Complete List of macOS Versions (2001–2026)
From the revolutionary debut of Mac OS X in 2001 to the cutting-edge capabilities of macOS Tahoe, Apple’s desktop operating system has undergone a remarkable transformation. This timeline captures the major milestones, key feature introductions, and the evolution of the platform that powers the Mac experience today.
Liquid Glass design, expanded Continuity with Phone app, massive Spotlight update, Apple Intelligence, and dedicated Games app.
iPhone Mirroring, Passwords app, smarter Spotlight, AI writing tools, tighter Continuity integration.
Desktop widgets, Game Mode, Presenter Overlay, Safari profiles, performance boosts.
Stage Manager, Continuity Camera, FaceTime Handoff, redesigned System Settings, Mail undo/send-later.
Universal Control, AirPlay to Mac, Focus Mode, Shortcuts app, Live Text, better FaceTime.
UI redesign, Control Center, Notification Center overhaul, Messages/Maps upgrades, native M1 support.
iTunes split, Sidecar, Screen Time, improved security, Voice Control.
Dark Mode, Dynamic Desktop, Desktop Stacks, Continuity Camera, Gallery View.
APFS, HEVC/HEIF support, Metal 2, Photos upgrades, VR/eGPU support.
Siri on Mac, Auto-Unlock, Optimized Storage, Apple Pay on Web.
Split View, Mission Control, Metal graphics, Safari pinned tabs, better Notes.
Flat design, Handoff & Continuity, iCloud Drive, Mail Markup, Spotlight.
First free update, Finder Tabs, Tags, iBooks, Maps, battery life.
Notification Center, Messages, Game Center, Gatekeeper, Dictation.
Launchpad, Mission Control, Auto Save, AirDrop, Resume.
64-bit support, performance, smaller install, GCD, OpenCL.
Time Machine, Spaces, Boot Camp, Quick Look, redesigned Dock.
Spotlight, Dashboard, Automator, Safari RSS.
Exposé, FileVault, updated Finder, Fast User Switching.
Quartz Extreme, iChat, Mail, Universal Access.
Faster UI, DVD, CD burning, networking.
First version, introduced Aqua interface and Dock.
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.