Used in conjunction with the open Apple key, reset reboots the computer. On the Apple IIgs, this key, used in conjunction with the control key, is reset.
Most of its functions were transferred to the eject (⏏) key in such later keyboards (holding down the control key simultaneously to make the eject key act like the power key).
The power key was replaced with a more conventional power button on early USB keyboards, thanks to a proprietary pin wired to the Macintosh's power supply in Apple's early USB implementations, subsequently eliminated on the Pro Keyboard along with the special power supply pin. On keyboards with function keys, it was placed either on the left or right edge of the same keyboard row as the function keys on keyboards without function keys it was placed in a central location above the other keys.
Apple, since the release of the Pro Keyboard, provides these last four keys on desktop keyboards above the numeric keypad where status indicator lights are on many IBM PC keyboards.
Compact keyboards such as the bluetooth wireless aluminium keyboard and the built-in keyboards on all Intel-based Macintosh notebooks range from F1-F12 only, just like IBM PC keyboards.
F17-F19 keys were introduced with the aluminium USB keyboard. Full-sized desktop keyboards with a dedicated numpad have function keys that can range up to F15, F16, or F19.Compared to their equivalents on the standard IBM PC keyboard layout the Command key and the Option key are located in reverse order. It functions as the Alt key in Unix and Windows environments.
It serves the function of the solid-Apple key in Apple II applications. Like the Shift and Control keys, the Option key serves as a modifier for the Command key shortcuts, as well as being used to type many special characters.