The Most Popular macOS, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the macOS you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:43
In a world where technology is constantly changing, keeping track of the most efficient and user-friendly operating systems can be a challenge. Users often find themselves questioning which macOS provides the best performance or integrates seamlessly with their daily tasks. A dynamic voting-based ranking helps clarify these uncertainties by highlighting which versions stand out according to collective user experiences.
This interactive mechanism not only informs newcomers about the merits of different macOS but also engages the community to share their valuable insights. By voting, users contribute to a broader understanding of each system's strengths, helping others make informed decisions about upgrades and installations. This real-time feedback loop ensures that the ranking reflects current trends and user preferences, making it a reliable resource for all.
What Is the Most Popular macOS?
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166votes
macOS Big Sur
Apple Inc.It is the latest version of macOS with a completely redesigned interface and new features. It was released in November 2020 and has received positive reviews.macOS Big Sur is the latest version of the macOS operating system, which was released by Apple on June 22, 2020. It comes with a significant redesign that includes a refreshed user interface, refined app icons, and updated features to enhance the overall user experience.- Version: 11.0
- Kernel: Darwin
- System Requirements: Compatible with most Mac models from 2013 and later
- Control Center: Unified hub for quick access to system settings
- Notification Center: Redesigned with interactive widgets and grouped notifications
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226votes
macOS Catalina
Apple Inc.It was released in 2019 and introduced several new features, including the ability to use an iPad as a second screen, the removal of iTunes, and the introduction of Apple Arcade.macOS Catalina is the fifteenth major release of the macOS operating system. It was introduced by Apple Inc. in October 2019. Catalina brings several significant updates, including enhanced security and privacy features, improved accessibility, and a range of new apps and features for better productivity and entertainment.- System requirements: MacBook (early 2015 or later), MacBook Air (mid 2012 or later), MacBook Pro (mid 2012 or later), Mac mini (late 2012 or later), iMac (late 2012 or later), iMac Pro (2017 or later), Mac Pro (late 2013 or later)
- Security and Privacy features: Gatekeeper enhancements, new data protections, improved Safari security, Find My app with offline device tracking, improved permissions management
- Accessibility: Voice Control, Hover Text, Zoom Display, VoiceOver improvements, new closed caption customization options
- App updates: Reminders app with all-new design and features, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and Apple TV apps replacing iTunes, Find My app combining Find My iPhone and Find My Friends
- Screen Time: Enhanced app usage monitoring and parental controls, combined usage tracking across devices
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333votes
macOS Mojave
Apple Inc.It was released in 2018 and introduced a new Dark Mode, improvements to Finder, and new privacy features.macOS Mojave is the fifteenth major release of Apple's macOS operating system. It was introduced in 2018 and named after the Mojave Desert in California. Mojave brings several transformative features and enhancements to the macOS experience, making it one of the most popular versions of the operating system.- Dark Mode: A system-wide dark theme option for an aesthetically pleasing visual experience.
- Dynamic Desktop: Desktop background changes based on the time of day.
- Stacks: Automatically organizes files into stacks on the desktop.
- Continuity Camera: Allows users to capture or scan documents directly from their iPhone or iPad into Mac apps.
- Enhanced Finder: Improved Finder with new Gallery View, quick actions, and metadata previews.
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425votes
macOS High Sierra
Apple Inc.It was released in 2017 and introduced new features such as the Apple File System, improvements to Safari, and support for external graphics cards.macOS High Sierra is the fourteenth major release of Apple's desktop operating system. It builds on the technology and features introduced in macOS Sierra, focusing on refining and improving its performance, security, and user experience.- File System: Apple File System (APFS)
- Graphics: Metal 2 graphics API
- Virtual Reality: Support for VR content creation and playback
- Machine Learning: Core ML framework for integrating machine learning models
- Photos: Improved facial recognition, sorting, and editing tools
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521votes
macOS Sierra
Apple Inc.It was released in 2016 and introduced Siri on the Mac, improvements to iCloud, and support for Apple Pay on the web.macOS Sierra is the thirteenth major release of macOS, Apple's operating system for Macintosh computers. It was introduced on September 20, 2016, and was codenamed as macOS ‘Sierra’. It brought various enhancements and new features to improve the user experience.- Siri Integration: macOS Sierra introduced Siri integration, allowing users to use Apple's virtual assistant on their Mac.
- Universal Clipboard: This feature enables seamless copying and pasting of text, images, and files between an iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
- iCloud Desktop and Documents: It syncs the contents of the Desktop and Documents folders to iCloud, making them accessible on any macOS or iOS device.
- Auto Unlock: With Auto Unlock, an Apple Watch can be used to automatically unlock a Mac without entering a password.
- Picture in Picture: Allows users to float a video window from Safari or iTunes over the desktop, enabling multitasking.
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65votes
OS X El Capitan
Apple Inc.It was released in 2015 and introduced improvements to performance, security, and usability.OS X El Capitan is version 10.11 of the macOS operating system, released on September 30, 2015. It is the twelfth major release of macOS and focuses on improving performance, stability, and security. The name El Capitan is taken from a prominent rock formation within Yosemite National Park, highlighting the release's close ties to the previous version, OS X Yosemite.- Release Date: September 30, 2015
- Version: 10.11
- Performance Enhancements: Improved app launching, faster app switching, and smoother graphics performance.
