At PowerMax, we sell new and used Macs. Our used Macs often come with previous versions of Mac OS X, and our customers sometimes would like to know what the differences are between different versions. The following article is a synopsis of each major OS X version since OS X 10.4 Tiger. Before upgrading any Macintosh, iPad, or iPhone, we recommend talking to a PowerMax representative to ensure your entire system operates the way you want it to.
Below is a list of the different versions of OS X, along with their code names. Mac OS X 10.0 (Cheetah) Mac OS X 10.1 (Puma) Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar) Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther) Mac OS X 10.4; Mac OS X 10.5; Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) Mac OS X 10.7; OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) OS X 10.9; OS X 10.10. Below the break is a table showing all major releases of OS X from the public beta through the latest public version, which is OS X Lion 10.7.3 as of February 1, 2012. Note that this release marks the 63rd release of OS X (counting both major and minor versions, and skipping two ill-fated updates).
OS X 10.4 Tiger
- Tiger was the first version of OS X to run on Intel processors
- PPC hardware running Tiger is also able to run older OS 9 software using Classic
- Introduced Spotlight
- Latest version is 10.4.11
*iTunes 9.2.1 is the latest version for Tiger and is not compatible with iOS 4.2 or higher
OS X 10.5 Leopard
- Leopard was the last version of OS X to run on PPC hardware
- Time Machine was introduced in Leopard
- The ability to use OS 9 programs with Classic has been removed
- Latest version is 10.5.8
*iTunes 10.6.3 is the latest version for Leopard and is not compatible with iOS 8 or higher
OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
- Snow Leopard was the first version of OS X to only support Intel processors and was the first to be 64bit
- Has Rosetta which allows older software written for PPC to run on Intel
- Introduced the App Store which allows further OS X upgrades
- Latest version is 10.6.8
- A DVD of Snow Leopard 10.6.3 can be purchased here
*iTunes 11.4 is the latest version for Snow Leopard and is not compatible with iOS 9
OS X 10.7 Lion
Order Of Mac Os Versions
- First version of OS X to be download only through the App Store and isn't available on a disc
- Last version of OS X to support Intel machines with 32bit EFI
- The ability to run PPC software is completely gone
- Introduced iCloud to OS X
- Apps that support it can use new Full Screen mode
- Latest version is 10.7.5
- App Store code to download can be purchased here
Reformat ntfs to mac. *iTunes 12.2.2 is the latest version for Lion and doesn't officially support iOS 9 but does work
OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion
- First version of OS X to be fully 64bit
- Introduced Notifications, documents in iCloud, Gatekeeper, AirPlay mirroring, and Reminders/Notes apps
- Latest version is 10.8.5
- App Store code to download can be purchased here
See Full List On Support.apple.com
OS X 10.9 Mavericks
- It was the first free version of OS X and also the first to discontinue the cat-naming scheme of previous versions
- Introduced iBooks and Maps apps
- Added the ability to organize files and folders with Tags
- Better multi-display support
- Tabs in Finder
- iCloud Keychain
- Latest version is 10.9.5
OS X 10.10 Yosemite
- Redesigned to look more like iOS
- More info in Notification Center
- New and improved Spotlight
- Introduced MailDrop which allows attachments up to 5GB to be sent via email
- Introduced Mail Markups which allows doing minor edits to attached images in Mail
- Introduced Handoff which allows answering calls from an iPhone on your computer (only certain models of computers and iPhones support this, click here for more info)
- Version 10.10.3 introduced the ability to use external 4K displays at 60Hz (only certain models support this) and the Photos app which has replaced iPhoto
- Latest version is 10.10.5
OS X 10.11 El Capitan
- Introduced on September 30, 2015
- New system font, San Fransisco
- Allows using 2 apps at the same time full screen with new Split View mode
- Moving the mouse quickly now makes the cursor grow larger if you've lost it on screen
- Introduced Metal, a new graphics API with better performance (only Mid 2012 machines and newer support it)
Any computer capable of running OS X Mountain Lion 10.8 is also capable of running Mavericks 10.9, Yosemite 10.10, or El Capitan 10.11. A minimum of 2GB of RAM is required for all of these versions, and 4GB or more is recommended. For older machines with Core 2 Duo processors, it is recommended to install the maximum amount of RAM the machine will allow for the newer versions of OS X.
PowerMax also recommends that your contact your PowerMax representative before upgrading any OS or iOS. Apple provides regular reminders to upgrade, but this may not always be in your best interest, depending on your peripherals, especially with products like the iPhone and iPad. We're always happy to help!
By Scott Lowry, PowerMax Service Technician
macOS Catalina gives you more of everything you love about Mac. Experience music, TV, and podcasts in three all-new Mac apps. Enjoy your favorite iPad apps now on your Mac. Extend your workspace and expand your creativity with iPad and Apple Pencil. And discover smart new features in the apps you use every day. Now you can take everything you do above and beyond.
Check compatibility
If you're using one of these computers with OS X Mavericks or later,* you can install macOS Catalina. Your Mac also needs at least 4GB of memory and 12.5GB of available storage space, or up to 18.5GB of storage space when upgrading from OS X Yosemite or earlier.
MacBook introduced in 2015 or later
MacBook Air introduced in 2012 or later
MacBook Pro introduced in 2012 or later
Mac mini introduced in 2012 or later
iMac introduced in 2012 or later
iMac Pro (all models)
Mac Pro introduced in 2013 or later
* To upgrade from Lion or Mountain Lion, first upgrade to El Capitan, then upgrade to Catalina. To find your macOS version, Mac model, memory, and storage space, choose About This Mac from the Apple menu . If your Mac isn't compatible with macOS Catalina, the installer will let you know. View the complete list of compatible computers.
Make a backup
Before installing any upgrade, it's a good idea to back up your Mac. Time Machine makes it simple, and other backup methods are also available. Learn how to back up your Mac.
Get connected
It takes time to download and install macOS, so make sure that you have a reliable Internet connection. If you're using a Mac notebook computer, plug it into AC power.
Download macOS Catalina
Mac Os X Version History
If you're using macOS Mojave, get macOS Catalina via Software Update: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.
Or use this link to open the macOS Catalina page on the App Store: Get macOS Catalina. Then click the Get button or iCloud download icon.
Begin installation
After downloading, the installer opens automatically.
Click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions. You might find it easiest to begin installation in the evening so that it can complete overnight, if needed.
If the installer asks for permission to install a helper tool, enter the administrator name and password that you use to log in to your Mac, then click Add Helper.
Allow installation to complete
Please allow installation to complete without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac might restart, show a progress bar, or show a blank screen several times as it installs both macOS and related updates to your Mac firmware.
Stay up to date
After installing macOS Catalina, you will be notified when updates to macOS Catalina are available. You can also use Software Update to check for updates: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.
Or get macOS Catalina automatically
If you're using OS X El Capitan v10.11.5 or later and your App Store preferences or Software Update preferences are set to download new updates when available, macOS Catalina will download conveniently in the background, making it even easier to upgrade. A notification will inform you when macOS Catalina is ready to be installed. Click Install to get started, or dismiss the notification to install later. When you're ready to install, just open the file named Install macOS Catalina from your Applications folder.
Learn more
- If the installer shows a list of apps that are not optimized for your Mac, learn about 32-bit app compatibility, then choose whether to proceed with the installation.
- For the strongest security and latest features, upgrade to macOS Catalina. If you have hardware or software that isn't compatible with Catalina, you might be able to install an earlier macOS, such as Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, or El Capitan.
- You can also use macOS Recovery to reinstall macOS.
