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System 1.0
First Macintosh OS. Introduced graphical user interface (GUI), windows, icons, and mouse navigatio revolutionary for its time -
System 2.0
Improved Finder and system performance. Early support for LaserWriter printers and AppleTalk networking -
System 3.0
Enhanced support for external hard drives and better memory handling -
System 4.0
Released with Macintosh SE and II. Brought better support for color displays and hard disk management -
System 6.0
Considered one of the most stable early Mac OS versions. Introduced MultiFinder for cooperative multitasking -
System 7.0
Major leap forward: virtual memory, personal file sharing, better interface, QuickTime support, and improved color capabilities -
Mac OS 8
New interface, multithreading, and improved Internet capabilities. Aimed to modernize the aging classic system -
Mac OS 9
Final classic Mac OS. Introduced Keychain password management, Sherlock 2 for search, and software update system. Laid the groundwork for Mac OS X -
Mac OS X 10.0 (Cheetah)
Entirely new OS built on Unix (Darwin). Introduced Aqua interface with translucent windows and the Dock. Early versions were slow but innovative -
Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar)
Major performance boost. Introduced Quartz Extreme (GPU acceleration), iChat, Universal Access, and Junk Mail filtering in Mail -
Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther)
New features like Exposé (window management), FileVault (encryption), improved Finder with fast search, and native Microsoft Active Directory support -
Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger)
Introduced Spotlight search, Dashboard widgets, Automator for scripting tasks, and first partial support for Intel Macs -
Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Time Machine for backups, Boot Camp for Windows, new Dock, Spaces for virtual desktops, and full 64-bit support -
Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard)
Focused on optimization and speed. Dropped PowerPC support, introduced Grand Central Dispatch and OpenCL for better CPU/GPU usage -
Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion)
Inspired by iOS: full-screen apps, Launchpad, Mission Control, Auto Save, and early iCloud features -
OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
Unified Mac and iOS experiences: Messages, Notification Center, Game Center, AirPlay Mirroring, Gatekeeper for security -
OS X 10.9 (Mavericks)
First free Mac OS update. Added Finder tabs, Tags, enhanced multiple display support, and significant energy-saving improvements -
OS X 10.10 (Yosemite)
Major redesign to match iOS 7’s flat look. Added Handoff, Continuity, iCloud Drive, and improved Spotlight with web results -
OS X 10.11 (El Capitan)
Improved performance and stability. Introduced Split View, new system font (San Francisco), and Metal for graphics rendering -
macOS 10.12 (Sierra)
Rebranding from OS X to macOS. Added Siri, Auto Unlock with Apple Watch, Universal Clipboard, and iCloud Desktop/Docs -
macOS 10.13 (High Sierra)
Introduced APFS (Apple File System), HEVC (H.265) video support, and Metal 2. Focused on underlying technologie -
macOS 10.14 (Mojave)
Added Dark Mode, Dynamic Desktop, Stacks for desktop organization, and better App Store. Strengthened security -
macOS 10.15 (Catalina)
Broke up iTunes into Music, TV, and Podcasts apps, introduced Sidecar (use iPad as a second display), ended support for 32-bit apps -
macOS 11 (Big Sur)
First version to support Apple Silicon (M1 chips). Complete visual redesign, Control Center, and faster Safari -
macOS 12 (Monterey)
Introduced Universal Control, Shortcuts app, AirPlay to Mac, and Focus Modes. Expanded privacy tools -
macOS 13 (Ventura)
Introduced Stage Manager for multitasking, Continuity Camera (use iPhone as webcam), Passkeys, and upgrades to Mail and Spotlight -
macOS 14 (Sonoma)
Interactive desktop widgets, Game Mode to boost gaming performance, enhanced video conferencing, and Safari Profiles for separating work/personal browsing