Proprietary
Updated: 10/01/2023 by Computer Hope
![Sphere with multiple words related to open source and software.](/jargon/p/proprietary.png)
Proprietary describes a product that is only compatible with a specific hardware, software, computer, or manufacturer.
Examples of proprietary computer hardware
Below are examples of proprietary computer hardware.
Note
Although Apple now uses some non-proprietary hardware, most of the hardware and software it makes are proprietary and are therefore not listed below.
Business terms, Closed, Open source, Proprietary software, Uniformity