Since the introduction of Mavericks, macOS has had a new version every year. Since then, the version numbers have been incremented by major numbers. In addition, the name of the new version has changed. It is now called High Sierra. Here’s how to find out the MacOS version history.
Snow Leopard
Snow Leopard is one of Apple’s most recent operating systems and is the latest update to the popular OS. The new operating system is faster than any other Mac OS X version before it and has more than 300 new features. Some of these include Stacks, the new menu bar, and Time Machine. Another new feature is Split View, which allows you to manage windows on your Mac in a more intuitive manner. This OS also brings iOS-like perks like Storage Optimization, which gives you a detailed storage overview and makes suggestions to free up disk space.
The Snow Leopard update had many improvements, including improved performance and reduced memory footprint. Despite this, the major focus was on improving the existing features, rather than adding new features. The software in Mac OS X was also significantly rewritten to take advantage of modern Mac hardware. OpenCL, a standard for integrating graphics cards into applications, was also included in the new release.
Panther
The next major version of Mac OS X is called “Panther” and was announced at the World Wide Developers Conference in June 2003. While it is still unclear when the public will get the new operating system, Apple has said that it hopes to have it available for sale before the end of the year. So far, there have been no official delays. The following is a list of features that will be in Panther.
One of the most notable changes in Panther is a completely redesigned Finder. The Finder is said to be up to six times faster than the previous version, Jaguar. It also includes the Expose feature, which makes it easier to find windows. Users can also automatically sync folders and files to online storage. In addition to the new look, Panther introduces a new method for managing system fonts.
Besides a better system, Panther includes several new applications that make it easier for users to use. First, TinkerTool saves the top left corner position of the window to avoid confusion when reopening it. In addition, it now remembers which pane was last used. Also, it now visualizes the selected pane icon on the toolbar. The distribution package also has a new FAQ list. Finally, Safari has better Windows compatibility, so users can use their Macs to work on Windows computers.
El Capitan
The El Capitan update introduced new features and refinements to the Mac’s user interface, including improved performance and battery life. It also included improvements to the Notes and Maps apps. Moreover, it introduced the new San Francisco system font. Its other highlights include improved Spotlight search, a mute button, and Mission Control, which helps you switch between applications faster.
Apple Maps in El Capitan includes public transit information, similar to iOS 9. However, at launch, it is only available for a few major cities: Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Shanghai, and Washington D.C. Users should expect that the new system will support more cities in the future.
The new version also features auto-unlock using the Apple Watch. Although many people had hoped for a touch ID option in Sierra, it didn’t make it to the final release. But Apple made an exception in this case, and now it’s available on Mac computers. However, users who don’t own an Apple Watch may view this as an attempt by Apple to promote its new wearable.
High Sierra
High Sierra is a major upgrade to the previous OS X version, and brings many changes and improvements to the Mac. The new operating system has a performance boost that can open apps 40% faster than its predecessors. Another new feature is Split View, which allows you to manage windows in the desktop in the same way you manage them on an iPhone. Other important improvements include a Storage Optimization feature that provides a detailed overview of the disk space that your Mac consumes and suggests ways to free up disk space.
High Sierra adds a new video standard called HEIC and a new file system called Apple File System, an improved alternative to HFS+. Other notable changes include a few enhancements to applications such as Mail, Safari, and Photo. In addition, High Sierra supports Dark Mode and a new feature called Dynamic Desktop. In addition, a lot of apps that have previously been only available on iOS will now work on macOS.
