A Chronological List of macOS Versions Up to 2024.

Are you curious about the latest macOS version or interested in learning about the history of Mac OS X? From the initial release of Mac OS X 10.0 in 2001 to the latest macOS 14 Sonoma in 2023, Apple has introduced 20 different versions. This article provides a detailed overview of the evolution of the Mac operating system.

All macOS Versions List

Complete macOS Version History

From its beginnings in 1996 as a Windows competitor to its current status as a major player in the tech industry. Starting with the Mac OS X Public Beta in 2000, which marked the inception of the macOS family, the versions from 2001 to 2012 were named after big cats, such as Cheetah and Mountain Lion. Join us on a journey through the history of macOS as we explore each version released up to 2024.

1. Mac OS X 10.0 (Cheetah)

Mac OS X Cheetah, launched on March 24, 2001, marked a significant milestone for Mac users as the first major software update. It introduced the Aqua interface, characterized by a visually stunning water-themed design, along with support for 2D and 3D graphics. Despite its innovative features, Cheetah demanded 128MB of RAM and was priced at $129, presenting challenges such as sluggish performance.

2. Mac OS X 10.1 (Puma)

Addressing these issues, Apple focused on enhancing performance with its subsequent release. On September 25, 2001, Mac OS X Puma was rolled out as the second major update. Puma not only provided a performance boost but also brought improvements to the Aqua interface. These included simplified CD and DVD burning, enhanced printer support, and additional features in Finder, making it a substantial upgrade for users.

3. Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar)

Apple introduced Mac OS X Jaguar on August 23, 2002, featuring the addition of the highly useful Search feature to Finder, a notable improvement absent in previous Mac OS versions. Mac OS X 10.2 boasted an expanded set of features and applications, including MPEG-4 support for QuickTime, the introduction of an Accessibility API called Universal Access, and various privacy enhancements. Additionally, Jaguar altered the appearance of the Mac logo during startup from color to gray.

Moreover, several enduringly popular apps were first introduced with this version of Mac OS. Remarkably, some of these applications, such as Mail and Contacts, remain in use today.

4. Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther)

Released on October 24, 2003, Mac OS X Panther marked the official replacement of Internet Explorer with Safari as the default web browser on Mac. Panther introduced over 150 new features, including the following:

1. Font book

2. Xcode developer tools

3. Updated Finder interface

4. FileVault

5. Fax support

6. Faster user switching

7. Built-in X11 support

8. iChat AV video-conferencing software

5. Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger)

April 29, 2005, saw the release of Mac OS X Tiger, a substantial update offering over 200 new features and enhancements. This launch also marked Apple’s transition to Intel processors, making Tiger the first operating system for Intel-based Macs. Apple touted Mac OS X 10.4 as the “world’s most advanced operating system.”

Among its key additions, Apple’s fifth software update included:

1. Spotlight

2. VoiceOver

3. Automator

4. Xcode 2.0

5. Dashboard

6. Dictionary and thesaurus

7. Grapher

8. Enhanced Japanese fonts

9. Improved syncing features

6. Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)

On October 26, 2007, Apple launched its sixth major Mac operating system, Mac OS X Leopard, which proved to be one of the most transformative Mac systems to date. Leopard revolutionized the Mac desktop experience with the introduction of a revamped Dock, a redesigned menu bar, and Stacks. It was available in two editions: a desktop or personal computer version priced at $129, and a server version (Mac OS X Server) priced at $499.

Mac OS X Leopard introduced the following features:

1. Spotlight enhancements

2. Support for 64-bit apps

3. Alexa

4. Time Machine

5. Improved Automator

6. Improved 3D dock

7. Objective-C 2.0 runtime

7. Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard)

August 28, 2009, saw the release of Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the successor to Leopard and Apple’s response to Windows XP. Snow Leopard’s primary focus was on expanding 64-bit architecture, and it also introduced the App Store. Priced at a modest $29, Snow Leopard attracted significant sales upon its release.

8. Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion)

On July 20, 2011, Apple launched Mac OS X Lion, which brought several enhancements from iOS to Mac, including Launchpad and multi-touch gestures. Priced at $19.99, Lion generated $1 million in sales on its first day. However, it faced criticism for its “natural scrolling” feature, which reversed the scrolling direction compared to traditional interfaces like Windows.

9. OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion)

Introduced on July 25, 2012, OS X Mountain Lion was the final operating system sold by Apple; subsequent updates were provided for free. Mountain Lion included features that enhanced the Mac experience, such as the Notification Center and Share Sheets. It also added support for popular iOS apps like Reminders, Messages, and Notes, while rebranding iCal as Calendar and iChat as iMessage.

