macOS model historical past: Each macOS and Mac OS X model and the options it introduced
macOS is Apple’s working system for the Mac, in the identical approach iOS runs on the iPhone and iPadOS runs on the iPad. It offers the consumer interface and acts because the hyperlink between a Mac’s {hardware} and its software program.
All Macs have run macOS – previously often called Mac OS X – since its debut in 2001. Earlier than that, Apple computer systems used Mac OS 9. macOS relies on Unix expertise developed at NeXT, the corporate Steve Jobs based earlier than returning to Apple.
Since its launch on March 24, 2001, macOS has advanced considerably, gaining tighter integration with iOS gadgets, cloud companies, and productiveness options comparable to Time Machine, Fast Look, Exposé, Areas, and Desktop Stacks.
Beneath is an entire overview of macOS variations, exhibiting how Apple’s desktop working system has developed over time, together with the official names and inside codenames used for every launch.
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OS X 10 beta: Launched in September 13, 2000, this preview model of OS X was codenamed Kodiak. It was based mostly on expertise from NeXT Laptop, which was one other firm based by Apple founder Steve Jobs and it launched the Aqua consumer interface in addition to protected reminiscence and preemptive multitasking to cease crashes. This beta price $29.95.
OS X 10.0: Code named Cheetah, this was the primary main launch of Mac OS X, arriving on March 14, 2001. It was Apple’s first OS constructed on a Unix-based basis. Sadly it was sluggish and tough across the edges.
OS X 10.1: Just some months ofter the primary model of Mac OS X launched, Apple launched the Puma replace on September 15, 2001. This time is was secure and prepared for on a regular basis use, {hardware} help was higher, and different points with the fist model have been addressed.
OS X 10.2: Jaguar arrived on August 14, 2002, considerably enhancing efficiency and value, introducing Quartz Excessive for smoother graphics, a quicker Finder, and higher networking. iChat was one of many new options.
OS X 10.3: In October 2023 Apple launched Panther which targeted on pace, stability, and polish, delivering noticeably quicker efficiency and a extra responsive system. New options included: Exposé for managing home windows, Quick Consumer Switching, and FileVault disk encryption. Safari arrived because the default internet browser.
OS X 10.4: Tiger arrived in April 2005 with new options like Highlight search and Dashboard widgets.
OS X 10.5: In October 2007 Leopard arrived and added options like Time Machine for automated backups, Areas for digital desktops, and a redesigned Finder with Cowl Circulation. Time Machine additionally arrived as a easy strategy to again up a Mac.
OS X 10.6: Launched in 2009, Snow Leopard targeted on efficiency, stability, and effectivity relatively than flashy new options.
OS X 10.7 Lion: Arriving in July 2011, Lion introduced iPad-inspired options to the Mac, like Launchpad, full-screen apps, and multi-touch gestures. It additionally launched system-wide Auto Save, Resume, and Variations in order that customers didn’t want to fret about guide saving.
OS X 10.8: A 12 months later, in 2012 Mountain Lion introduced extra iOS options to the Mac together with Messages, Reminders, Notes, Notification Middle, and iCloud integration. Gatekeeper safety was additionally emphasised.
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OS X 10.9: In October 2013 Apple stopped naming Mac OS X variations after massive cats and switched to Californian landmarks, beginning with Mavericks. It launched options like Finder Tabs, Tags, and reminiscence compression, making Macs quicker and extra responsive. It was additionally the primary time Apple provided the Max OS X replace totally free.
OS X 10.10: Launched in October 2014, Yosemite introduced a serious visible redesign with a cleaner, flatter interface, translucent parts, and a extra trendy look impressed by iOS (iOS 7 with its massive redesign had been launched in 2013). Continuity options from the iPhone and iPad included Handoff, iCloud Drive, and the flexibility to make and obtain calls and texts from a Mac.
OS X 10.11: El Capitan arrived in September 2015 and, like Snow Leopard in 2007, targeted extra on refinement and stability. It introduced enhancements like higher window administration (Break up View), smoother graphics, and efficiency boosts.
macOS 10.12: In September 2016 macOS Sierra was the primary model to be known as macOS relatively than Mac OS X, higher aligning it with iOS, watchOS and tvOS. It introduced Siri to the Mac and improved integration with iPhone and iPad with options like Common Clipboard.
macOS 10.13: This was one other replace the place the main focus was on efficiency relatively than flashy new options. Excessive Sierra in September 2017 introduced updates to core apps like Images and Safari however principally targeted on safety and effectivity updates.
macOS 10.14: In September 2018, Mojave launched a system-wide Darkish Mode and launched Desktop Stacks for higher file group.
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macOS 10.15: Arriving in October 2019, Catalina changed iTunes with separate Music, TV, and Podcasts apps and launched Sidecar so an iPad could possibly be used as a second show for a Mac. It additionally ended help for 32-bit apps.
macOS 11: Large Sur was the primary model to drop the ten, from Mac OS X, and begin once more at 11. Launched in November 2020 it was a serious redesign of Apple’s Mac working system, with a cleaner, extra trendy interface, up to date icons, a refined Management Middle, and nearer visible alignment with iOS.
macOS 12: Arriving in October 2021, Monterey launched Common Management (one mouse/keyboard throughout Mac and iPad) and improved FaceTime.
macOS 13: macOS Ventura arrived in October 2022 and launched Stage Supervisor for higher multitasking, improved Continuity options (together with utilizing an iPhone as a webcam, and introduced main updates to Mail, Safari, and Highlight.
macOS 14: In September 2023 Sonoma made the desktop extra immersive with animated wallpapers and desktop widgets you possibly can work together with. There have been game-focused enhancements in Recreation Mode and video conferencing options like Presenter Overlay have been added.
macOS 15: A 12 months later in September 2024, Sequoia introduced iPhone Mirroring and added Apple Intelligence options.
macOS 26: Tahoe arrived in September 2025 with a daring new Liquid Glass design with clear, customizable interface parts and tighter integration with iPhone and iPad. As with iPhone and iPad, Apple unified model numbering, so the macOS jumped from macOS 15 to 26. Apple additionally expanded Apple Intelligence, improved Highlight, improved the Cellphone associated options, and added a brand new Video games app. That is the ultimate macOS model to help Intel-based Macs.
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