Questioning what the title of the most recent macOS model is? Curious concerning the variations of Mac OS X that got here earlier than? Right here we’ll fill you in on the names of the totally different variations of the Mac working system so as: from the latest macOS to the primary model of Mac OS X and the codenames that Apple used for them. We’ll additionally present you how one can examine which model of macOS you might be working and discover out what the most recent model of macOS is.
If you’re questioning what the most recent model of macOS is it’s Monterey! Also referred to as macOS 12. Monterey arrived on Monday 25 October 2021. For extra info learn: The whole lot you should learn about macOS Monterey.
Nonetheless, Monterey received’t be the latest model of macOS for lengthy. Apple can be unveiling its plans for the following model of macOS at its Worldwide Builders Convention (WWDC) in June 2022. On the keynote that kicks off the WWDC convention Apple will reveal particulars of macOS 13 – together with its title. The ultimate model will then be accessible to obtain within the fall (often within the September or October time-frame).
And if you’re on the lookout for assist putting in Monterey learn:
How one can replace macOS: Replace to Monterey and
Fixes for Macs that received’t replace macOS.
Mac OS X first launched greater than 20 years in the past on 24 March 2001. There’s been a variety of change over these twenty years: good and dangerous. From the issues with the primary version (it was sluggish and didn’t run necessary apps like Microsoft Phrase) Mac OS X has developed by numerous iterations and numerous designs to what we all know at this time. We’ve seen tight integration with iOS gadgets, the incorporation of the cloud, and the arrival of fantastic and useful options together with built-in Time Machine again ups, Fast Look – which helps you to see a preview of a doc with out opening the appliance, and improvements like Expose and Areas and Desktop Stacks that can assist you work effectively.
On this article we’ll run although the lengthy historical past of Mac OS X, or macOS as it’s now identified.
For an outline of the options of the varied variations of the Mac working system, exhibiting the way it has developed over time, check out our video above. If you wish to know the names Apple assigned to Mac OS X through the years, and the codenames that had been used internally, learn on.
Record of macOS model names
Right here’s an outline of each model of macOS and Mac OS X Apple has launched. You’ll discover a full checklist of OS X model code names, together with inside code names (if accessible):
- OS X 10 beta: Kodiak – 13 September 2000
- OS X 10.0: Cheetah – 24 March 2001
- OS X 10.1: Puma – 25 September 2001
- OS X 10.2: Jaguar – 24 August 2002
- OS X 10.3 Panther (Pinot) – 24 October 2003
- OS X 10.4 Tiger (Merlot) – 29 April 2005
- [OS X 10.4.4 Tiger (Chardonnay)]
- OS X 10.5 Leopard (Chablis) – 26 October 2007
- OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard – 28 August 2009
- OS X 10.7 Lion (Barolo) – 20 July 2011
- OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion (Zinfandel) – 25 July 2012
- OS X 10.9 Mavericks (Cabernet) – 22 October 2013
- OS X 10.10: Yosemite (Syrah) – 16 October 2014
- OS X 10.11: El Capitan (Gala) – 30 September 2015
- macOS 10.12: Sierra (Fuji) – 20 September 2016
- macOS 10.13: Excessive Sierra (Lobo) – 25 September 2017
- macOS 10.14: Mojave (Liberty) – 24 September 2018
- macOS 10.15: Catalina (Jazz) – 7 October 2019
- macOS 11: Large Sur (GoldenGate) – 12 November 2020
- macOS 12: Monterey (Star) – 25 October 2021
We now have a
full checklist of which Macs run which variations of Mac OS X and macOS right here.
Mac OS X & macOS names
As you’ll be able to see from the checklist above, aside from the primary OS X beta, all variations of the Mac working system from 2001 to 2012 had been all named after large cats, from Cheetah to Panther to Mountain Lion.
However whereas the public-facing builds had been named after large cats, internally, they had been named after wines (apart from OS X 10.6 which had no codename).
Even after Apple switched public-facing code-names to locations in California again in 2013, it carried on naming them after wines internally till 2014. In 2015, Apple determined to vary the theme of inside code-names from wines to kinds of apple. Unique.
