Apple has carefully engineered every macOS release to offer new features, enhanced security, high-quality performance, and smoother workflow for its wide range of gadgets. Suffice it to say the Apple ecosystem makes the most of the latest technologies to develop durable, accessible, and easy-to-use devices.
From the first software publicly released by Apple in 2001 to the latest Ventura version, Mac operating systems have enabled the company to grow as a worldwide leader in technology and trends.
Which macOS Version is Most User-Friendly?
As each user has their preferences and needs, claiming a macOS version to be the most user-friendly may be difficult. However, many customers may find the latest versions preferable thanks to handy new features and improved user interfaces.
While upgrading your macOS to the latest version doesn’t necessarily change the fundamental system of your device, doing so can give you access to more features and services. Since each macOS version has pros and cons, choosing the most user-friendly depends on your lifestyle, work habits, and gadget usage.
But first things first. Following these simple steps, you can find out which macOS your laptop is currently running.
- Click the Apple logo on the menu bar of your device.
- On the drop-down menu, click About This Mac.
- A new window will pop up, indicating your gadget’s macOS version.
The History of macOS Versions
It’s essential to note that macOS, Mac OS X, and OS X all refer to the same operating system available for Apple users. While it may be interchangeable, each term enjoyed exclusive usage by Apple for a particular time. For example, Apple used the name Mac OS X from 2001 to 2011. Apple then used OS X until 2015, when the company introduced the name macOS and released version 10.13.
Each software version update has an accompanying codename for easier recall. Familiarize yourself with each version of the macOS and their codenames with the table below.
| macOS Version | Codename |
| 10 | Cheetah |
| 10.1 | Puma |
| 10.2 | Jaguar |
| 10.3 | Panther |
| 10.4 | Tiger |
| 10.5 | Leopard |
| 10.6 | Snow Leopard |
| 10.7 | Lion |
| 10.8 | Mountain Lion |
| 10.9 | Mavericks |
| 10.10 | Yosemite |
| 10.11 | El Capitan |
| 10.12 | Sierra |
| 10.13 | High Sierra |
| 10.14 | Mojave |
| 10.15 | Catalina |
| 11 | Big Sur |
| 12 | Monterey |
| 13 | Ventura |
To help you decide if the update can make your work more convenient and reliable, below is a list that details all the macOS versions.
1. Mac OS X 10 (Cheetah)
Released on: March 24, 2001
Priced at $129 at the time of release and required 128 MB of RAM, Mac OS 10 was a significant step in introducing a new, modern operating system for Mac users. It included new features such as a customizable dock, multiple-user support, and networking assistance.
However, the software wasn’t compatible with many older Mac devices. This incompatibility required many users to upgrade their hardware, should they choose to run it. This older version also had several system bugs and stability issues.
2. Mac OS X 10.1 (Puma)
Released on: Sept. 25, 2001
The second major release of the macOS system featured the infamous Aqua graphic user interface, design language, and visual theme. Mac OS 10.1 improved the previous version to address the users’ stability and compatibility concerns.
Mac OS 10.1 Puma’s key features included improved networking and internet connectivity support and compatibility with older Mac hardware. It also enhanced support for international languages and added CD burning, DVD playback, and multiple display support services.
3. Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar)
Released on: Aug. 23, 2002
Mac OS 10.2 Jaguar notably introduced a larger number of features and apps, which the Apple community received well. Along with enhanced privacy features and system support of QuickTime, the version also introduced Universal Access, allowing users to enjoy the following applications: Mail, Address Book (now known as Contacts), iCal, and iChat.
4. Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther)
Released on: Oct. 24, 2003
Mac OS 10.3 Panther needed more system requirements, such as 1.5 GB of free disk space or higher, a PowerPC G3, G4, or G5 processor, and a CD-ROM to run. In addition, this version introduced Safari as Apple’s official default web browser to replace the Internet Explorer application for every Mac.
