-
First Macintosh OS. Introduced graphical user interface (GUI), windows, icons, and mouse navigatio revolutionary for its time
-
Improved Finder and system performance. Early support for LaserWriter printers and AppleTalk networking
-
Enhanced support for external hard drives and better memory handling
-
Released with Macintosh SE and II. Brought better support for color displays and hard disk management
-
Considered one of the most stable early Mac OS versions. Introduced MultiFinder for cooperative multitasking
-
Major leap forward: virtual memory, personal file sharing, better interface, QuickTime support, and improved color capabilities
-
New interface, multithreading, and improved Internet capabilities. Aimed to modernize the aging classic system
-
Final classic Mac OS. Introduced Keychain password management, Sherlock 2 for search, and software update system. Laid the groundwork for Mac OS X
-
Entirely new OS built on Unix (Darwin). Introduced Aqua interface with translucent windows and the Dock. Early versions were slow but innovative
-
Major performance boost. Introduced Quartz Extreme (GPU acceleration), iChat, Universal Access, and Junk Mail filtering in Mail
-
New features like Exposé (window management), FileVault (encryption), improved Finder with fast search, and native Microsoft Active Directory support
-
Introduced Spotlight search, Dashboard widgets, Automator for scripting tasks, and first partial support for Intel Macs
-
Time Machine for backups, Boot Camp for Windows, new Dock, Spaces for virtual desktops, and full 64-bit support
-
Focused on optimization and speed. Dropped PowerPC support, introduced Grand Central Dispatch and OpenCL for better CPU/GPU usage
-
Inspired by iOS: full-screen apps, Launchpad, Mission Control, Auto Save, and early iCloud features
-
Unified Mac and iOS experiences: Messages, Notification Center, Game Center, AirPlay Mirroring, Gatekeeper for security
-
First free Mac OS update. Added Finder tabs, Tags, enhanced multiple display support, and significant energy-saving improvements
-
Major redesign to match iOS 7’s flat look. Added Handoff, Continuity, iCloud Drive, and improved Spotlight with web results
-
Improved performance and stability. Introduced Split View, new system font (San Francisco), and Metal for graphics rendering
-
Rebranding from OS X to macOS. Added Siri, Auto Unlock with Apple Watch, Universal Clipboard, and iCloud Desktop/Docs
-
Introduced APFS (Apple File System), HEVC (H.265) video support, and Metal 2. Focused on underlying technologie
-
Added Dark Mode, Dynamic Desktop, Stacks for desktop organization, and better App Store. Strengthened security
-
Broke up iTunes into Music, TV, and Podcasts apps, introduced Sidecar (use iPad as a second display), ended support for 32-bit apps
-
First version to support Apple Silicon (M1 chips). Complete visual redesign, Control Center, and faster Safari
-
Introduced Universal Control, Shortcuts app, AirPlay to Mac, and Focus Modes. Expanded privacy tools
-
Introduced Stage Manager for multitasking, Continuity Camera (use iPhone as webcam), Passkeys, and upgrades to Mail and Spotlight
-
Interactive desktop widgets, Game Mode to boost gaming performance, enhanced video conferencing, and Safari Profiles for separating work/personal browsing