- Stability Improvements: Enhanced system stability and reliability.
- Security Enhancements: Additional security measures to protect against vulnerabilities.
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76votes
OS X Yosemite
Apple Inc.It was released in 2014 and introduced a major redesign of the interface, improvements to Spotlight search, and Continuity, which allows users to seamlessly switch between devices.OS X Yosemite is the 11th major release of macOS, the operating system for Apple's Macintosh computers. It was released on October 16, 2014, as a free upgrade to OS X Mavericks. Yosemite introduced a redesigned interface, inspired by iOS 7, with various visual enhancements and new features.- System Requirements: iMac (Mid-2007 or later), MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or later), MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or later), MacBook Air (Late 2008 or later), Mac mini (Early 2009 or later), Mac Pro (Early 2008 or later)
- Kernel: Darwin 14.0.0
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or newer
- RAM: Minimum 2 GB
- Graphics: Minimum 256 MB VRAM
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87votes
Screenshot: AppleGeek911Software: Mozilla Foundation · MPL 1.1OS X Mavericks
Apple Inc.It was released in 2013 and introduced improvements to performance, battery life, and memory usage.OS X Mavericks is the 10th major release of the macOS operating system developed by Apple. It was initially released on October 22, 2013, and quickly gained popularity among Mac users for its improved performance and new features.- Memory Compression: Reduces memory usage and improves performance.
- Battery Efficiency: Optimizes power consumption for longer battery life.
- Improved Finder: Introduces multiple tabs and enhanced file tagging.
- Safari Enhancements: Includes a new sidebar, improved performance, and power-saving features.
- App Nap: Automatically slows down apps in the background to save power.
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913votes
OS X Mountain Lion
Apple Inc.It was released in 2012 and introduced several new features, including the Notification Center, Game Center, and AirPlay Mirroring.OS X Mountain Lion is a popular operating system release for macOS developed by Apple Inc. It was the ninth major release of the macOS series and was officially announced on February 16, 2012. This version introduced a range of new features and enhancements that improved the user experience and integration between desktop and mobile devices.- Release date: July 25, 2012
- System Requirements: Intel-based Mac with at least 2GB of RAM and 8GB of available storage
- Notification Center: A central hub for all notifications, providing a unified view
- iCloud integration: Seamless synchronization of data across multiple Mac and iOS devices
- Dictation: Built-in speech recognition system allowing users to dictate text
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109votes
Mac OS X Lion
Apple Inc.It was released in 2011 and introduced several new features, including the Launchpad, Mission Control, and full-screen apps.Mac OS X Lion is the eighth major release of the macOS operating system. It was released on July 20, 2011, and introduced several new features and improvements to the Mac platform.- Kernel Type: Hybrid (XNU)
- Default File System: HFS+
- System Requirements: Mac computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, or Xeon processor
- RAM Requirement: 2GB or more
- Disk Space Requirement: 7GB
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Ranking factors for popular macOS
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Performance and stabilityThe overall performance and stability of the macOS version play a crucial role in its popularity. Users prefer a fast, responsive, and reliable operating system that handles everyday tasks and complex applications with ease.
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CompatibilityA popular macOS should have a wide range of compatibility with various hardware components, peripherals, and software applications. This means that users can easily upgrade their existing systems or utilize their current devices and programs without facing compatibility issues.
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User Interface and Ease of UseA popular macOS needs to have a clean, intuitive user interface and offer a seamless user experience. It should make it easy for individuals with different levels of technical expertise to navigate and perform tasks efficiently.
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Features and FunctionalityIt's essential to have a robust set of features and functionalities in a macOS that caters to the needs of a diverse user group. This may include multitasking capabilities, accessibility features, virtual desktops, and seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem of products and services.
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Security and PrivacyOne of the key reasons users choose macOS is its strong focus on security and privacy protection. Popularity of a macOS version might also depend on the security measures it incorporates and how well it protects user data and information from potential threats and vulnerabilities.
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Software Updates and SupportA popular macOS should offer regular software updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features. Additionally, it should provide reliable customer support to help users resolve any issues they might face.
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Community and EcosystemThe popularity of a macOS version is also influenced by the ecosystem of third-party applications, developers, and users. A well-supported macOS with a large community of users and developers can lead to more software tools, better support, and overall higher satisfaction.
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Battery Life and Power ManagementUsers prefer a macOS version that manages power consumption effectively and provides longer battery life, especially on portable devices such as laptops.
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Adaptability and CustomizationThe ability of a macOS version to adapt to different hardware configurations, as well as the extent to which users can customize the operating system to suit their preferences, can also impact its popularity.
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Cost and AvailabilityLastly, the cost of upgrading or obtaining the macOS version and its availability in different regions and languages can influence its popularity among users.
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
- 2689 views
- 204 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.
More information on most popular macos
When it comes to operating systems for computers, macOS has always been a popular choice among users. Developed and marketed by Apple Inc., macOS is known for its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and powerful performance. In fact, many people prefer macOS over other operating systems because of its reliability and security features.
Over the years, Apple has released various versions of macOS, each with its own unique features and improvements. From the early days of Mac OS X to the latest macOS Big Sur, users have had plenty of options to choose from. But what is the most popular macOS version among users?
To answer this question, we at StrawPoll conducted a survey to find out which macOS version is the most popular among our users. The results were fascinating, and we can't wait to share them with you in the following section.
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