Mac operating systems have been around since 1984 and have come a long way since then. Here’s a list of every Mac operating system version in order, beginning with the first release.

1984 – Macintosh System 1.0

The very first Mac operating system version was released alongside Apple’s first Macintosh computer. It had a black-and-white interface, pre-installed applications such as MacPaint and MacWrite, and a floppy disk for storage.

1985 – Macintosh System 2.0

The second Mac operating system version introduced many new features that improved the user interface and performance. This included the ability to use folders to organize files and the ability to use menu navigation shortcuts.

1987 – Macintosh System 3.0

The third Mac operating system version included a variety of new features, including support for larger hard drives and the ability to use color graphics.

1988 -Macintosh System 4.0

System 4.0 brought new features to the Macintosh, such as the introduction of AppleShare network file sharing, and new support for mass storage devices like external CD-ROM drives.

1989 – Macintosh System 6.0

The sixth release of the Macintosh operating system included new features such as drag-and-drop functionality, the ability to use larger fonts, and new printing features that made it easy to print to a variety of printers.

1991 – Macintosh System 7.0

System 7 introduced many new features that are still familiar to users of modern Macs today, such as virtual memory support, the ability to have multiple applications open at once, and new networking capabilities.

1995 – MacOS 7.5

MacOS 7.5 introduced new features like the appearance of the Apple menu icon and additional QuickTime technologies.

1997 – MacOS 8.0

MacOS 8 introduced new features such as faster performance and improved memory management. MacOS 8 was a milestone release as it was the first Mac operating system version with an integrated web browser.

1999 – MacOS 8.5 through MacOS 8.6

These releases of Mac operating systems were focused on improving performance and stability. MacOS 8.6 was the final release of MacOS 8.

2000 – MacOS 9.0

MacOS 9.0 introduced a new Apple Platinum interface design, and new features like integrated search functionality. MacOS 9.2.2 was the final release of the MacOS operating system series.

2001 – Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah

Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah was a major release, completely overhauling the Macintosh operating system’s design and architecture, giving users access to an entirely new user interface for their day-to-day computing.

2002 – Mac OS X 10.1 Puma

Mac OS X 10.1 Puma brought speed improvements and numerous bug fixes, making it a stronger, more stable release overall. It also introduced long-awaited features like CD burning and DVD playback.

2003 – Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar

Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar brought numerous new features, including support for the latest hardware, handwriting recognition, enhanced security options, and the ability to use real-time videoconferencing.

2005 – Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger

Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger was another powerful release, introducing new features like Spotlight search functionality, Garageband music creation, Time Machine backup, and Automator for streamlining common workflows.

2007 – Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard introduced an all-new dock design, improved Time Machine backup features, and the introduction of Quick Look to preview and open files from a range of applications.

2009 – Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard

Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard focused on refining the features of the Mac operating system version, optimizing performance with several refinements, and enhancing the support for 64-bit applications.

2011 – Mac OS X 10.7 Lion

Mac OS X 10.7 Lion integrated many iPad features into the Mac operating system, such as the ability to download apps from the App Store, full-screen applications, and Multi-Touch gesture support.

2012 – OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion

OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion brought even more features from the iPad, such as iCloud document storage and AirPlay and Game Center functionality, along with over 200 other new features.

2013 – OS X 10.9 Mavericks

OS X 10.9 Mavericks introduced extensive battery life improvements, improved memory usage, and significant CPU performance optimizations.

2014 – OS X 10.10 Yosemite

OS X 10.10 Yosemite introduced a significant overhaul to the Mac operating system’s design, incorporating a more consistent interface between Macs and iOS devices.

2015 – OS X 10.11 El Capitan

OS X 10.11 El Capitan improved performance and functionality, including split-screen applications, an upgraded Mission Control feature, and improved language localization support.

2016 – macOS 10.12 Sierra

macOS 10.12 Sierra was the first Mac operating system version to fully integrate Siri voice controls, as well as support for Apple’s new file system, APFS.

2017 – macOS 10.13 High Sierra

macOS 10.13 High Sierra introduced HEVC video compression, improved Virtual Reality (VR) support, and series system and security refinements.

2018 – macOS 10.14 Mojave

macOS 10.14 Mojave introduced new features like Dark Mode, system-wide screenshot capabilities, and a redesigned App Store.

2019 – macOS 10.15 Catalina

macOS 10.15 Catalina marked the end of the support for 32-bit applications, introduced Apple Arcade gaming subscription services, and made significant improvements to Mac’s voice control capabilities.

2020 – macOS 11.0 Big Sur

macOS 11.0 Big Sur introduced a fresh design featuring a new Control Center and apps icon redesigns for an elegant, more modern look. It also delivered performance improvements, support for iOS and iPadOS apps on Apple silicon-based Macs, and privacy improvements.