Apple’s macOS has evolved from the early Mac OS X releases of 2001 into today’s advanced macOS Sequoia. Below is the full list of major macOS versions, sorted from the latest to the earliest, including key features and release dates.
macOS Sequoia (15)
Release Date: October 2024
Key Features: iPhone Mirroring, Passwords app, smarter Spotlight, enhanced AI writing tools, tighter Continuity integration.
Supported Macs: 2019 and newer
macOS Sonoma (14)
Release Date: September 26, 2023
Key Features: Desktop widgets, Game Mode, Presenter Overlay for video calls, Safari profiles, and performance boosts.
macOS Ventura (13)
Release Date: October 24, 2022
Key Features: Stage Manager, Continuity Camera, FaceTime Handoff, redesigned System Settings, Mail undo/send-later.
macOS Monterey (12)
Release Date: October 25, 2021
Key Features: Universal Control, AirPlay to Mac, Focus Mode, Shortcuts app, Live Text, and better FaceTime.
macOS Big Sur (11)
Release Date: November 12, 2020
Key Features: Complete UI redesign, Control Center, Notification Center overhaul, Messages and Maps upgrades, native M1 support.
macOS Catalina (10.15)
Release Date: October 7, 2019
Key Features: iTunes split into Music/TV/Podcasts, Sidecar for iPad, Screen Time, improved security, Voice Control.
macOS Mojave (10.14)
Release Date: September 24, 2018
Key Features: Dark Mode, Dynamic Desktop, Desktop Stacks, Continuity Camera, improved Finder Gallery View.
macOS High Sierra (10.13)
Release Date: September 25, 2017
Key Features: APFS file system, HEVC/HEIF support, Metal 2, Photos upgrades, VR and eGPU support.
macOS Sierra (10.12)
Release Date: September 20, 2016
Key Features: Siri on Mac, Auto-Unlock with Apple Watch, Optimized Storage, Apple Pay on Web.
OS X El Capitan (10.11)
Release Date: September 30, 2015
Key Features: Split View, improved Mission Control, Metal graphics, Safari pinned tabs, better Notes.
OS X Yosemite (10.10)
Release Date: October 16, 2014
Key Features: Modern flat design, Handoff & Continuity, iCloud Drive, Mail Markup, Spotlight revamp.
OS X Mavericks (10.9)
Release Date: October 22, 2013
Key Features: First free macOS update, Finder Tabs, Tags, iBooks, Maps, improved battery life.
OS X Mountain Lion (10.8)
Release Date: July 25, 2012
Key Features: Notification Center, Messages, Game Center, Gatekeeper, Dictation.
OS X Lion (10.7)
Release Date: July 20, 2011
Key Features: Launchpad, Mission Control, Auto Save, AirDrop, Resume feature.
Mac OS X Snow Leopard (10.6)
Release Date: August 28, 2009
Key Features: 64-bit support, faster performance, smaller install, Grand Central Dispatch, OpenCL.
Mac OS X Leopard (10.5)
Release Date: October 26, 2007
Key Features: Time Machine, Spaces, Boot Camp, Quick Look, redesigned Dock.
Mac OS X Tiger (10.4)
Release Date: April 29, 2005
Key Features: Spotlight Search, Dashboard Widgets, Automator, Safari RSS.
Mac OS X Panther (10.3)
Release Date: October 24, 2003
Key Features: Exposé, FileVault, updated Finder, improved Fast User Switching.
Mac OS X Jaguar (10.2)
Release Date: August 23, 2002
Key Features: Quartz Extreme, iChat, Mail upgrade, Universal Access tools.
Mac OS X Puma (10.1)
Release Date: September 25, 2001
Key Features: Faster UI, DVD playback, CD burning, improved networking.
Mac OS X Cheetah (10.0)
Release Date: March 24, 2001
Key Features: The first Mac OS X version, introduced Aqua interface and Dock.
Summary Table
| Version | Name | Release Date | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Sequoia | Oct 2024 | iPhone Mirroring, Passwords app |
| 14 | Sonoma | Sept 2023 | Widgets, Game Mode |
| 13 | Ventura | Oct 2022 | Stage Manager, Continuity Camera |
| 12 | Monterey | Oct 2021 | Universal Control, Focus Mode |
| 11 | Big Sur | Nov 2020 | UI Redesign, M1 Support |
| 10.15 | Catalina | Oct 2019 | Sidecar, Music/TV/Podcasts |
| … | … | … | … |
Quick Notes
- Starting with OS X Mavericks (10.9), macOS updates became free.
- Apple switched the branding from “OS X” to “macOS” beginning with macOS Sierra (10.12).
- Version names since Mavericks are inspired by California landmarks.