Mac OS X — The Basics. Mac OS X is the operating system of your Mac. It’s the basic system that enables your Mac to work. All the files, folders and programs are handled by Mac OS X as well as internet connectivity, battery consumption and more. As a Mac user, you will encounter Mac OS X in many different forms: When viewing the desktop. System Software 5 – also marketed as System 5; System Software 6 – also marketed as System 6; System 7 – System 7.5.1 was the first to refer to itself as Mac OS, Mac OS 7.6 was the first to be branded as 'Mac OS' Mac OS 8; Mac OS 9 – Mac OS 9.2.2 was the last version of Classic Mac OS; Mac OS X / OS X / macOS.

Macbook Operating System History

It is the primary operating system for Apple's Mac computers. Within the market of desktop, laptop and home computers, and by web usage, it is the second most widely used desktop OS, after Microsoft's Windows NT. MacOS X succeeded the classic Mac OS, a Macintosh operating system with nine releases from 1984. MacOS 11 Big Sur arrived last month, and it's got a few geeky features for long-time Mac users. But it also teams up with Apple's new M1 chip (the first in a line known as Apple silicon) to turn. These are all Mac operating systems, starting with the most recent. When a major new macOS is released, it gets a new name, such as macOS Big Sur. As updates that change the macOS version number become available, this article is updated to show the latest version of that macOS.

Macbook Operating System

Is your Mac up to date with the latest version of the Mac operating system? Is it using the version required by some product that you want to use with your Mac? Which versions are earlier (older) or later (newer, more recent)? To find out, learn which version is installed now.

If your macOS isn't up to date, you may be able to update to a later version.

Which macOS version is installed?

From the Apple menu  in the corner of your screen, choose About This Mac. You should see the macOS name, such as macOS Big Sur, followed by its version number. If you need to know the build number as well, click the version number to see it.

Which macOS version is the latest?

These are all Mac operating systems, starting with the most recent. When a major new macOS is released, it gets a new name, such as macOS Big Sur. As updates that change the macOS version number become available, this article is updated to show the latest version of that macOS.

If your Mac is using an earlier version of any Mac operating system, you should install the latest Apple software updates, which can include important security updates and updates for the apps that are installed by macOS, such as Safari, Books, Messages, Mail, Music, Calendar, and Photos.

Macbook Operating Systems By Date

Macbook Operating System List