Initial system software release, shipped with the Mac 128K.
1985
System 2.0
April 8, 1985
Introduced the ”New Folder” and ”Shut Down” commands, the MiniFinder, and the Choose Printer DA. Also added icons to list view and the Command-Shift-3 screenshot FKEY.
System 2.1
September 17, 1985
Added support for the Hard Disk 20 drive and the HFS file system.
1986
System 3.0
January 16, 1986
Added more complete support for HFS, a RAM disk cache, zoom boxes for windows and a redesigned control panel. Introduced with the Mac Plus.
1987
System 5.0
October 8, 1987
Introduced the MultiFinder, revised the Finder about box, and improved printing support.
1988
System 6.0
April 30, 1988
Added MacroMaker, Map and CloseView utilities.
NeXTStep 0.8
October 12, 1988
First publicly-available preview release. Included the Mach kernel, an object-oriented API based on Objective-C, a Display PostScript-powered UI, and several applications.
1989
NeXTStep 1.0
September 11, 1989
Includes the ability to kill applications from Workspace Manager, a redesigned Preferences application with additional features and other polish.
1990
System 6.0.5
March 19, 1990
Bundled 32-bit QuickDraw (previously a separate package). Added support for the Mac IIfx.
NeXTStep 2.0
September 18, 1990
Added support for the NeXTstation and NeXTCube and associated hardware (floppy disks, CD-ROM drives). Also included a revamped Workspace Manager with the Recycler replacing the black hole and an improved browser.
1991
System 7.0
May 13, 1991
Fully 32-bit clean, the MultiFinder is now mandatory, reorganized the System Folder into subfolders, made the Apple menu customizable, revamped the window appearance, and much more.
1992
NeXTStep 3.0
September 8, 1992
Introduced Distributed Objects, Project Builder and several development kits. Improved compatibility with other networking and file systems.
1994
System 7.5
September 12, 1994
Featured a new startup screen, drag-and-drop support and the Launcher. Included a hierarchical Apple menu, Extensions Manager, menu bar clock, Find File, Stickies, WindowShade, all based on licensed third-party utilities.
1995
NeXTSTEP 4.0 PR1
September 7, 1995
Preview release of NeXTSTEP 4.0, featuring a revamped look-and-feel. Abandoned in favor of OPENSTEP 4.0, which reverted back to the NexTSTEP 3.3 UI.
1996
System 7.5.3
March 11, 1996
Brought Open Transport and other improvements released with the PCI Power Mac-only 7.5.2 release to a broader set of Macs.
KanjiTalk 7.5.3
March 11, 1996
Japanese edition of System 7.5.3.
OPENSTEP 4.0
June 25, 1996
First release to implement the OPENSTEP specification. Also includes NEXTIME, Samba, PPP, Perl5 and Taylor UUCP support.
1997
Mac OS 7.6
January 7, 1997
First to be officially called “Mac OS”. Improved performance and reliability. Featured a revamped Extensions Manager and speech support.
Mac OS 8.0
July 26, 1997
Introduced the Platinum appearance, multi-threaded Finder, context menus, popup windows, and other features.
1998
Mac OS 8.1
January 19, 1998
Added support for the HFS+ file system.
Mac OS 8.5
October 17, 1998
Introduced Sherlock, 32-bit icons in the Finder, font smoothing, a new help system and the application palette.
1999
Mac OS 9.0
October 23, 1999
Introduced the Keychain, multiple user support, iTools integration, Sherlock internet channels and online software updates.
2000
Mac OS X 10.0 (Public Beta)
September 13, 2000
Unstable
First public release of Mac OS X, allowing software developers and early adopters to test a preview of the upcoming next-generation operating system.
2001
Mac OS X 10.0
March 24, 2001
Unstable
Successor to classic Mac OS based on NeXTSTEP. Featured the Aqua interface, Quartz graphics system, the Dock, access to the UNIX command line, Mail and other built-in applications.
Mac OS X 10.1
September 29, 2001
Added performance enhancements, CD and DVD burning, DVD playback support, Image Capture and Menu Extras.
2002
Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar)
August 23, 2002
Unstable
Introduced Quartz Extreme, Address Book, iChat, MPEG-4 support, Rendezvous, Inkwell, Sherlock 3, and Universal Access.
2003
Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther)
October 24, 2003
Introduced an updated Finder with a brushed metal interface, Exposé, fast user switching, Font Book, iChat AV, FileVault, and Xcode.
2005
Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger)
April 29, 2005
Unstable
Introduced Spotlight, Dashboard, a “unified” appearance, Safari RSS, Automator, VoiceOver, QuickTime 7 and an updated Mail application.
2026
Custom
June 26, 2026
Build a custom instance, using your choice of emulated machine and disk images.