The startup chime has been part of Apple Macintosh computers since their early models, designed as an audio signal that the hardware passed its checks and was ready to boot. Different Mac generations used slightly different tones, but the warm major chord became the most widely recognized version. As clips of old computers booting circulated on video platforms and forums, the sound moved beyond tech tutorials into memes, edits, and soundboards, where its meaning is understood instantly even without seeing a Mac on screen.