MacOS X, now known as macOS, has been popular due to its simple functionality, intuitive interface, seamless functionality, enhanced security, and improved accessibility features.
OS X made its debut in 2001, and it has evolved drastically in terms of functionality, design, and performance.
Let’s have an insight into the journey of the Mac operating system and explore macOS Monterey to OS X Cheetah.
Monterey (macOS 12)
Apple announced Monterey beta for developers on June 7, 2021, and public beta in July. Its official release is expected to hit the market in the upcoming Fall.
The new version will be released with major updates to FaceTime and SharePlay for enhanced experiences. If you are eagerly waiting to try Monterey, here’s the complete guide on how to install macos monterey on your computer.
Big Sur (macOS 11)
Apple released macOS Mojave in the Fall of 2020 with Apple’s Silicon chips. Major features of the operating system included the revolutionized design, faster Safari, customizable menu bar, revamped Maps and Messages, and much more. A new Control Center, which is accessible from the Dock, adds to the usability, making the OS more interactive.
Catalina (macOS 10.15)
Released in Fall 2019, Catalina has been a great launch for game lovers as it incorporates monthly game subscriptions at an affordable price. Catalina integrates a new feature named Sidecar that’s developed to extend Mac’s desktop to the iPad.
Mojave (macOS 10.14)
Announced on June 4, 2018, Mojave was introduced in the Fall of the same year with notable enhancements.
It features Dark Mode, desktop enhancements, Finder modification, and Stacks that allow users to organize their files into groups. The News, Voice Memos, and Stocks from iOS arrived on the desktop.
High Sierra (macOS 10.13)
macOS High Sierra was introduced to the public in the Fall of 2017 as an iterative update to its predecessor Sierra.
It integrated Apple File System to allow better data management for faster performance. This version also featured new 4K video standards, natural language processing capabilities, and more.
Sierra (macOS 10.12)
Sierra was released in its finished form on September 20, 2016, with a variety of changes where the OS X was transformed to macOS. Siri arrived on the Mac desktop for the very first time.
The voice assistant was there to help users find their files or get a quick insight into the weather forecast. The Universal Clipboard enabled users to copy text from one Apple device to another.
El Capitán (OS X 10.11)
Released on September 30, 2015, Mac’s operating system transformed the design and usability along with performance and security enhancements.
Split View feature placed two application windows side by side, and Mission Control allowed users to view all open windows in a single place.
Yosemite (OS X 10.10)
Released on October 16, 2014, Yosemite featured flat Graphic design, revamped application, blurred effects, updated icons, and more.
Handoff allows Mac users to draft and email and browse Safari while navigating from a Mac to an iPad or iPhone, or vice-versa.
Mavericks (OS X 10.9)
Mavericks, introduced on October 22, 2013, replaced the big cat naming convention and was named after a famous surfing spot in California.
The new version introduced Maps from iOS, iBooks from iPad, Tags that allows users to manage their files by labeling them via a unique naming convention.
Mountain Lion (OS X 10.8)
OS X Mountain Lion, released on July 25, 2012, integrated Twitter and Facebook, allowing users to set up and manage their social media accounts right from System Preferences. Apps from iOS were added to OS X, including Reminders, Messages, Notes.
Lion (OS X 10.7)
OS X Lion was introduced at Apple’s special event named ‘Back to the Mac’ This version supports multi-touch gestures and responses such as full-screen swiping, page zoom, image zoom, rubber-band scrolling, and more.
Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6)
Snow Leopard was released on August 28, 2009, and features Apple’s applications developed in 64-bit code. It comes with faster disk ejecting features, quick time Machine backup, faster boot speed, and rapid shutdown times.
Leopard (OS X 10.5)
Mac OS X Leopard was released on October 26, 2007, as the largest update of the Mac operating system.
It brings along a three-dimensional aesthetic Dock, semi-transparent menu bar, high-resolution icons, great security upgrades, and drop shadows for all active windows.
Tiger (OS X 10.4)
OS X Tiger was announced at WWDC 2004 and was released on April 29, 2005. Features include Spotlight, allowing users to search Macs for files, emails, images, calendars, contacts, applications, and more.
Panther (OS X 10.3)
Mac OS X Panther was released on October 24, 2003, with major features. It brings along Expose, a feature that enables users to view windows of a current program, access multiple open windows at once, or view files on the desktop. It also introduced FileVault that allows users to encrypt hard drive data for better security.
Jaguar (OS X 10.2)
The third major Apple OS release, dubbed ‘Jaguar,’ was publicly announced on August 23, 2002, marking a significant milestone.
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It is worth mentioning that Jaguar was a paid upgrade. OS X Jaguar was released with multiple new features that include MPEG-4 support in QuickTime and Inkwell for handwriting recognition.
Puma (OS X 10.1)
Mac’s OS X Puma was announced at the Macworld Expo in New York in July 2001 and was released on September 25 in the same year.
The upgraded OS X was introduced with faster menu navigation, log-in, and configurable options. The upgraded features include a movable Dock, AirPort access, battery life, and new system menus with volume controls on the menu bar.
Cheetah (OS X 10.0)
Cheetah was Mac’s first OS X, announced at the 2000 Macworld Expo in San Francisco and released on March 24, 2001.
The operating system was introduced with an all-new Aqua User Interface integrating title bars with a brushed metal appearance. The Dock made its debut and continues to deliver an exceptional user experience.
