macOS Versions: Full List, Latest Updates & Best Choice

macOS is the heart of the Mac experience. Since its debut in 2001, the operating system has undergone countless transformations—in name, design, performance, and integration with the Apple ecosystem. Whether you want to identify your current macOS version, explore the latest updates, or decide which macOS version is best for your Mac, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.

Latest macOS version: macOS 15 Sequoia

Released in September 2024, macOS 15 Sequoia is Apple’s most advanced macOS yet, packed with AI-powered tools and seamless cross-device integration.

Key Features:

• Apple Intelligence: AI-driven features like summarizing documents, generating images from text prompts, and enhanced Siri natural language understanding. (Requires Apple Silicon M1 or later.)
• iPhone Mirroring: Control your iPhone directly from your Mac, even when the phone is locked.
• Passwords App: A dedicated app to manage passwords and Wi-Fi credentials securely, with iCloud syncing and potential Windows support.
• Interactive Desktop Widgets: Place and interact with widgets anywhere on your desktop for quick access.
• Unified Notifications: iPhone notifications appear seamlessly on your Mac.
• Enhanced Privacy & Performance: Optimized for Apple Silicon chips (M1, M2, M3, M4), with improved battery management and privacy controls.
• Messaging Enhancements: Support for bold/italic text, tapbacks, scheduled messages, stickers, and animated effects.

Impact: macOS Sequoia pushes the Mac ecosystem forward with smart automation and tighter integration, making it ideal for users with Apple Silicon Macs who want the latest AI features.

A quick look: all major macOS versions until 2025

Version	Codename	Release Date	Notable Features
Mac OS X 10.0	Cheetah	Mar 2001	Aqua interface debut, Dock, new architecture
Mac OS X 10.1	Puma	Sep 2001	Faster performance, DVD playback
Mac OS X 10.2	Jaguar	Aug 2002	Quartz Extreme, iChat, Address Book
Mac OS X 10.3	Panther	Oct 2003	Exposé, FileVault, improved Finder
Mac OS X 10.4	Tiger	Apr 2005	Spotlight, Dashboard, Safari RSS
Mac OS X 10.5	Leopard	Oct 2007	Time Machine, Spaces, 64-bit support
Mac OS X 10.6	Snow Leopard	Aug 2009	Speed & stability, Grand Central Dispatch
Mac OS X 10.7	Lion	Jul 2011	Launchpad, Auto Save, Resume
OS X 10.8	Mountain Lion	Jul 2012	Notification Center, AirPlay Mirroring
OS X 10.9	Mavericks	Oct 2013	Maps, iBooks, better power efficiency
OS X 10.10	Yosemite	Oct 2014	Continuity, Handoff, flat design
OS X 10.11	El Capitan	Sep 2015	Split View, Metal API, performance tweaks
macOS 10.12	Sierra	Sep 2016	Siri on Mac, Apple Pay, iCloud Drive
macOS 10.13	High Sierra	Sep 2017	APFS, HEVC support, better Photos app
macOS 10.14	Mojave	Sep 2018	Dark Mode, Dynamic Desktop, improved Finder
macOS 10.15	Catalina	Oct 2019	64-bit only, Sidecar, Apple Music app
macOS 11.0	Big Sur	Nov 2020	Visual overhaul, Control Center, M1 support
macOS 12.0	Monterey	Oct 2021	Universal Control, Focus, Shortcuts app
macOS 13.0	Ventura	Oct 2022	Stage Manager, Continuity Camera, Metal 3
macOS 14.0	Sonoma	Sep 2023	Desktop widgets, Game Mode, Presenter Overlay
macOS 15.0	Sequoia	Fall 2024	iPhone Mirroring, Apple Intelligence

The best macOS version: Sequoia

Choosing the “best” macOS depends on your Mac model and workflow. If you’re on Apple Silicon, macOS Sequoia is a top-tier pick thanks to:

• Its AI-driven assistant tools
• Enhanced productivity features
• Seamless iPhone integration

On a side note, for Intel Macs, macOS 11 Big Sur still holds strong as a stable and performance-friendly version with modern design and key security upgrades.

