Apple macOS (2024)

Apple macOS (1)

macOS (aka OS X, Mac OS X) is the primary operating systemfor Apple’s Mac computers.

Release Released Service Status Latest
macOS 14 (Sonoma) 6 months ago

(26 Sep 2023)

Yes 14.4.1

(25 Mar 2024)

macOS 13 (Ventura) 1 year and 5 months ago

(24 Oct 2022)

Yes 13.6.6

(25 Mar 2024)

macOS 12 (Monterey) 2 years and 5 months ago

(25 Oct 2021)

Yes 12.7.4

(07 Mar 2024)

macOS 11 (Big Sur) 3 years and 4 months ago

(12 Nov 2020)

Ended 6 months ago

(26 Sep 2023)

11.7.10

(11 Sep 2023)

macOS 10.15 (Catalina) 4 years and 5 months ago

(07 Oct 2019)

Ended 1 year and 6 months ago

(12 Sep 2022)

10.15.7

(24 Sep 2020)

macOS 10.14 (Mojave) 5 years ago

(24 Sep 2018)

Ended 2 years and 5 months ago

(25 Oct 2021)

10.14.6

(22 Jul 2019)

macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) 6 years ago

(25 Sep 2017)

Ended 3 years ago

(01 Dec 2020)

10.13.6

(09 Jul 2018)

macOS 10.12 (Sierra) 7 years ago

(20 Sep 2016)

Ended 4 years and 6 months ago

(01 Oct 2019)

10.12.6

(19 Jul 2017)

OS X 10.11 (El Capitan) 8 years ago

(30 Sep 2015)

Ended 5 years ago

(01 Dec 2018)

10.11.6

(18 Jul 2016)

OS X 10.10 (Yosemite) 9 years ago

(16 Oct 2014)

Ended 6 years ago

(01 Aug 2017)

10.10.5

(13 Aug 2015)

OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) 10 years ago

(22 Oct 2013)

Ended 7 years ago

(01 Dec 2016)

10.9.5

(17 Sep 2014)

Major versions of macOS are released once a year now, and usually maintained for three years.Apple usually provides security updates for the latest 3 releases, but this isn’t consistentlyapplied and some security fixes aren’t available for the non-latest releases.

More information is available on the Apple macOS website.

You should be running one of the supported release numbers listed above in the rightmost column.

You can check the version that you are currently using by running:

sw_vers

You can submit an improvement to this page on GitHub Apple macOS (2) . This page has a corresponding Talk Page.

A JSON version of this page is available at /api/macos.json. See the API Documentation for more information. You can subscribe to the iCalendar feed at /calendar/macos.ics.

Apple macOS (2024)

FAQs

Why is my Mac full of question marks? ›

A folder with a flashing question mark means that your computer's startup disk is no longer available or doesn't contain a working Mac operating system.

Is macOS easier than Windows? ›

The OS on a Mac computer is highly intuitive and user-friendly, with a sleek design that makes navigation simple. Mac computers often run applications more smoothly than Windows PCs since Apple designs its hardware and operating system, creating a smooth user experience through perfect integration.

What is the weakness of macOS? ›

Disadvantages of Mac:

Mac is usually more expensive than Windows computers. There is less software and games for Mac, because Windows is the most used operating system.

Why do people still use macOS? ›

1: The Mac Computer User Experience

Macs are renowned for their intuitive interface and reliability. A 2021 study by Forrester revealed that Mac users experience fewer IT-related disruptions compared to PC users, resulting in significant productivity gains over time.

How do I get my Mac back to normal? ›

From the Apple menu  in the corner of your screen, choose System Preferences. From the System Preferences menu in the menu bar, choose Erase All Content and Settings.

How do I completely reinstall macOS? ›

Choose Apple menu > Shut Down, press and hold the power button until “Loading startup options” appears, select Options, click Continue, then follow the onscreen instructions. In the Recovery app window, select Reinstall for your macOS release, click Continue, then follow the onscreen instructions.

Why do people prefer Mac? ›

The reason for this is simple – they're easier to use than PCs and offer a smoother, more stable experience. Mac users are also less likely to encounter viruses and spyware, so they worry less while surfing the web. But it's important to remember that not all Macs are created equal.

What are the disadvantages of Mac over Windows? ›

Here are some potential disadvantages associated with using a MacBook:
  • Price: MacBooks are often more expensive than many Windows-based laptops with similar specifications. ...
  • Limited Hardware Options: ...
  • Software Compatibility: ...
  • Gaming Performance: ...
  • Limited Ports: ...
  • Upgradability: ...
  • Repair Costs: ...
  • Closed Ecosystem:
Jan 29, 2024

Is Mac actually better than Windows? ›

Both MacBooks and Windows laptops offer incredible computing power. Generally speaking, the latest MacBook Pros are faster in creativity applications than all but the most powerful Windows machines, while Windows laptops are better for gaming. Otherwise, there is no real difference in what they're capable of.

What are 2 disadvantages of macOS? ›

The Disadvantages of MacOS Operating System
  • Limited number of applications.
  • Expensive.
  • Limited hardware options.
  • Less gaming support.
  • Compatibility issues.
  • Less customisation options.

Is macOS prone to viruses? ›

So, Macs can and do get viruses and are subject to threats just like any other computer. While Macs have strong protections built into them, they may not offer the full breadth of protection you want, particularly in terms of online identity theft and the ability to protect you from the latest malware threats.

Does macOS have bugs? ›

macOS has been riddled with bugs lately - but the new macOS 14.4. 1 update has just fixed the most notorious one | TechRadar.

Why choose macOS over Windows? ›

Pros of Macs

In general, Macs are known for their user-friendliness and approachability. They are considered to be more intuitive than Windows. While the way your iPad/iPhone and MacBook work may differ slightly, they are very similar, so it would be easy to adjust to the computer.

Which macOS is obsolete? ›

macOS Big Sur (11. x) and older versions are all discontinued and no longer supported by Apple, which also ended security updates and maintenance. This means these older macOS versions no longer meet UCSF's minimum security standards.

Why is macOS so expensive? ›

Apple uses premium parts

Almost across the board, Apple uses some of the highest quality components you'll find in any laptop or desktop computer. Batteries, in particular, are something Apple has excelled at in recent years. The newest MacBook Pro, for example, boasts 18-plus hours of battery life.

Why is text showing up as question marks? ›

I received a question mark in a box in my text message. What does that mean? This means your phone does not support the character being shown. Usually this is a new emoji someone is sending you.

How do I get rid of the question mark on my Mac Launchpad? ›

You can safely ignore it for now, and the question mark will go away after you restart your Mac. Alternatively, you can drag the question mark icon away from your Mac's Dock onto the desktop to remove it.

Why is there a blue question mark instead of images on my Mac? ›

Why do blue question mark boxes appear instead of images in Outlook for Mac? By default, Outlook for Mac doesn't automatically download pictures or photos in email messages if the images are stored on the Internet. You might see blue question marks in your mail like this: However, you can turn off this preference.

How do I get rid of marks on my Mac screen? ›

Clean your computer's screen

Dampen a clean, soft, lint-free cloth with water, then wipe the screen.

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