There are a lot of versions of the Mac operating system. This is due to the fact that updates are necessary in order to make the previous version better. More features and capabilities are added to the system. In addition, issues with previous operating systems are solved as well.
As such, we will be giving the different Mac OS X and macOS versions. In this way, you will know which version of the operating system came and pass by. We will be giving you the different versions from the first one until the latest one.
In addition, we will be giving you how to check which actual version of the Mac operating system you have on your computer. Before that, the latest macOS versions available are Big Sur. It’ll be a new version. Instead of 10.16, this Big Sur will actually become version 11.
Part 1. An Introduction To macOS Versions
macOS versions were initially introduced as Mac OS X. It debuted about 20 years ago. This was in September 2000. Mac OS X Public Beta was first released on the 13th of September 2000. This was after the failure with Copland. The Mac OS X Public Beta had a code name. This was Kodiak.
The Mac OS X and macOS are the operating systems of Apple’s Mac. It is bundled with different applications such as Preview, TextEdit, Terminal, and QuickTime Player. A basic MP3 player (not iTunes) was called Sketch. There are also other applications such as Quartz and HTML Edit.
Part 2. What Are the Mac OS Versions in Order?
Here, we will discuss a list of Mac OS X and macOS versions. We will provide a brief overview of these operating systems. Check out the Mac OS X and macOS versions below:
Mac OS X Public Beta
This was released on September 13, 2000. It costs about $29.95. It’s the first operating system to feature a user interface called Aqua. It includes apps such as Preview, Mail, TextEdit, Terminal, and QuickTime Player.
Mac OS X Cheetah (Version 10.0)
This is actually the first major operating system release of Apple. It’s released on March 24, 2001. The cost is about $129. Features include the Dock, Mail, Address Book, PDF Support, Aqua User Interface, Sherlock, Protected Memory, and more.
Mac OS X Puma (Version 10.1)
The Mac OS X version was soon named as macOS versions. Mac OS X 10.1 Puma was released on September 25, 2001. This is a free update given to the users of its predecessor. It has features such as Performance enhancements, DVD playback support, Menu Extras, improved AppleScript, ColorSync, and more.
Mac OS X Jaguar (Version 10.2)
Mac OS X is now known as macOS versions. The Mac OS X Jaguar Version 10.2 was released on August 23, 2002. It comes in single installations or in family packs. New features include QuickTime’s support for MPEG-4. Inkwell was also included for handwriting recognition.
Mac OS X Panther (Version 10.3, Pinot)
This was released on October 24, 2003. This is the fourth major release by Apple of the Mac OS X. Features include Finder, TextEdit, Xcode Developer Tools, QuickTime, Preview, Fast User Switching, and Expose, among others.
Mac OS X Tiger (Version 10.4, Merlot)
The Mac OS X versions would currently be called macOS versions. Now, the Mac OS X Tiger was released on April 29, 2005. Features include Xcode 2.0, QuickTime 7, Mail 2, Dashboard, Spotlight, VoiceOver, iChat AV, and more.
Mac OS X Tiger (Version 10.4.4, Chardonnay)
This is the upgraded version of Mac OS X Tiger 10.4, Merlot. It was released on the 10th of January 2006.
Mac OS X Leopard (Version 10.5, Chablis)
The Mac OS X versions of the operating systems are now known as macOS versions. This version of the operating system was released in October 26, 2007. New features include Dashboard, Parental Controls, Photo Booth, Spotlight, Time Machine, Universal Access, and more.
Mac OS X Snow Leopard (Version 10.6)
This is the 7th release of the Mac OS X, which is now known as macOS versions. It was released on August 28, 2009. Features include Mac App Store, Finder, Boot Camp, Preview, Time Machine, VoiceOver, Safari 4, and more.
Mac OS X Lion (Version 10.7, Barolo)
This was released on July 20, 2011. New features include AirDrop, FaceTime, Finder, Font Book 3, Mac App Store, Mail 5, QuickTime, Vertical Text, Resume, and more. The Mac OS X is now known as macOS versions.
Mac OS X Mountain Lion (Version 10.8, Zinfandel)
The Mac OS X versions are now known as macOS versions. It was released on July 25, 2012. Features include Notes, Notification Center, Messages, Application Updates, Game Center, and more.
Mac OS X Mavericks (10.9, Cabernet)
This was released on October 22, 2013. System features include iCloud Keychain, Timer coalescing, Calendar, iBooks, Maps, Safari browser, and more. Functionalities removed include Open Transport API.
Mac OS X Yosemite (Version 10.10, Syrah)
Mac OS X is now known as macOS versions. Mac OS X Yosemite was released on October 16, 2014. Features include Notification Center, Spotlight, Continuity, improved Design, and more.
Mac OS X El Capitan (Version 10.11, Gala)
Mac OS X is now known as macOS versions. This was released on September 20, 2015. Features include Mail, Messages, Maps, Safari, Notes, Spotlight, and Photos, among others.
macOS Sierra (Version 10.12, Fuji)
What comes after EI Capitan? One of the macOS versions was released on September 20, 2016. System features include Siri, Night Shift, Universal Clipboard, Auto Unlock, and more. Application features include iTunes, Notes, Apple Play, Safari, Photos, and more.
macOS High Sierra (Version 10.13, Lobo)
Another one of the macOS versions was released on September 25, 2017. This operating system is focused on providing technical updates and performance improvements, instead of added features. Changes include significant improvements in Safari and Photos.
In macOS High Sierra, the AFPS (Apple File System) replaces the so-called HFS+. Now, the AFPS is the default file system within macOS. Metal has also been upgraded to that of Metal 2. Application changes have been made including Final Cut Pro 7, Messages, Siri, Notes, Safari, Mail, Photos, and more.
Tip: If you just want to update your Mac version to the High Sierra, then you can follow this guide to do that.
macOS Mojave (Version 10.14, Liberty)
This is the fifteenth release of the operating system of Apple for Mac computers. It was released on September 24, 2018. It added a few iOS apps within the operating system. These include Home, Voice Memos, and Apple News. In addition, the Dark Mode is more comprehensive.
macOS Catalina (Version 10.15, Jazz)
This is one of the macOS versions and it was released on October 7, 2019. It’s the first release to include the feature called Activation Lock. Changes made include Catalyst, Gatekeeper, DriverKit, Voice Control, Sidecar, Dedicated System Volume. Application upgrades include Reminders, iTunes, Find My Friends, and Find My Mac, among others.
There are components that have been changed or removed. All 32-bit applications have been removed from the Mac App Store. The Dashboard has also been removed. Zsh replaced Bash which is the shell, by default, in the Panther version of the operating system.
macOS Big Sur (Version 11.0) (Beta)
What is the latest version of Mac OS 2020? It must be the Beta. This includes a major redesign of the user interface. It is one of the macOS versions and is the first one that supports Mac computers that have processors that are ARM-based. The design offers a new palette of colors. In addition, there are translucency changes. Streamlining and redesigning of the Menu Bar and the Dock was also added.
A Control Center was added to toggle system volume, screen brightness, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, among others. It’s similar to what you can find in iPadOS and iOS. Its notification center has also been redesigned. It features a user interface that’s transparent. In addition, it has interactive notifications. In order to avoid tampering, the system volume has been cryptographically signed. Spotlight has been made faster and has a refined interface.