10. OS X 10.9 (Mavericks)

On October 22, 2013, Mavericks was released as the tenth major update of OS X, marking the first time a Mac operating system was available for free on the Mac App Store. With this release, Apple continued its efforts to align OS X more closely with iOS by bringing more iOS apps to the Mac platform. Some of the significant updates comprised iCloud Keychain, Maps, iBooks, Tags, and additional features.

11. OS X 10.10 (Yosemite)

Released on October 16, 2014, OS X Yosemite introduced the biggest redesign for Mac in years. Apple implemented subtle changes like thin fonts and new color schemes to align more with the design language of iOS. Yosemite also introduced Handoff and Continuity features to provide a seamless experience across Apple devices.

1. Widgets

2. Ability to take iPhone calls from desktop

3. Darker night theme

4. Instant hotspot

5. “Today view” in Notifications centre

12. OS X 10.11 (El Capitan)

Apple rolled out El Capitan on September 30, 2015, aiming to enhance the performance of its Mac lineup. The twelfth major software update focused on improving everyday activities, offering faster app and email launch times. Additionally, El Capitan introduced Split View for dual-pane multitasking.

13. macOS 10.12 (Sierra)

On September 20, 2016, macOS Sierra was released, bringing iOS features such as unlocking Mac with an Apple Watch. This thirteenth major software release of Apple’s desktop also introduced the following notable features:

1. Apple Pay

2. Picture-in-Picture support for Safari and iTunes

3. Safari-inspired tags

4. Optimized storage feature

5. Rich media support in Messages

14. macOS 10.13 (High Sierra)

MacOS High Sierra, introduced on September 25, 2017, focused on data, video, and graphics. It introduced a new video standard called HEIC and switched to the Apple File System (APFS) as the default. The Photos app received new editing tools, improved recognition, and more. Additionally, there were enhancements in Mail, Safari, and iCloud.

15. macOS 10.14 (Mojave)

Launched on September 24, 2018, macOS Mojave introduced a system-wide dark mode on Macs. While users could previously enable dark mode, it was only applied to the dock and menu bar. Other important features included a Dynamic desktop with changing wallpapers, iOS-inspired wallpapers, Quick actions, and Desktop Stacks.

16. macOS 10.15 (Catalina)

On October 7, 2019, Apple released macOS Catalina, which promised better performance and enhanced user-friendliness. It introduced several new apps while removing some old ones, most notably iTunes. This marked the end of iTunes and the introduction of three dedicated platforms: Apple Music, Podcasts, and Apple TV. Catalina also featured the Sidecar feature, allowing users to connect an iPad screen to their Mac. Other notable additions included Screen Time, Find My app support, a redesigned Reminders app, and more.

17. macOS 11 (Big Sur)

Introduced on November 10, 2020, Big Sur is a significant milestone in macOS history. It brought a major design overhaul and was the first macOS to support Apple Silicon Macs. Additionally, it was the first macOS version to enable iOS apps to run natively on Macs, known as Universal apps. Other standout features included an improved UI/UX, a faster Safari, enhanced search in Messages, and more.

18. macOS 12 (Monterey)

On October 25, 2021, macOS Monterey succeeded Big Sur and introduced several significant features. These included SharePlay, Live Text, a redesigned Safari with tab groups, the Shortcuts app, the Quick Note feature, and Focus modes. Monterey also introduced Universal Control, allowing for seamless transitions between macOS and iOS devices. For example, users could move the pointer between their Mac and iPad.

19. macOS 13 (Ventura)

On October 24, 2022, Apple introduced macOS Ventura, featuring a significant interface change driven by the Stage Manager feature. This feature automatically organizes active windows into stacks, and users can create groups of apps based on their activities. Additionally, macOS Ventura introduced Continuity Camera, SharePlay in Messages, a Desk view, Undo Send in Mail, and more.

20. macOS 14 (Sonoma)

Released on September 26, 2023, macOS Sonoma offers several upgrades over its predecessors. It introduces new features such as desktop widgets, Safari profiles, a redesigned presenter view, and the ability to add FaceTime reactions to video calls for a more engaging experience. Additionally, macOS Sonoma includes several hidden features that enhance user convenience.

Upcoming macOS Version

Apple is scheduled to unveil macOS 15 at its WWDC 2024 keynote event on June 10, 2024. The first developer beta will be available immediately after the launch, with the public version set to release in September.

Similar to previous versions, the latest macOS upgrade will introduce new features, performance enhancements, privacy improvements, and more. Once the stable version is available, upgrading to the latest macOS is recommended for users seeking the latest features and improvements.