Mac OS as we know it has been around for more than 20 years. Like any other computer, Mac has had a variety of operating systems over its lifetime. That operating system allows us to see computer interfaces as simply as we have grown accustomed to.
In those 20+ years, there have been a plethora of Mac OS versions. While there is not enough space to cover them all, these are the most notable versions of Mac OS.
Mac OS X 10.0 (Cheetah)
Whenever you look at Mac operating systems in order, this is going to be the version that starts the list. There have been many achievements throughout the history of technology, but the implementation of the Mac OS X has got to be near the top of most lists.
Launched in March 2001, the Aqua interface came to life with Mac OS X Cheetah. In terms of 2D and 3D graphical interfaces, this was a huge leap forward. Though the graphics improvements were worlds better, Cheetah was very slow attempting to keep up. From that point, it created a focus on performance rather than appearance for future Mac OS releases.
Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther)
This is a major milestone regarding Mac OS updates. This version of OS X introduced Safari, the first official web browser from Apple in order to replace Internet Explorer. Safari was actually available on a prior iteration (Jaguar) but this is the first version that made Safari the default browser.
Panther also introduced more than 150 new features like Xcode enhancements, Font Book, and a plethora of others. Cheetah walked so that Panther could run, creating a more comprehensive feel for Mac users while making many aspects a lot easier.
OS X 10.10 (Yosemite)
Though there have been versions between Panther and Yosemite that had major changes, this is perhaps the biggest in years. Yosemite saw a huge shift in design in both big and small items. Thin fonts, new color schemes, and a shift toward a flat graphic design better suited the overall design of iOS.
Yosemite also introduced Continuity and Handoff, underscoring Mac OS X’s intention of creating a better overall user experience. Many of the releases between 10.10 and 12 (below) featured some cool changes but Yosemite marked a huge shift from earlier versions of Mac OS to the more modern appearance that Mac users are familiar with today. If you want to see times when Apple went out on a limb creatively, Yosemite is a good place to start.
macOS 12 (Monterey)
Released in the fall of 2021, this is an important update because it introduced the concept of Shortcuts. These shortcuts give the ability to set up quick actions using different apps, creating a smoother, more automated flow.
The Universal Control tool was also introduced, giving users the ability to seamlessly transition from a Mac to other iOS devices. FaceTime got a plethora of enhancements and even Safari saw a major redesign change with the addition of tab groups. Monterey set the stage for current Mac OS interations.
macOS 14 (Sonoma)
The very latest version of Mac OS. There are a handful of improvements from earlier versions, including the ability to add and interact with widgets right there on the desktop. Websites can be treated as standalone apps as well.
Reaction effects, new games, and a new presenter view on video calls are all new additions. This update isn’t reinventing the wheel, just making an already good thing better. New releases tend to come out a bit more frequently than they did initially as well.