In 2016, Apple took the plunge to unify the branding of its working methods by rebranding Mac OS X to macOS, which sits properly alongside iOS, tvOS and watchOS, and paved the best way for macOS 11, the successor to Mac OS X, which arrived twenty years after the primary beta of Mac OS X.
What’s the most recent macOS?
Questioning what the most recent model of macOS is? From 25 October 2021 it’s macOS Monterey, also called macOS 12. Whether it is appropriate along with your Mac you’ll be able to obtain Monterey through System Preferences > Software program Replace. Learn: How one can replace to macOS Monterey. We additionally deal with a number of the issues individuals usually have when updating a Mac in macOS Monterey received’t set up: Fixes.
Whichever model of macOS you might be working you must at all times preserve it up-to-date with Apple’s newest updates and safety fixes. Apple releases numerous updates to the OS all year long, so you’ll be able to count on updates on occasion. Learn extra concerning the newest updates in our newest model of Monterey article.
- The newest model of Monterey is macOS 12.3.1 (launched on 31 March, 2022)
The model of macOS earlier than Monterey was Large Sur: you is perhaps to learn Monterey vs Large Sur for a comparability of options. We now have a devoted article with particulars of recent options and safety fixes within the newest model of Large Sur. You may obtain Large Sur right here.
- The newest model of Large Sur is macOS 11.6.5 (launched on 14 March, 2022)
The model of macOS earlier than Large Sur was Catalina, in that case we’ve got a comparability of Large Sur and Catalina. For the most recent safety replace info learn concerning the newest model of Catalina right here. You may Obtain Catalina right here. Apple retains the previous three variations of macOS updated with safety fixes, so, till the brand new model of macOS launches later in 2022, Catalina can be included in these vital updates.
- The newest model of Catalina is macOS 10.15.7 Safety Replace 2022-003 (launched on 14 March, 2022)
Previous to the discharge of Catalina we had macOS 10.14 Mojave. Model 10.14.6 arrived on 26 September 2019. Obtain Mojave right here. Discover out concerning the newest model of macOS Mojave right here.
- The newest model of Mojave is macOS 10.14.6 Safety Replace 2021-005 (launched on 21 July, 2021)
Earlier than Mojave was macOS Excessive Sierra. Excessive Sierra is offered right here.
In order for you a good older model of macOS check out our article about
getting outdated variations of macOS and Mac OS X.
How one can inform which macOS you might be working
You may inform which model of macOS you might be working by clicking on the Apple brand within the prime left and selecting About This Mac.

Foundry
How one can set up the most recent model of macOS
If you wish to replace your Mac to a more moderen model of macOS the tactic can be decided by the model of macOS you might be working.
Very outdated variations of Mac OS X got here on a disk and any safety updates got here through Software program Replace. Because the arrival of the Mac App Retailer in 2011 (as an replace to Snow Leopard) variations of Mac OS X and macOS have been accessible to obtain through the Mac App Retailer.
Nonetheless, that modified barely with Mojave, which arrived in 2018. Now working system updates are available in through a brand new Software program Updates pane in System Preferences. You may nonetheless discover the software program within the Mac App Retailer, however additionally, you will see it in System Preferences > Software program Replace. One of many advantages of that is that your Mac could be set to mechanically obtain the most recent updates and set up them, holding your Mac up-to-date with minimal effort in your half.
You will get to System Preferences from the Apple menu: Click on on the Apple brand within the prime left and select System Preferences. It’s possible you’ll be taken straight to the Software program Replace pane, if not click on on the Software program Replace cog icon. Your Mac will seek for an replace and if there may be one you’ll be able to select Replace Now.
Some Macs can be set to replace macOS mechanically. In order for you your Mac to replace mechanically comply with these steps:
In Monterey, Large Sur, Mojave or Catalina:
- Open System Preferences.
- Click on on Software program Replace.
- Test the field beside Obtain new updates when accessible.
- Now choose the field Set up macOS updates.
In Excessive Sierra or earlier:
- Open System Preferences.
- Click on on App Retailer.
- Test the field beside Mechanically examine for updates – it ought to have a tick in it as ought to the 4 choices beneath that…
- Now deselect the field beside Obtain newly accessible updates within the background.
Learn all about
tips on how to replace your Mac right here.