Versions of macOS: All versions, including the most recent one.

Are you curious about the current name of the macOS? Do you want to learn about the upcoming version of macOS? Interested in the previous versions of Mac OS X? In this article, we will provide you with the names and codenames of all versions of the Mac operating system in chronological order, starting from the latest macOS to the initial version of Mac OS X. We will also guide you on how to check your current macOS version and find out about the latest one.

The newest release of macOS, also referred to as macOS 14, is called Sonoma. It was released on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. To learn more, check out our Comprehensive Guide to macOS Sonoma, or macOS 14.

If you need assistance with installing Sonoma, check out these resources: A guide to updating macOS and solutions for Macs that won’t update.

macOS version history

More than 20 years ago, on March 24, 2001, Mac OS X was released. Over the course of these two decades, there have been many changes, both positive and negative. Despite initial issues such as slow performance and lack of compatibility with important apps like Microsoft Word, Mac OS X has undergone numerous updates and redesigns to become what it is today. Notable advancements include seamless integration with iOS devices, the implementation of cloud services, and the introduction of useful features such as Time Machine backups, Quick Look (which allows for document previews without opening the application), and productivity tools like Expose, Spaces, and Desktop Stacks.

To get a general understanding of the characteristics of different versions of Mac operating system and its evolution, please watch our video. If you’re curious about the names and internal codenames Apple used for Mac OS X throughout the years, continue reading.

List of macOS version names and latest versions

An overview of all the versions of macOS and Mac OS X released by Apple is provided. A comprehensive list of the most recent releases of each OS X and macOS version, including their code names and internal names (if applicable), can be found below.

• The beta version of OS X 10, also known as Kodiak, was released on September 13, 2000.

• Version 10.0 of OS X, also known as Cheetah, was released on March 14, 2001. The most recent version is 10.0.4.

• The operating system OS X 10.1, also known as Puma, was released on September 15, 2001. The latest version available is 10.1.5.

• The operating system version OS X 10.2, also known as Jaguar, was released on August 14, 2002. The latest available update for this version is 10.2.8.

• The latest version of OS X 10.3 Panther (also known as Pinot) was released on October 24, 2003, with an updated version 10.3.9.

• The latest version of OS X 10.4, also known as Tiger (code name: Merlot), was released on April 29, 2005 with the latest update being 10.4.11.

• The latest version of OS X Tiger (Chardonnay), 10.4.11, was released on January 10, 2006 for Intel Macs.

• OS X 10.5 Leopard (Chablis) – October 26, 2007 (Latest: 10.5.8)

• The most recent version of OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard was released on August 28, 2009 with the latest update being 10.6.8.

• The latest version of OS X 10.7 Lion (codenamed Barolo) was released on July 20, 2011. The most recent update is 10.7.5.

• OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion (Zinfandel) – July 25, 2012 (Latest: 10.8.5)
• OS X 10.9 Mavericks (Cabernet) – October 22, 2013 (Latest: 10.9.5)
• OS X 10.10: Yosemite (Syrah) – October 16, 2014 (Latest: 10.10.5)

• The latest version of OS X, also known as El Capitan or Gala, was released on September 30, 2015. The most recent update is 10.11.6.

• The latest version of macOS 10.12, also known as Sierra (Fuji), was released on September 20, 2016, with the most recent update being 10.12.6.

• The latest version of macOS, 10.13.6, also known as High Sierra (Lobo), was released on September 25, 2017.

• Mojave (Liberty) was released on September 24, 2018 as version 10.14 of macOS. The latest version is 10.14.6.
• macOS 10.15: Catalina (Jazz) – October 7, 2019 (Latest: 10.15.7, Security Update 2022-005)
• macOS 11: Big Sur (GoldenGate) – November 12, 2020 (Latest: 11.7.10)

• On October 25, 2021, the latest version of macOS, Monterey (also known as Star), was released as version 12. The current version is 12.7.