The worst macOS version: macOS Catalina

While it introduced many security upgrades and broke from 32-bit apps, Catalina remains one of the most criticized versions:

• Dropped 32-bit app support without transitional options
• App permission issues and privacy prompts were overwhelming
• iTunes was split into 3 apps, confusing many users
• Reports of instability and performance drops

Catalina may have paved the way for future improvements, but its rollout was rocky for many.

How to choose the right macOS version

• On Apple Silicon? Stick with Sequoia, Sonoma, or Ventura for the best performance.
• Need maximum stability? Monterey or Big Sur are proven and reliable.
• On older Macs? Mojave or High Sierra offer good compatibility and legacy support.

Always check your Mac’s compatibility using Apple’s official list.

How to check which macOS version you have?

Not sure which macOS version is installed on your Mac? There are two main ways to check your macOS version: using the graphical interface or the Terminal.

1. Check macOS Version Using the Graphical Interface (About This Mac)

This is the easiest and most common method, suitable for all users:

• Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
• Select About This Mac from the dropdown menu.

A window will appear showing:

• The macOS name (e.g., Sonoma, Sequoia) at the top.
• The version number below the name (e.g., 14.5, 15.0).
• Your Mac model and chip type (Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3/M4 or Intel).

This window also provides quick access to Software Update if you want to check for or install the latest macOS version.

2. Check macOS Version Using the Terminal

For power users or those comfortable with command-line tools, the Terminal provides a quick way to check detailed macOS version information:

• Open Terminal (found in Applications > Utilities or search via Spotlight).
• Type the following command and press Enter: sw_vers

The output will display three pieces of information:

• ProductName: macOS
• ProductVersion: 15.0
• BuildVersion: 24A335

Here, ProductVersion shows the exact macOS version number. Note that this command does not show the marketing name (like “Sequoia” or “Sonoma”), only the version number.

You can also get just the major and minor version (e.g., 15.0) with: sw_vers -productVersion | cut -d ‘.’ -f 1,2

Additional Tips

The macOS version number follows a major.minor.patch format. For example, in version 14.5.1:

• 14 = major version (Sonoma)
• 5 = minor update
• 1 = patch or security update

If you want to check for available macOS updates via Terminal, use: softwareupdate -l

To install updates via Terminal, use: sudo softwareupdate -i -a

How to upgrade or clean install macOS

Upgrading macOS

• Back up your data using Time Machine or another backup method.
• Open System Settings > General > Software Update.
• If an update is available, click Download and Install.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade.

Clean Install (Fresh Start)

A clean install erases your Mac and installs a fresh copy of macOS. This can solve persistent issues or improve performance. Steps:

• Back up your Mac thoroughly.
• Create a bootable USB installer for the desired macOS version (see Apple’s official guide).
• Restart your Mac and hold the Option (⌥) key during startup.
• Select the USB installer from the boot menu.
• Open Disk Utility and erase your startup disk.
• Install macOS from the USB installer.

Warning: Clean installs delete all your data. Make sure your backup is complete.

What if your Mac can’t run the latest macOS?

If your Mac is too old to support Sequoia or Sonoma, don’t worry. You can continue using the latest compatible version for your hardware, such as Mojave, High Sierra, or Catalina, but be aware that older versions may no longer receive security updates.

Advanced option: Some users use community tools like OpenCore Legacy Patcher to install newer macOS versions on unsupported Macs. This is not officially supported by Apple and can be risky.

Troubleshooting macOS upgrades

Not enough free space?
Free up storage by deleting large files or moving data to an external drive.

Installer won’t launch?
Check your Mac’s date and time settings, and try re-downloading the installer.

Mac stuck on black screen during install?
Reset NVRAM or try booting in Safe Mode (hold Shift during startup).