The software update had more than 150 new features to make every device more user-friendly than the previous version. It included an updated Finder interface, supported TextEdit for the Microsoft Word application and .doc documents, and featured a built-in X11 and fax support.
5. Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger)
Released on: April 29, 2005
The Mac OS 10.4 Tiger update marked Apple’s first switch to Intel processors. The new system added over 200 features to the Mac, such as Spotlight and VoiceOver, while enhancing support for Apple’s iCloud services to provide a seamless user experience across different devices.
While Mac OS X Jaguar and Panther users may simply upgrade to Mac OS X Tiger, customers with older versions (Mac OS X Cheetah and Puma) need a device upgrade. Many have also raised concerns about privacy invasion regarding the features of iCloud and automated updates.
6. Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Released on: Oct. 26, 2007
The Mac OS X Leopard came in two editions: a desktop or personal computer and a server version. Reported as one of the upgrades that brought significant changes to the Mac, this version’s features included an improved 3D dock, a stack feature for grouping files, and a new menu bar.
However, this macOS version is only supported by Intel-based Mac devices, requiring users to upgrade their hardware.
7. Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard)
Released on: Aug. 29, 2009
Many viewed Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard as Apple’s response to the release of Windows XP. Its $29 release price was less than half of the older versions, attracting more sales than its predecessors. Featuring the App Store for the first time, this version focused on expanding the 64-bit architecture of devices.
While it came with more features and apps like Preview, Stickies, and Chess apps, Mac OS X Snow Leopard significantly required more system specifications, such as 1 GB of memory, 5 GB of free disk space, a DVD drive, and an Intel-based Mac.
8. Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion)
Released on: July 20, 2011
Apple recorded $1 million in sales when Mac OS 10.7 Lion was released. Many user-friendly enhancements were brought from iOS to the Mac OS, such as multi-touch gestures, a trackpad swipe to access Mission Control, and the Launchpad icon added to the dock. This version also brought vital features like AirDrop, resume function, and Auto Save.
This software update was criticized upon its first release because its “natural scrolling” feature moved the content on the screen upward when users scroll down. But, of course, moving content downward was the standard, as it was how Windows did it.
9. OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
Released on: July 25, 2012
Although it was the last operating system that Apple sold, OS X 10.8 was accessible for users of old Mac models in 2021 for free.
To make the Mac more convenient and efficient for the user’s daily routine, Apple added standard applications from iOS like Notes, Reminders, and Messages. This version also made changes to application names: from Address Book to “Contacts,” from iCal to “Calendar,” and from iChat to “Messages.”
Notably, this OS version introduced the Notification Center and on-screen banners communicating updates for Mac users. iCloud was also improved to sync content in apps like iMessage and Mail across different devices.
10. OS X 10.9 (Mavericks)
Released on: Oct. 22, 2013
Apple has made an active effort to make Mac and Apple products more efficient for work, school, and daily tasks by streamlining its iOS and OS X features. As a result, apps like Maps, iBooks, and Tags launched. The Notification Center also improved to allow users to reply directly to notifications.
OS X 10.9 also saw enhanced privacy features for users and their data with additions like password encryption and storage. This release also featured iCloud Keychain, a password management system that can safely store personal information like credit card details, shipping address, and phone number when filling out forms.
11. OS X 10.10 (Yosemite)
Released on: Oct. 16, 2014
From thin fonts and new color schemes to a flatter graphic design, OS X 10.10 made significant design changes to the Mac interface. This version also enabled users to take iPhone calls from their Mac desktop. New apps and features included Widgets, an Instant hotspot, and the ‘Today View’ section in the Notification Center.
The Safari app also added private browsing mode and established Google as the default search browser.
12. OS X 10.11 (El Capitan)
Released on: Sept. 20, 2015
Apple once again made efficiency and convenience in completing everyday tasks the top priority for improving user experience. For example, OS X 10.11 El Capitan enabled a 40% quicker response time when users opened emails or launched apps.
The Notes app also allowed users to drag and drop files, create checklists, and add files from other apps. At the same time, the Split View feature enabled two apps to appear alongside each other in a dual pane for easier application windows management.
