macOS version history: Each version of macOS and Mac OS X and the features it brought
macOS is Apple’s operating system for the Mac, just as iOS runs on the iPhone and iPadOS runs on the iPad. It provides the user interface and acts as a link between your Mac’s hardware and its software.
All Mac computers run macOS – formerly known as Mac OS
Since its release on March 24, 2001, macOS has evolved significantly, gaining closer integration with iOS devices, cloud services, and productivity features such as Time Machine, Quick Look, Exposé, Spaces, and Desktop Stacks.
Below is a complete overview of macOS releases, showing how Apple’s desktop operating system has evolved over time, along with the official names and internal code names used for each release.
Foundry
OS X 10 beta: This preview version of OS X was released on September 13, 2000 and was codenamed Kodiak. It was based on technology from NeXT Computer, another company founded by Apple founder Steve Jobs, and introduced the Aqua user interface, as well as protected memory and preemptive multitasking to stop crashes. This beta costs $29.95.
OS X 10.0: Named code Cheetahthis was the first major release of Mac OS X, arriving on March 14, 2001. It was Apple’s first Unix-based OS. Unfortunately, it was slow and rough around the edges.
OS X 10.1: Just a few months after the first version of Mac OS Puma update 15 September 2001. This time it is stable and ready for daily use, hardware support has been improved and other issues with the first version have been fixed.
OS X 10.2: Jaguar arrived on August 14, 2002, greatly improving performance and usability, introducing Quartz Extreme for smoother graphics, a faster Finder, and better networking. iChat was one of the new features.
OS X 10.3: Introduced by Apple in October 2023 Panther which focused on speed, stability and perfection, delivering noticeably faster performance and a more responsive system. New features include: Window Management Exposé, Fast User Switching, and FileVault Disk Encryption. Safari arrived as the default web browser.
OS X 10.4: Tiger came in April 2005 with new features like Spotlight search and Dashboard widgets.
OS X 10.5: In October 2007 Leopard arrived and added features like Time Machine for automatic backups, Spaces for virtual desktops, and a redesigned Finder with Cover Flow. Time Machine also came up as an easy way to back up your Mac.
OS X 10.6: Released in 2009, Snow leopard focused on performance, stability and efficiency rather than flashy new features.
OS X 10.7 Lion: Arrival in July 2011, Lion brought iPad-inspired features like Launchpad, full-screen apps, and multi-touch gestures to the Mac. It also introduced system-wide automatic saves, restores, and versions so users didn’t have to worry about manual saves.
OS X 10.8: A year later, in 2012 Mountain lion brought more iOS features to Mac including messages, reminders, notes, notification center and iCloud integration. Emphasis was also placed on the security of porters.
Foundry
OS X 10.9: In October 2013, Apple stopped naming versions of Mac OS X after big cats and switched to California landmarks, starting with Mavericks. It introduced features like Finder Tabs, Tags, and memory compression, making Macs faster and more responsive. It was also the first time Apple offered a free update to Max OS X.
OS X 10.10: Introduced in October 2014, Yosemite brought a major visual redesign with a cleaner, flatter interface, translucent elements, and a more modern look inspired by iOS (iOS 7 with a major redesign was introduced in 2013). Continuity features from iPhone and iPad included Handoff, iCloud Drive, and the ability to make and receive calls and texts from a Mac.
OS X 10.11: El Capitan it arrived in September 2015 and, like Snow Leopard in 2007, focused more on refinement and stability. It brought improvements such as better window management (Split View), smoother graphics and increased performance.
macOS 10.12: In September 2016 macOS Sierra was the first version to be referred to as macOS rather than Mac OS X, which more closely matched iOS, watchOS, and tvOS. It brought Siri to the Mac and improved integration with the iPhone and iPad with features like the Universal Clipboard.
macOS 10.13: This was another update that focused on performance rather than flashy new features. High Sierra in September 2017, it brought updates to core apps like Photos and Safari, but mostly focused on security and efficiency updates.
macOS 10.14: In September 2018 Mojave introduced a system-wide dark mode and introduced Desktop Stacks for better file organization.
Foundry
macOS 10.15: Arrival in October 2019, Catalina replaced iTunes with separate Music, TV and Podcasts apps and introduced Sidecar so the iPad could be used as a second display for the Mac. It also ended support for 32-bit applications.
macOS 11: Big Sur was the first release from the Mac OS to leave the top ten
macOS 12: Arrival in October 2021, Monterey introduced Universal Control (one mouse/keyboard for Mac and iPad) and improved FaceTime.
macOS 13: macOS Ventura arrived in October 2022 and introduced Stage Manager for better multitasking, improved Continuity features (including using an iPhone as a webcam, and brought major updates to Mail, Safari, and Spotlight.
macOS 14: In September 2023 Sonoma made your desktop more impressive with animated wallpapers and desktop widgets for you to work with. Game mode brought game-focused improvements and video conferencing features such as presenter overlay were added.
macOS 15: One year later in September 2024 Sequoia brought iPhone Mirroring and added Apple Intelligence features.
macOS 26: Tahoe arrived in September 2025 with a bold new Liquid Glass design with transparent, customizable interface elements and tighter integration with iPhone and iPad. As with the iPhone and iPad, Apple unified the version numbering, making macOS jump from macOS 15 to 26. Apple also expanded Apple Intelligence, improved Spotlight, improved phone-related features, and added a new Games app. This is the final version of macOS to support Intel-based Macs.