MacOS Versions: Full List of All in Order (2001 to 2024)

MacOS X was used from 2001 to 2011, the term OS X was used from 2012 to 2015, and it was changed to macOS versions in 2016, Here is a Full List of All MacOS Versions in Order.

1. Mac OS X 10.0 (Cheetah)
2. Mac OS X 10.1 (Puma)
3. Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar)
4. Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther)
5. Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger)
6. Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
7. Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard)
8. Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion)
9. OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
10. OS X 10.9 (Mavericks)
11. OS X 10.10 (Yosemite)
12. OS X 10.11 (EI Capitan)
13. macOS 10.12 (Sierra)
14. macOS 10.13 (High Sierra)
15. macOS 10.14 (Mojave)
16. macOS 10.15 (Catalina)
17. macOS 11 (Big Sur)
18. macOS 12 ( Monterey)
19. macOS 13 (Ventura)
20. macOS Sonoma

The Macintosh Operating System or macOS is a wonderful development that is designed for Apple’s Mac family and PCs. The straightforward user interface and high security attract the users to become part of this strengthened ecosystem. 

In the article, we are going to discuss the entire evolution of Apple’s operating system. It was presented to the public in 2001 with the term. 

List of All Macos Versions in Order from 2001 to 2024

Only three terms were used for different periods with the addition of the identity signs of Apple’s OS i.e. OS X, or macOS. There is not any prominent difference between MacOS Z and macOS. If you want to know, what are the main versions of macOS? And you can use them? Please read the entire article, as we are giving a list of macOS versions with a brief description. 

1) Mac OS X 10.0 (Cheetah)

It was the first major software offered by Steve Jobs and his team on March 24, 2001. It is created with the aqua theme to look at blue water, as Steve Jobs explained. One wanted to lick it when saw it.? It offers an all-new visual experience while offering a big evolution in graphical interface along with the support of 2D and 3D graphics. However, the graphic improvements created a little slow performance, so Apple turned the focus to improving performance instead of visual experience. 

It came with the price of $129, which was hefty at the time, and it required 128 MB of RAM, and the codename given to it was Cheetah. It was received with great excitement, but instantly, it was declared that it required a lot of improvements. 

2) Mac OS X 10.1 (Puma)

 Mac OS X 10.1, internally known as Puma, was released on September 25, 2001, as the second major release of Apple. As we notice, Apple has given animal names to first-generation operating systems, so Puma also comes with boosted performance while offering some other functional improvements i.e. CD and DVD burning, Finders with new capabilities, comprehensive printing support, and so on. 

Again aqua Interface offers free services for 10.0 users and is available for $129. It offers multiple new features i.e.

• Large performances are introduced i.e. CD and DVD burning with better support in Finder and iTunes as well. You can easily play DVDs in an Apple DVD player.
• Recovers the complaint of 10.0 users about lack of printer drivers, and offers more printer support for more than 200 printers. 
• Offers 3D elements for improving the performance of OpenGL.

3) Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar)

It was released on August 23, 2002, as the third major version of Apple’s operating system. It is embedded with the search to Finder. option and the amazing thing is that you can use Finder to exist too. An exciting addition of new features along with privacy offers a significant performance. It has changed the interface to start with the Mac logo in gray color. It requires a minimum of 128MB RAM, and it costs $129. 

As we mentioned above, it is embedded with new features i.e.

• Address Book with the addition of repository contacts
• Fast QuickTime with support of MPEG-4
• Accessibility API as a Universal Access feature
•  No need to live with Internet Explorer as the default browser, and now enjoy Safari as the first official browser of Apple on Mac.
• iChat for video conferencing, and calls
• improved PDF feature
• fantastic Microsoft Windows compatibility

4) Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther)

Panther, the fourth release of Apple on October 24, 2003, is embedded with Safari the default browser as a replacement of Internet Explorer. 150+ new features are added to Panther i.e. 

• easy access to network volumes using the new updated finder Interface
• built-in support for Fax
• built-in support for X11
• FileVault with built-in disk encryption feature
• Fast user switching to allow several users to log in simultaneously 
• Finder with the brushed-metal interface for supporting zip files, colored labels, etc
• iChat for audio-video conferencing calls
• FontBook 
• TextEdit is available for supporting Microsoft Word documents
• Xcode with new impotence
• USB integration 
• Embedded with CD-Rom

5) Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger)

April 29, 2005, was the year, when the fifth operating system of Apple, Tiger was released. No doubt, it was a big release, as it was the year of the Apple TV also. We can say it is the most advanced operating system, as it delivers 200+ new features. It was the first operating system that used an Intel processor, and it is integrated with a FireWire port. The main features of the version are;

• Gets easy access to your search using the new built-in Spotlight search.
• The dynamic and interactive style of the interface gives an aesthetic look to your desktop.
• Change your screen resolution with the help of a unified set of themes.
• Apple-Intel architecture processor
• Improved Japanese fonts
• The Grapher tool is for creating 2D or 3D graph models.
• iChat with AV option
• MacSync feature is for improved syncing

6) Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)

 October 26, 2007, is the day of the new entry, Leopard the most advanced operating system of Apple. You will find a significantly changed desktop with different amazing features including Dock, a new menu bar, and Stacks. 