Slow upgrade process?
Ensure a stable internet connection and avoid using your Mac during installation.

For detailed fixes, see our macOS upgrade troubleshooting guide.

macOS version FAQs

Is there any difference between Mac OS X and macOS?

“OS X” was the name Apple used for its Mac operating system versions from 2001 to 2016. Starting with macOS Sierra (10.12), Apple rebranded it to “macOS” to align with its other OS names like iOS and watchOS.

How do I know if I’m running the latest macOS?

Go to Apple menu > About This Mac > Software Update. It will show if you have the latest version or if an update is available.

Which macOS version is the fastest?

For older Macs, macOS High Sierra or Mojave are known for speed. On Apple Silicon Macs, Sonoma and Sequoia offer the fastest and most optimized experience due to better hardware integration and AI enhancements.

Will my Mac run macOS Sequoia?

macOS Sequoia is compatible with most Macs released from 2018 onward. Officially supported models include:

• iMac (2019 and later)
• iMac Pro (2017)
• Mac Pro (2019 and later)
• Mac mini (2018 and later)
• MacBook Air (2020 and later)
• MacBook Pro (2018 and later)
• Mac Studio (2022 and later)

Both Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) and select Intel-based Macs are supported. You can check your model by going to Apple Menu > About This Mac.

How do I update to the latest version of macOS?

Head to System Settings > General > Software Update, and click Update Now. For major upgrades, ensure your Mac is compatible and backed up.

What is the oldest macOS that’s still supported?

As of 2025, macOS Monterey (12) is the oldest version still receiving security updates from Apple. Catalina (10.15) and older versions are no longer officially supported.

What version of macOS is no longer supported?

Anything below macOS Big Sur (11) is considered legacy and no longer receives security updates. Using these could expose your Mac to vulnerabilities.

Why should you keep macOS updated?

Updating ensures:

• Better security with the latest patches
• Compatibility with apps
• Improved performance and stability
• Access to new features like iPhone Mirroring or Apple Intelligence

Are macOS updates free?

Yes, most macOS updates are available for free to download and run. Major updates, on the other hand (such as upgrading from mac operating system Monterey (12) to mac operating system 15 Sequoia), may necessitate a significant amount of storage space and may take some time to download and install.

Is it possible to continue using an earlier version of macOS?

Certainly, if your Mac hardware supports it, you can still use an earlier version of macOS. However, Apple may discontinue offering security upgrades and bug fixes for older mac operating system versions, possibly leaving them susceptible to security risks.

Can I install macOS on any Mac?

No. Each macOS version supports specific Mac models. Older Macs may not support the latest versions due to hardware limitations. Always check compatibility before upgrading.

Can I downgrade macOS if I don’t like the new version?

Yes, but downgrading requires erasing your Mac and reinstalling an older macOS version. Always back up your data before attempting.

How often does Apple release new macOS versions?

Apple typically releases a major new macOS version annually, usually in the fall, alongside new hardware announcements.

Is it safe to upgrade to the latest macOS right away?

While most upgrades are smooth, it’s wise to wait a few weeks after release to ensure any bugs are fixed. Always back up your data before upgrading.

Can I run Windows or Linux alongside macOS?

Yes. Macs support dual-booting or virtualization software like Parallels Desktop, allowing you to run Windows or Linux alongside macOS.

Final thoughts: the ever-improving macOS

macOS continues to evolve toward a smarter, more unified, and privacy-focused experience. Whether you’re looking for peak performance, modern features, or compatibility with your existing setup, knowing the full macOS landscape helps you make the right upgrade choice.

At TheSweetBits, we spotlight hidden gems and tools that shine brightest on the best versions of macOS. Stay tuned for app recommendations, optimization tips, and AI-powered enhancements to keep your Mac experience smooth and powerful.

Related reads:

• Best Mac System Monitor Apps
• macOS Upgrade: Not Enough Free Space Fix
• Best Mac Optimization Software for 2025
• The Ultimate Guide to Mac Backup

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