13. macOS 10.12 (Sierra)
Released on: Sept. 20, 2016
Underlining Apple’s efforts to create a seamless user experience across its devices, users with macOS 10.12 Sierra could unlock their desktop with their Apple Watch.
Noteworthy features and improvements for this version are optimized storage, Picture-in-Picture support for Safari and iTunes, and rebranding for the Apple Music application. Apple Pay also came with this version. This mobile payment or digital wallet service allows customers to make payments in person, in iOS apps, and on the web.
Apple’s virtual assistant, Siri, was also integrated to help make users’ life easier. It can answer questions, make recommendations, and perform tasks using voice queries and natural-language user interactions.
14. macOS 10.13 (High Sierra)
Released on: Sept. 25, 2017
macOS 10.13 High Sierra mainly focused on enhancing basic video, data, and graphics for its users. The Photos app gained new editing tools and improved recognition. Improvements to the Safari app allowed auto-play blocking for videos and an always-on option for Safari readers.
This version also added a new video standard called High-Efficiency Image File (HEIC) and New High-Efficiency Video Encoding (HEVC), while the Apple File System (APFS) replaced HFS+ for newer versions.
15. macOS 10.14 (Mojave)
Released on: Sept. 24, 2018
macOS 10.14 Mojave allowed users to get more personalized desktop interfaces with the system-wide Dark Mode and Dynamic Desktop option that features changing wallpapers. This version also enabled users to organize desktop files by category and added Quick Actions and a Quick Look view in Finder for more convenient access to applications.
16. macOS 10.15 (Catalina)
Released on: Oct. 7, 2019
macOS 10.15 Catalina divided iTunes into three apps centered on media content: Music, Podcasts, and Movies. This version improved the Photos, Notes, Reminders, and Mail apps. Sidecar is a new feature that allows your iPad screen to connect to your Mac to synchronize your files and content across different devices.
17. macOS 11 (Big Sur)
Released on: Nov. 12, 2020
The macOS 11 Big Sur launch came with Mac’s transition to Apple’s M1 chip and more design changes for an enhanced user interface. For example, the improved Messages app lets users pin up to nine conversations at the top of their messages for convenience and accessibility.
Apple also significantly improved Mac’s privacy and security with Safari’s password monitoring feature, checking for compromised passwords from a data breach. Plus, it included a Privacy toolbar button to view web trackers and give a full privacy report.
18. macOS 12 (Monterey)
Released on: Oct. 25, 2021
Many Apple users love the macOS 12 Monterey update for a good reason. Everyday tasks are more convenient with the Quick Note function in Notes and the Focus feature that allows customers to enable or disable specific apps and notifications.
A notable feature of the macOS 12 Monterey update is the Automator app. The productivity app, similar to the Shortcuts app available for iOS and iPadOS, is a built-in tool that allows you to create automated workflows by creating custom shortcuts that perform a series of actions like converting audio files to a different format or sending an email.
19. macOS 13 (Ventura)
Released on: Oct. 24, 2022
MacOS 13 Ventura introduces a new feature called Stage Manager. This functionality automatically organizes active windows into a working stack that is accessible on the left side of the screen. The Camera app also gets an upgrade with the Continuity Camera, which allows you to use your iPhone, iPad, or iPod as a wireless camera for your Mac.
Messages may now be edited, unsent, or marked as unread in the iMessages app. In addition, the current Mail app’s improvements include search and suggestion capabilities and the highly anticipated Undo Send feature.
Get the Best macOS for Your Mac
While it wouldn’t hurt to get updated features from the latest macOS version, every version’s design assures you of a better and smoother system at every update.
The Mac only gets better and more user-friendly with each update—engineered to make your work, rest, and life more efficient and rewarding.
Apple understands that each individual has their preferences, wants, and needs. The best part is you can toggle most of these features on or off, allowing you to get more personalized with your device and discover what works best for you.
