Emacs Modified for macOS and Emacs Modified for Windows are distributions of GNU Emacs bundled with a few select packages for R developers and LaTeX users, most notably ESS and AUCTeX.
Author
Vincent Goulet, École d’actuariat, Université Laval
Philosophy
The distributions are based on the official sources of GNU Emacs. Other than the few selected additions and some minor configuration, they are stock distributions of Emacs with a similar look and feel not only between them, but also with Emacs on other platforms.
The project started with the Windows version (probably around 2002 or so), when I wanted to provide my students with an Emacs fully setup for R programming and that would be easy to install — that is, distributed with an installation wizard.
The macOS distribution is based on GNU Emacs compiled by David Caldwell and distributed on Emacs for Mac OS X. Those looking for a more Mac-like version of Emacs may consider Aquamacs, but be prepared to have Aquamacs play a lot with frames and fonts behind you. Furthermore, these days the development of Aquamacs is much behind GNU Emacs.