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OS X is the earlier branding of Apple's operating system for Mac computers, which later evolved into macOS. Introduced in 2001, it replaced the original Mac OS and brought a Unix-based foundation, introducing enhanced stability, multi-tasking, and a more modern user interface. Below is the version history of OS X, including key features and verified Wikipedia URLs.

OS X El Capitan focused on performance improvements and user experience enhancements. It introduced Metal, a graphics API designed to improve performance in graphics-intensive applications. Other features included updates to Mission Control, the Notes app, and Split View for full-screen app usage. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS_X_El_Capitan

OS X Yosemite introduced a major design overhaul, adopting a flatter, more modern look, similar to iOS. It introduced features like Continuity, allowing users to seamlessly switch between Mac and iOS devices, Handoff, AirDrop between iOS and Mac, and enhanced iCloud integration. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS_X_Yosemite

OS X Mavericks focused on energy efficiency and performance improvements, with a new focus on extended battery life for MacBook users. It introduced native Maps and iBooks apps, alongside Finder improvements like Tabs and Tags. OS X Mavericks was also the first version of OS X to be offered as a free upgrade. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS_X_Mavericks

OS X Mountain Lion brought further integration with iOS through features like iMessage, Notification Center, and improved iCloud synchronization. It also introduced Gatekeeper for enhanced security, which restricts app installations based on their origin. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS_X_Mountain_Lion

OS X Lion introduced several features inspired by iOS, such as Launchpad for managing apps, full-screen app support, and multi-touch gestures. This version also removed Front Row and Rosetta, the latter of which allowed older PowerPC apps to run on Intel-based Macs. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS_X_Lion

OS X Snow Leopard was a performance-focused update, refining the underlying architecture for better speed and efficiency. It introduced support for Microsoft Exchange, 64-bit computing, and reduced the overall system footprint. This version was designed to improve upon the features of Leopard without adding new user-facing features. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_X_Snow_Leopard

OS X Leopard introduced several major features, including Time Machine for automatic backups, Spaces for virtual desktops, and Quick Look for file previews. It also brought Boot Camp, which allowed users to install and run Windows on their Mac. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_X_Leopard

OS X Tiger was known for introducing Spotlight, a desktop search tool, and Dashboard, which provided quick access to widgets. It also improved performance and added support for 64-bit applications. Tiger was one of the most successful versions of OS X, widely praised for its reliability and new features. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_X_Tiger

OS X Panther introduced several key features, such as Expose for quick window management, FileVault for disk encryption, and improvements to Finder. It was also the first version of OS X to support Fast User Switching, allowing users to switch between accounts without logging out. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_X_Panther

OS X Jaguar brought much-needed performance improvements and enhanced the overall stability of the operating system. It introduced features like Quartz Extreme for better graphics performance, improved networking capabilities with Rendezvous (later renamed Bonjour), and better Microsoft Active Directory integration for enterprise users. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_X_Jaguar

OS X Puma was a much-needed update to the initial release of OS X, addressing performance issues and improving stability. It included features like CD and DVD burning support, as well as improvements to AppleScript. Puma helped OS X gain wider acceptance as a daily-use operating system for Mac users. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_X_10.1

OS X Cheetah was the first public release of OS X, marking a significant departure from Mac OS 9 with its Unix-based architecture and Aqua user interface. While innovative, it was criticized for performance issues and lack of software support, but it laid the foundation for all subsequent OS X releases. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_X_10.0

The history of OS X represents a major evolution in the development of operating systems for Apple computers, introducing groundbreaking features like Spotlight, Time Machine, and Metal. Each version improved upon the stability, performance, and integration of Apple's ecosystem, making OS X an essential part of the Mac experience for both personal and professional users. OS X laid the foundation for the modern macOS, continuing to influence the design and functionality of today's systems.

Snippet from Wikipedia: MacOS version history

The history of macOS, Apple's current Mac operating system formerly named Mac OS X until 2011 and then OS X until 2016, began with the company's project to replace its "classic" Mac OS. That system, up to and including its final release Mac OS 9, was a direct descendant of the operating system Apple had used in its Mac computers since their introduction in 1984. However, the current macOS is a UNIX operating system built on technology that had been developed at NeXT from the 1980s until Apple purchased the company in early 1997.

macOS components derived from BSD include multiuser access, TCP/IP networking, and memory protection.

Although it was originally marketed as simply "version 10" of Mac OS (indicated by the Roman numeral "X"), it has a completely different codebase from Mac OS 9, as well as substantial changes to its user interface. The transition was a technologically and strategically significant one. To ease the transition for users and developers, versions 10.0 through 10.4 were able to run Mac OS 9 and its applications in the Classic Environment, a compatibility layer.

macOS was first released in 1999 as Mac OS X Server 1.0. It was built using the technologies Apple acquired from NeXT, but did not include the signature Aqua user interface (UI). The desktop version aimed at regular users—Mac OS X 10.0—shipped in March 2001. Since then, several more distinct desktop and server editions of macOS have been released. Starting with Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, macOS Server is no longer offered as a standalone operating system; instead, server management tools are available for purchase as an add-on. The macOS Server app was discontinued on April 21, 2022, and will stop working on macOS 13 Ventura or later. Starting with the Intel build of Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, most releases have been certified as Unix systems conforming to the Single UNIX Specification.

Lion was referred to by Apple as "Mac OS X Lion" and sometimes as "OS X Lion"; Mountain Lion was officially referred to as just "OS X Mountain Lion", with the "Mac" being completely dropped. The operating system was further renamed to "macOS" starting with macOS Sierra.

macOS retained the major version number 10 throughout its development history until the release of macOS 11 Big Sur in 2020.

Mac OS X 10.0 and 10.1 were given names of big cats as internal code names ("Cheetah" and "Puma"). Starting with Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar, big-cat names were used as marketing names; starting with OS X 10.9 Mavericks, names of locations in California were used as marketing names instead.

The current major version, macOS 15 Sequoia, was announced on June 10, 2024, at WWDC 2024 and released on September 16 of that year.

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