A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15.

A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15.

      Apple’s macOS operating system has evolved significantly over the past 25 years, with various features and designs appearing and disappearing as the years went by. The name itself has been altered, beginning as Mac OS X, later becoming OS X, and ultimately adopting the name macOS. The landscape that the initial version occupied back in 2000 is markedly different from what we see today.

      Including the initial public beta, Apple has launched 22 versions of the Mac operating system to date, with new releases now occurring annually. However, this wasn’t always the case, and the journey has included many intriguing updates and changes since the debut of the first version. Let’s explore how macOS has transformed over time.

      **Mac OS X Public Beta (2000)**

      The first public look at Mac OS X, then titled Mac OS X Public Beta, was unveiled in 2000. Codenamed Kodiak, this preview version was available for $29.95 and aimed to collect user feedback.

      One of the most significant advancements compared to earlier Mac operating systems was the introduction of the iconic blue-and-gray Aqua user interface, which Steve Jobs famously claimed looked so appealing that you might want to lick it. Other features included the Dock, the menu bar, and protected memory, along with several applications that remain in use today, such as Mail, Preview, QuickTime, Terminal, and TextEdit.

      **Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah (2001)**

      Just six months after the Public Beta, Apple released the first official version of its new operating system—Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah—in spring 2001. Priced at $129, this full release retained the Aqua interface, with its bubbly blue buttons and translucent menus quickly becoming iconic.

      However, it faced several issues, including subpar performance (even on compliant machines), freezes, and kernel panics. The lack of third-party Mac applications was disappointing, and users found the shiny new interface difficult to navigate.

      Overall, there was a widespread perception that Cheetah was not yet ready for prime time. While its visual style was groundbreaking and set a precedent for future OS X iterations, it likely required additional development time before release.

      **Mac OS X 10.1 Puma (2001)**

      Another six months later, Mac OS X 10.1 (codenamed Puma) was launched. This version included numerous features missing from Mac OS X 10.0, such as DVD playback, improved support for third-party printers, and an Image Capture app for importing photos from digital cameras and scanners.

      Performance enhancements were also a highlight, featuring faster 3D output, an improved AppleScript, and more user-friendly file management. Overall system performance saw considerable improvements.

      Despite its $129 price for new users, Puma was offered as a free update to those who had purchased Cheetah. In January 2002, Apple announced it would be the default Mac operating system, replacing Mac OS 9.

      **Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar (2002)**

      While previous versions of Mac OS X featured internal codenames, Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar became the first to use its codename publicly, making it easier for users to remember. Released a year after Puma, Jaguar introduced many quality-of-life improvements. The Finder was enhanced with a search box, Quartz Extreme improved responsiveness by utilizing the Mac's graphics card for graphics composition, and Universal Access made the system more accessible for users with disabilities.

      Although Jaguar maintained its $129 price for general consumers, Apple offered it for free to K-12 teachers in the U.S.

      **Mac OS X 10.3 Panther (2003)**

      Upon its release in October 2003, Mac OS X 10.3 Panther primarily focused on performance. Apple improved Preview's PDF rendering capabilities, expedited compile times in Xcode, and added FileVault for encryption. The update enhanced compatibility with Microsoft Windows applications and introduced the most significant user interface update since the first version of Mac OS X. The Finder received a new brushed-metal style and customizable sidebar, while Exposé, fast user switching, and built-in fax support were also new additions.

      Panther lasted a full 18 months before being replaced, providing a longer lifespan than earlier Mac OS X versions.

      **Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger (2005)**

      When launched in April 2005, Apple advertised that Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger included over 200 new features, introducing tools and applications still favored by Mac users today. This list included Spotlight, Smart Folders, Smart Mailboxes in Mail, VoiceOver, and Automator. The Dashboard feature lasted for 12 years before its discontinuation.

      Tiger also marked the transition to Intel processors, as Apple began moving away from PowerPC chips. To aid the transition, Tiger included the Rosetta compatibility layer, allowing PowerPC applications to run on Intel hardware. Intel chips

A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15. A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15.

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A list of all macOS versions in sequence: starting from the initial public beta up to macOS 15.

Apple’s Mac operating system has experienced numerous significant changes throughout the years. Below is a list of every version in chronological order, starting from the initial release in 2000 to the current version.