MacOS version history

Overview of the history of macOS versions

macOS Version History

Simplified history of Unix and Unix-like systems, including macOS

The macOS version history details the development and release of macOS, a series of graphical operating systems developed and marketed by Apple Inc.. Originally introduced as "Mac OS X" in 2001, the operating system has undergone significant changes and improvements over the years.

Mac OS X

The initial release of Mac OS X was in March 2001, with the version 10.0 "Cheetah". It was a major departure from the previous Mac OS 9, introducing a new Aqua user interface and a Unix-based foundation derived from NeXTSTEP, an operating system developed by NeXT, a company founded by Steve Jobs.

Subsequent versions included:

• 10.1 "Puma" - Released in September 2001, it improved performance and added new features.
• 10.2 "Jaguar" - Released in August 2002, it introduced Quartz Extreme and Rendezvous.
• 10.3 "Panther" - Released in October 2003, it added Exposé and FileVault.
• 10.4 "Tiger" - Released in April 2005, it introduced Spotlight and Dashboard.

Mac OS X Leopard and Snow Leopard

The evolution of macOS within the Unix family

10.5 "Leopard" - Released in October 2007, it was the first version to support both Intel and PowerPC processors. It introduced Time Machine and Spaces.

10.6 "Snow Leopard" - Released in August 2009, it focused on performance improvements and was the first version to drop support for PowerPC processors.

OS X Lion to Mavericks

10.7 "Lion" - Released in July 2011, it introduced features from iOS, such as Launchpad and Mission Control.

10.8 "Mountain Lion" - Released in July 2012, it further integrated iOS features, including Notification Center.

10.9 "Mavericks" - Released in October 2013, it was the first version to be offered for free and introduced iBooks and Maps.

OS X Yosemite to El Capitan

10.10 "Yosemite" - Released in October 2014, it introduced a new flat design and Continuity features.

10.11 "El Capitan" - Released in September 2015, it focused on performance improvements and refinements.

macOS Sierra to Mojave

10.12 "Sierra" - Released in September 2016, it introduced Siri to the Mac and APFS.

10.13 "High Sierra" - Released in September 2017, it focused on under-the-hood improvements and introduced Metal 2.

10.14 "Mojave" - Released in September 2018, it introduced Dark Mode and Dynamic Desktop.

macOS Catalina to Ventura

10.15 "Catalina" - Released in October 2019, it introduced Sidecar and replaced iTunes with separate apps for Music, Podcasts, and Apple TV.

11 "Big Sur" - Released in November 2020, it marked a major redesign and was the first version to support Apple silicon Macs.

12 "Monterey" - Released in October 2021, it introduced Universal Control and Shortcuts.

13 "Ventura" - Released in October 2022, it introduced Stage Manager and improvements to Mail and Safari.

Related Pages

• Apple Inc.
• Macintosh
• NeXTSTEP
• Unix
• iOS