The Leopard has two editions; PC versions with a $129 cost and server versions with a $ 499 cost. It is the last development offered by Mac OS X for supporting the PowerPoint platform. It is also the last one for eliminating the support for both Classic Environment and all Classic programs. You will find multiple exciting new features i.e.

• The minimum required RAM is 512MB and 1GB for development purposes.
• Intel processor with G4 requires 867 MHz and faster
• The disc space requirement is at least 9GB.
• The advanced interface is embedded with multiple new additional features.
• 64-bit compatibility 
• Support 18 languages
• Japanese dictionary
• Mail and chat with new functionality

7) Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard)

On August 28, 2009, the seventh release of Snow Leopard was the successor of Leopard with 64-bit architecture, and you can consider it an answer to Windows XP from Apple. It was sold at a very low price $29, and attracted a lot of people than before. The developers of Snow Leopard have focused on enhancing the performance, efficiency, and stability of the operating system, instead of making changes to the appearance or user interface. You will find a plethora of amazing features i.e.

• More extensive Finder rewritten in Cocoa.
• Time Machine backups with fast capabilities.
• Safari as the default browser
• Stickies, Preview, and Chess apps are available 
• Several native applications are written in 64-bit.

8) Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion)

The eighth release of Apple, with the name Lion on July 20, 2011, comes with multiple enhancements from iOS to Mac OS including a launch pad, multi-touch gestures, etc. It cost $19.99, and Apple earned $1 million from sales on the first day the release of Lion. 

The new iCall interface with the addition of the Mail app is also embedded with Gatekeeper and malware blocking tool. You will find several key features as part of it i.e.

• Sync user’s content across Apple devices
• Offer multi-touch gestures for quick access
• Get access to Mission Control while swiping the trackpad
• Full-screen view
• Open the apps on full-screen using the launch pad
• Resume function
• AutoSave is available to save any important activity automatically.
• Airdrop, versions, standalone Mail, and Calendar apps are also part of this big development.

9) OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion)

Mountain Lion, another big release of Apple on 25 July 2012, with the addition of multiple iOS features including Notes, Reminders, Messages, and so on. It helps you better manage your daily routine, as the Notification Center feature alerts you with on-screen banners to carry on your communication process easily.  

It costs $19.99 and is offered for free to old Mac users on June 23, 2021. You will find multiple exciting features i.e.

• Embedded with iCloud for syncing data of different apps i.e. iMessage, Mail, etc.
• Avail Notification Center with amazing functionality.
• Share Sheets
• Improved Twitter capabilities
• The address book is introduced as Contacts 
• all has been changed to Calendar
• iChat is used as a Messages
• you can update it from the Mac App Store

10) OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) 

Mavericks on the number 10 operating system were published on October 22, 2013, including multiple privacy features i.e. password encryption and storage. It is embedded with multiple new enhancements i.e. iCloud Keychain, new Maps, iBooks, Tags, and so on. The Notification Center feature was also upgraded, as now you are capable of replying right from notifications. 

It was offered free of cost from the release time and proved a sequence of adding iOS features to OS X to bring it in line with iOS. Please check the key features as given below;

• A user interface with the addition of Finder, document tags, tabs, and full-screen recording support is available. 
• Introducing iBook, Maps, and App Nap.
• Check your system alerts on the Notification Center without going to settings
• Mission Control with improved functionality.

11) OS X 10.10 (Yosemite)

Yosemite proved the best redesign version of the year, as it was published on October 16, 2014. Everything from little to big was tried to change into a better style. You will find thin fonts, new color schemes, flat graphic design, etc are tried to create a better match with iOS. So we can say, Apple continues of crafting the cross-device experience for the future. 

Several key features are;

• It enables you to make iPhone calls from a desktop also.
• Handoff and Continuity are impressive
• The Notification Center with new amazing feature Today View and Widgets.
• Addition of Safari for private browsing mode, and Google Chrome as the default browser.
• Dark night theme
• Mail and Message enhancements

12) OS X 10.11 (EI Capitan)

EI Capitan as the twelfth major release of the Apple operating system on September 30, 2015, proved faster, better, and stronger in comparison to its predecessors. The boosted performance enables the users to get access to any of the required content 40% faster than the old OS. It offers an enhanced graphic processor with 1536MB memory instead of 1024 in old systems. 

