We’ve compiled a definitive list of all versions of the Mac OS X and macOS, ever. That’s right, from the very first mac OS, all the way through to the latest and greatest. As a bonus, we’ll even tell you how to find out what OS you’re currently running and how to upgrade it.
Apple and Mac devices working perfectly
Want to know the name of the latest macOS? Are you interested in the past names too? Not only will we show you all the names for Mac OS X through to the newest macOS, but we’ll also give you Apple’s codenames. If that’s not enough, we will tell you how to find out what system you are running and what the latest macOS is.
So, for the next macOS, what has Apple chosen to go with? Well, we can confirm it will be called Big Sur. It will also be macOS version 11, not 10.16 as many expected!
Apple launched the very first Mac OS X in September 2000. That’s 20 years ago! Twenty years is a big deal, and we are hoping Apple comes to the party and delivers an exciting new macOS to mark this momentous occasion.
However, right now, we are interested in the past, not the future. We are going to look at the naming structure of Mac OS X, including the internal code names used by Apple.
Complete List of macOS versions
Here is our comprehensive list of all versions of macOS and Mac OS X ever released by Apple. We give you the codenames as well as the internal codenames. Here we go:
• Kodak (OS X 10 beta): 13 Sep ’00
• Cheetah (OS X 10.0): 24 Mar ’01
• Puma, (OS X 10.1): 25 Sep ’01
• Jaguar, (OS X 10.2): 24 August ’02
• Panther, (OS X 10.3): Pinot, 24 Oct ’03
• Tiger, (OS X 10.4): Merlot, 29 Ap ’05
• [Tiger, OS X 10.4.4: Chardonnay, intel edition]
• Leopard, (OS X 10.5): Chablis, 26 Oct ’07
• Snow Leopard, (OS X 10.6): No Codename 28 Aug ’09
• Lion, (OS X 10.7): Barolo, 20 Jul ’11
• Mountain Lion, (OS X 10.8): Zinfandel, 25 Jul ’12
• Mavericks, (OS X 10.9):Cabernet, 22 Oct ’13
• Yosemite, (OS X 10.10): Syrah, 16 Oct ’14
• El Capitan, (OS X 10.11): Gala, 30 Sep ’15
• Sierra, (macOS 10.12): Fuji, 20 Sep ’16
• High Sierra, (macOS 10.13): Lobo, 25 Sep ’17
• Mojave, (macOS 10.14): Liberty, 24 Sep ’18
• Catalina, (macOS 10.15): Jazz, 7 Oct ’19
• Big Sur, (macOS 11): Big Sur – not released yet
Mac OS X & macOS names
If you look at the list above, it is easy to spot a pattern in the naming conventions. All versions of macOS from 2001 to 2012 were named after big cats for their public release. However, internally codenames corresponding to wines were used instead, apart from OS X 10.6 and macOS 10.13, which had no internal code names.
When Apple ran out of big cat names in 2013, they took inspiration from Californian geography. It took another two years before they also opted to change their internal codenames. In 2015, instead of naming macOS after wine, they now used different varieties of apples. We’re looking forward to the day when the Granny Smith OS is in development :-)
With an ever-increasing array of products and operating systems, Apple decided to rebrand Mac OS X. With the release of Sierra in 2016, its name became macOS to align with iOS, watchOS and tvOS.
Unsure what the most current version of macOS is? If it’s too much effort to scroll up and check our list, let me remind you. It’s macOS 10.15, known as Catalina. Autumn 2020 will bring the release of Apple’s latest macOS Big Sur which is macOS 11.
If you are unsure which macOS you are currently running; it’s easy to find out. Simply click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of the screen and select About This Mac. You should now see a pop-up screen that shows what macOS you are running as well as your processor and memory info.
How to update to the newest macOS
Once you know what macOS you are running, you might want to install an update. The method for installing a new OS varies depending on the version you are running. However, we strongly recommend you perform a back up of your Mac before updating your macOS.
Newer versions of the macOS update via Systems Preferences > Software Update. The older versions update through the Mac App Store.
Upgrading to Catalina from Mojave?
To upgrade go to System Preferences, select Software Update and look for macOS Catalina. Click Upgrade Now.
Upgrading to Catalina from older macOS?
For all older versions of macOS, you need to upgrade via the App Store. If you are running Lion (10.7) or Mountain Lion (10.8), you will need to upgrade to El Capitan (10.11) before you can upgrade to Catalina.
For all mac upgrades, if you don’t have broadband access or the technology is too much, you can go to any Apple Store and upgrade your Mac onsite.
MacOS Updates and Security Fixes
It doesn’t matter which macOS you are running; it’s still essential to install all the latest security fixes and updates. Usually, Apple releases several OS updates throughout the year. Your machine should let you know when one is available.
To make life easier, you can set your Mac to update automatically. It is very straightforward to set up this function. There are four simple steps.
In Mojave or Catalina:
1. Open System Preferences.
2. Click on Software Update.
3. Check the box for Download new updates when available.
4. Now select the box Install macOS updates.
In High Sierra or earlier:
1. Open System Preferences.
2. Click on App Store.
3. Check the box for Automatically check for updates – it should have a tick in it as should the four options below that.
4. Now deselect the box beside Download
Do you need a fix for your Mac? Get in touch with us!
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You may find useful this guide: [su_button url=”https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/welcome/mac” target=”blank” size=”4″ icon_color=”#ffffff”]macOS User Guide[/su_button]