The Most Popular macOS, Ranked

Choose the macOS you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 25, 2024 07:03
Choosing the right macOS can significantly enhance your computing experience, fitting your style of use, whether it be for graphic design, video editing, programming, or everyday tasks. However, with multiple versions available, each with unique features and improvements, it can be challenging to decide which macOS best suits your needs. A ranking based on popular opinion can offer valuable insights, showcasing which versions stand out according to the experience of a broad user base. This live ranking reflects real-time votes from users like you, who bring their personal experiences and preferences to the table, shaping a dynamic and current list of the most popular macOS. By participating, you contribute to a clearer picture of user satisfaction across different macOS versions, potentially guiding new users in making a more informed choice. See how different macOS stack up and cast your vote to influence the ranking.

What Is the Most Popular macOS?

  1. 1
    67
    votes

    macOS Big Sur

    macOS Big Sur is the 11th major release of macOS, offering a significant redesign and introducing a new control center.
    • Version: 11
    • Release Date: November 12, 2020
  2. 2
    34
    votes

    macOS Mojave

    macOS Mojave is the 9th major release of macOS, known for introducing Dark Mode and Dynamic Desktop features.
    • Version: 10.14
    • Release Date: September 24, 2018
  3. 3
    26
    votes

    macOS High Sierra

    macOS High Sierra is the 8th major release of macOS, focusing on performance improvements and technical updates.
    • Version: 10.13
    • Release Date: September 25, 2017
  4. 4
    26
    votes

    macOS Catalina

    macOS Catalina is the 10th major release of macOS, introducing features like Sidecar and the replacement of iTunes with dedicated media apps.
    • Version: 10.15
    • Release Date: October 7, 2019
  5. 5
    21
    votes

    macOS Sierra

    macOS Sierra is the 7th major release of macOS, introducing Siri to Mac computers along with other new features.
    • Version: 10.12
    • Release Date: September 20, 2016
  6. 6
    13
    votes

    OS X Mountain Lion

    OS X Mountain Lion is the 3rd major release of macOS, bringing many iOS features to the Mac for a more unified Apple ecosystem.
    • Version: 10.8
    • Release Date: July 25, 2012
  7. 7
    8
    votes

    OS X Mavericks

    OS X Mavericks is the 4th major release of macOS, offering improved energy efficiency and many new apps.
    • Version: 10.9
    • Release Date: October 22, 2013
  8. 8
    5
    votes

    OS X Yosemite

    OS X Yosemite is the 5th major release of macOS, notable for its redesigned user interface and introduction of Continuity features.
    • Version: 10.10
    • Release Date: October 16, 2014
  9. 9
    5
    votes

    OS X El Capitan

    OS X El Capitan is the 6th major release of macOS, focusing on performance and user experience improvements.
    • Version: 10.11
    • Release Date: September 30, 2015
  10. 10
    -1
    votes

    macOS Monterey

    macOS Monterey is the 12th major release of macOS, Apple Inc.'s desktop operating system for Macintosh computers.
    • Version: 12
    • Release Date: October 25, 2021

Missing your favorite macOS?

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular macOS. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or macOS is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2880 views
  • 203 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each macOS once every 24 hours. The rank of each macOS is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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Additional Information

More about the Most Popular macOS

macOS Big Sur
Rank #1 for the most popular macOS: macOS Big Sur (Source)
Apple's macOS has a rich history. It began as a response to the growing need for a user-friendly operating system. Apple aimed to create a seamless experience for users. This led to the birth of macOS.

The early versions focused on simplicity. They introduced features like the graphical user interface. This made it easier for users to interact with their computers. Over time, Apple added more features. These included better file management and improved security.

One of the key aspects of macOS is its design. Apple places a high value on aesthetics. They want the operating system to look good and be easy to use. This focus on design extends to the icons, menus, and overall layout. Everything is designed to be intuitive.

Another important feature is the integration with other Apple products. macOS works well with iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches. This allows users to switch between devices with ease. For example, you can start a task on your iPhone and finish it on your Mac. This level of integration is a big selling point.

Security is another area where macOS excels. Apple has always prioritized the safety of its users. They include features like Gatekeeper and XProtect. These help to keep your system safe from malware. Regular updates also ensure that any vulnerabilities are quickly fixed.

Performance is also a strong suit of macOS. Apple designs both the hardware and software. This allows them to optimize the operating system for their devices. The result is a smooth and responsive experience. Whether you are browsing the web or editing videos, macOS performs well.

The App Store is another key component. It offers a wide range of applications. These range from productivity tools to games. Many of these apps are exclusive to macOS. This gives users access to a unique set of tools.

macOS also includes many built-in applications. These cover a range of needs. There are apps for email, web browsing, and photo editing. These built-in apps are designed to work seamlessly with the operating system. They offer a consistent experience across different tasks.

User feedback plays a big role in the development of macOS. Apple listens to its users and makes changes based on their input. This helps to ensure that the operating system meets the needs of its users. Regular updates bring new features and improvements.

In summary, macOS is a well-rounded operating system. It combines a user-friendly design with powerful features. Its integration with other Apple products makes it a great choice for those who are already in the Apple ecosystem. Security, performance, and a rich set of applications make it a popular choice. Apple continues to refine macOS, ensuring it remains a top choice for users.

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