Moreover, the response time is much quicker than predecessors to open apps or mail. Key features of the version are;

• Notes are similar to iOS 9 and offer powerful text-processing capabilities.
• Spotlight with several enhancements i.e. weather, stocks, news, sport news, etc.
• A new font system is introduced with the name of San Francisco.
• Use Split View to work on two apps simultaneously on full-screen
•  Drag any window to the top for creating a new Space.
• Multiple language support

13) macOS 10.12 (Sierra) 

Sierra was the turning point of the series OS X into macOS. It was published on September 20, 2016, again with the addition of multiple iOS features. You are capable to unlock your Mac using your Apple Watch and learn in brief about storage along with suggestions about freeing up space. You will multiple noteworthy features such as;

• Siri integration for the first time in a Mac version.
• iCloud storage for saving your document and retrieving them at any time.
• The PIP feature is available for Safari browsers and iTunes as well.
• Night Shift mode will automatically activate.
• Use Universal Clipboard for syncing data across Apple devices.
• Enhanced Apple File System
• Gatekeeper offers new updates from time to time
• Operate apps more efficiently
• Find folders on Finder at the top of the screen.

14) macOS 10.13 (High Sierra)

On September 25, 2017, the fourteenth operating system of Apple with the name of High Sierra was published. It offers an enhanced video standard (HEIC) along with a transition to the Apple File system (APFS) that proved much better than its predecessors. It also offered multiple impotent in Safari, Mail, and Photo. 

The key features are;

• The Apple File System as the new default has made the encryption and storage of large files quite easy.
• New high-efficiency video encoding (HEVC or H.256) helps to compress data. 
• Safari with new improvements i.e. blocking of auto-playing of videos, preventing tracking, and so on. 
• iCloud with the addition of family plans and file-sharing options.
• Mail with the new search feature.

15) macOS 10.14 (Mojave)

Mojave, the fifteenth edition, was published on September 24, 2018, in a Dynamic Desktop feature. The mesmerizing Dark Mode is for you to move through a day-and-night routine. Again some new apps from iOS include Stocks, News, and Home. 

The integration with a mobile phone enables you to paste a photo on Mac document while capturing it using your mobile. Some other key features are;

• Dark Mode with amazing functionality i.e. checks your text in white on the dark background of Finder and works flawlessly on bright-colored documents without any distraction.
• Dynamic Desktop with changing wallpapers automatically.
• Categorize your files on your desktop with the help of Desktop Stacks.
• The QuickLook previewer is for viewing any file within moments. 
• Quick Actions are for performing any task quickly i.e. combining PDF from images, trimming audio or video files, etc. 

16) macOS 10.15 (Catalina)

macOS Catalina is number sixteen and was released on October 7, 2019, while offering new apps, improving the old ones, and user-friendliness. It enables you to avail iPad apps and expand your creativity with the help of iPad and Apple Pencil. 

The major change made by Catalina was the elimination of iTunes which was part of Apple since 2001. It was split into three main categories i.e. Music, Podcasts, and Movies. The Sidecar feature was continually added for connecting your iPad screen to your Mac and importing iOS apps to macOS. 

The key features are;

• Use Finder to sync your content, backup, and updates.
• Find My is for locating devices even in an offline position.
• Use the Voice Control feature for controlling your Mac entirely. 
• Reminders are added for scheduling dates, locations, attachments, etc.
• Screen Time

17) macOS 11 (Big Sur)

Another major release of Apple with the name Big Sur, was published on November 19, 2020. No doubt, it is an epic version with a change and transition to Apple’s M1 Macs. The first OS offered by Apple to run Universal Apps on Mac. 

The key features are;

• Addition of a Privacy toolbar for watching web trackers and detailed privacy reports.
• Safari with improved speed, 50% faster than Google Chrome.
• New features i.e. language translation tool, password encryption, and so on.
• Photos with several new editing tools.
• The user interface with new icons and docks.
• Message integrated with new emoji and message effects.
• Maps along with Favorites feature
• Guides for providing any required information. 

18) macOS 12 ( Monterey)

macOS 12 Monterey was released on October 25, 2021, along with shortcuts to enable you to set quick actions for automating several apps. It is embedded with Universal Control to transition across Mac and iOS devices. We can say, it is with smaller updates in comparison to Big Sur, and including with some exciting features i.e.

• FaceTime Call is embedded with multiple amazing features i.e. watch together, listen together, share your screen, etc.
• Airplay to Mac
• Notes with Quick Note feature.
• Safari is with grouped tabs i.e. streamlined tab, redesigned tab, etc.
• Live text
• Universal Control update 

19) macOS 13 (Ventura)

Ventura is the nineteenth release of Apple’s operating system and it was published on October 24, 2022. It comes with a big change in interface, as it is given the name Stage Manager. You will find the auto-organizing of Stacks on the left side of Stage Manager. The other key features are;

• The continuity Camera feature is for using your iPhone as a webcam, Handoff, or Facetime for calling right from your Mac.
• In Photos set an album, and select up to five people to add photos and share.
• More than 20 data-protected categories
• Spotlight with improved image search.
• Reminders are modified into groups by date and time.
• Safari with share tab, bookmarks, etc.

20) macOS Sonoma

macOS Sonoma is the latest version released in 2024 for macOS. its beta version was released last year on June 5, 2023, and was available for the public on July 11, 2023.

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