viewer program; integrated X11 support; and the new development environment XCode.

http://www.apple.com/macosx for more information