• macOS 13: Ventura (Rome) – October 24, 2022 (Latest: 13.6)
• The latest version of macOS, Sonoma (also known as Sunburst), will be released on September 25, 2023 as version 14.0.

The complete list of Mac computers that are compatible with each version of macOS can be found here.

You have the option to install a pre-release edition of Sonoma and try out upcoming features that have not been released yet. To install the most recent beta version of macOS, learn about joining Apple’s beta program.

Mac OS X and macOS names

From the given list, it is evident that, except for the initial OS X beta, all Mac operating system versions released between 2001 and 2012 were named after large feline species, ranging from Cheetah to Panther to the last one, Mountain Lion.

However, the publicly released versions were named after large felines, while their internal names were based on types of wine (except for OS X 10.6, which did not have a codename).

Although Apple changed its public code names to locations in California in 2013, it continued to use wine names internally until 2014. However, in 2015, Apple made the decision to switch from using wine names to using types of apples for internal code names. Original.

In 2016, Apple made the decision to consolidate its operating systems under one brand by changing Mac OS X to macOS. This name now aligns with other operating systems such as iOS, tvOS, and watchOS. This paved the way for macOS 11, the next version after Mac OS X, which was released twenty years after the initial beta of Mac OS X.

Which versions of macOS are currently receiving updates?

Currently, Apple continues to provide consistent features and security updates for the latest version of macOS, which is also referred to as Sonoma or macOS 14.

Security updates and bug fixes are also provided for the previous two versions of macOS.If you are running macOS 13 Ventura and macOS 12 Monterey

You will receive consistent security updates.

After Sonoma was introduced, Apple stopped providing support for macOS Big Sur, which was released in 2020. Similarly, with the debut of Ventura in October 2022, Apple discontinued support for Catalina, which was released in 2019. Check out: What is the average lifespan of Macs and MacBooks?

Apple regularly releases updates for its Safari internet browser. The most recent version, Safari 17 (as of September 2023), is only compatible with Monterey, Ventura, or Sonoma operating systems on Mac computers.

Can you determine which version of macOS you are currently using?

To determine your macOS version, click on the Apple logo in the top left corner and select About This Mac. This will display your current macOS version and the latest version installed on your Mac.

The steps to install the most recent version of macOS.

To upgrade your Mac to a more recent macOS version, the approach will depend on the current macOS version installed on your device.

Earlier editions of Mac OS X were distributed on a physical disk, and any necessary security updates were obtained through Software Update. However, since the launch of the Mac App Store in 2011 (as an upgrade to Snow Leopard), users have been able to download versions of Mac OS X and macOS directly from the Mac App Store.

In 2018, the arrival of Mojave brought about a change. Instead of obtaining operating system updates through the Mac App Store, they now come through Software Updates, accessible in either System Settings or System Preferences. This feature allows for automatic downloading and installation of updates, making it easier to keep your Mac current. However, the macOS software can still be found on the Mac App Store.

Certain Mac computers have the capability to automatically update their operating system. If you would like your Mac to have this feature, please follow these instructions:

In the future, specifically in Ventura:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Click on General.

3. Select the option for Software Update.

4. To enable automatic updates on your Mac, select the “i” next to Automatic Updates and ensure that Check for updates, Download new updates when available, and Install macOS updates are checked. This will ensure that your Mac is always running the latest version. If you do not want your Mac to update automatically, simply uncheck these options.

In the areas of Monterey, Big Sur, Mojave, or Catalina:

1. Open System Preferences.

2. Select the option for Software Update.

3. Check the box beside Automatically keep my Mac up to date (or Download new updates when available).

4. Please choose the option to install macOS updates.

In versions prior to High Sierra:

1. Open System Preferences.

2. Select the App Store.

3. Tick the box next to “Automatically check for updates” and the four options below it should also have ticks.

4. Uncheck the box next to Download newly available updates in the background.

Learn about the steps to update your Mac by reading this article.

We maintain a comprehensive record of all iOS versions, including the latest updates and the duration of iPhone support by Apple.

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