The world of technology is constantly evolving, and Apple’s macOS is no exception. Since its inception, macOS has undergone numerous transformations, each bringing new features, improvements, and innovations to the table. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of macOS, focusing on the operating system that succeeded Yosemite.
A Brief History of macOS
Before we dive into the specifics of the next macOS after Yosemite, let’s take a brief look at the history of macOS. The first version of macOS, then known as Mac OS X, was released in 2001. Since then, Apple has released numerous updates, each with its unique features and improvements.
Major macOS Releases
Here are some of the major macOS releases:
- Mac OS X Cheetah (2001)
- Mac OS X Puma (2001)
- Mac OS X Jaguar (2002)
- Mac OS X Panther (2003)
- Mac OS X Tiger (2005)
- Mac OS X Leopard (2007)
- Mac OS X Snow Leopard (2009)
- Mac OS X Lion (2011)
- OS X Mountain Lion (2012)
- OS X Mavericks (2013)
- OS X Yosemite (2014)
- macOS Sierra (2016)
- macOS High Sierra (2017)
- macOS Mojave (2018)
- macOS Catalina (2019)
- macOS Big Sur (2020)
- macOS Monterey (2021)
- macOS Ventura (2022)
What Came After Yosemite?
So, what came after Yosemite? The answer is El Capitan, which was released in 2015. El Capitan was the 12th major release of macOS and built upon the features and improvements introduced in Yosemite.
Key Features of El Capitan
El Capitan introduced several key features, including:
- Split View: This feature allowed users to split their screen into two separate windows, making it easier to multitask.
- Improved Performance: El Capitan included several performance enhancements, including improved app launching and switching.
- Enhanced Security: El Capitan introduced several security features, including improved Gatekeeper settings and enhanced malware protection.
- Updated Apps: El Capitan included updated versions of several apps, including Safari, Mail, and Photos.
Design and User Interface
El Capitan also introduced several design and user interface changes, including:
- New System Fonts: El Capitan introduced a new system font, San Francisco, which was designed to be more readable and visually appealing.
- Updated Icons: El Capitan included updated icons for several apps, including the Finder and the Dock.
- Improved Window Management: El Capitan introduced several window management improvements, including the ability to snap windows to the edges of the screen.
macOS Sierra and Beyond
While El Capitan was the next macOS after Yosemite, it’s worth noting that Apple has continued to release new versions of macOS since then. Some notable releases include:
- macOS Sierra: Released in 2016, macOS Sierra introduced several new features, including Siri integration and a new file system.
- macOS High Sierra: Released in 2017, macOS High Sierra built upon the features introduced in Sierra and included several performance enhancements.
- macOS Mojave: Released in 2018, macOS Mojave introduced several new features, including a new Dark Mode and improved security features.
- macOS Catalina: Released in 2019, macOS Catalina introduced several new features, including a new Music app and improved accessibility features.
- macOS Big Sur: Released in 2020, macOS Big Sur introduced several new features, including a new design language and improved performance.
- macOS Monterey: Released in 2021, macOS Monterey introduced several new features, including a new Focus mode and improved multitasking features.
- macOS Ventura: Released in 2022, macOS Ventura introduced several new features, including a new System Settings app and improved security features.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the next macOS after Yosemite was El Capitan, which introduced several key features and improvements. Since then, Apple has continued to release new versions of macOS, each building upon the features and improvements introduced in previous releases. Whether you’re a longtime Mac user or just starting out, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of macOS.
System Requirements for El Capitan
If you’re interested in running El Capitan on your Mac, here are the system requirements:
- Mac Model: iMac (Mid 2007 or later), MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum or later), MacBook Air (Late 2008 or later), MacBook Pro (Mid 2009 or later), Mac Mini (Early 2009 or later), Mac Pro (Early 2009 or later)
- Processor: 2GB RAM
- Memory: 8GB available disk space
- Display: 1280×800 or higher resolution display
Upgrading to El Capitan
If you’re running an earlier version of macOS and want to upgrade to El Capitan, here are the steps:
- Backup Your Data: Before upgrading, make sure to backup your important files and data.
- Check Your System Requirements: Make sure your Mac meets the system requirements for El Capitan.
- Download the Installer: Download the El Capitan installer from the Mac App Store.
- Run the Installer: Run the installer and follow the prompts to complete the upgrade process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, El Capitan was the next macOS after Yosemite, and it introduced several key features and improvements. While Apple has continued to release new versions of macOS since then, El Capitan remains an important part of the macOS family. Whether you’re a longtime Mac user or just starting out, we hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of the evolution of macOS.
What is macOS El Capitan, and how does it differ from Yosemite?
macOS El Capitan is the successor to Yosemite, released by Apple in 2015. It is the 12th major release of macOS and is named after El Capitan, a rock formation in Yosemite National Park. El Capitan focuses on improving performance, security, and user experience. It introduces several new features, including a revamped Mission Control, improved window management, and enhanced security features such as System Integrity Protection (SIP).
One of the significant differences between El Capitan and Yosemite is the improved performance. El Capitan includes several under-the-hood improvements, such as Metal, a new graphics processing technology that improves graphics rendering and reduces CPU usage. Additionally, El Capitan introduces a new font, San Francisco, which is designed to be more readable and visually appealing. Overall, El Capitan builds upon the foundation laid by Yosemite, providing a more refined and polished user experience.
What are some of the key features of macOS Sierra?
macOS Sierra is the 13th major release of macOS, released by Apple in 2016. It introduces several new features, including Siri integration, Universal Clipboard, and Apple Pay on the web. Sierra also includes improvements to Photos, Messages, and iTunes. One of the significant features of Sierra is the introduction of Optimized Storage, which helps to free up storage space by automatically removing unnecessary files and storing them in iCloud.
Another key feature of Sierra is the introduction of Auto Unlock, which allows users to unlock their Mac using their Apple Watch. Sierra also includes several security improvements, including improved encryption and better protection against malware. Additionally, Sierra introduces a new feature called Tabs, which allows users to have multiple tabs open in a single window, making it easier to manage multiple apps and windows.
How does macOS High Sierra improve upon Sierra?
macOS High Sierra is the 14th major release of macOS, released by Apple in 2017. It builds upon the foundation laid by Sierra, introducing several new features and improvements. One of the significant improvements in High Sierra is the introduction of APFS (Apple File System), which replaces the traditional HFS+ file system. APFS provides improved performance, security, and reliability, making it a significant upgrade over HFS+.
High Sierra also includes several other improvements, including improved video playback, enhanced graphics performance, and better support for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences. Additionally, High Sierra introduces a new feature called HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), which provides improved video compression and reduces file sizes. Overall, High Sierra provides a more refined and polished user experience, building upon the foundation laid by Sierra.
What are some of the key features of macOS Mojave?
macOS Mojave is the 15th major release of macOS, released by Apple in 2018. It introduces several new features, including a system-wide Dark Mode, Dynamic Desktop, and Stacks. Mojave also includes improvements to the Finder, including a new Gallery view and improved metadata editing. One of the significant features of Mojave is the introduction of Continuity Camera, which allows users to take photos on their iPhone and instantly transfer them to their Mac.
Mojave also includes several security improvements, including improved encryption and better protection against malware. Additionally, Mojave introduces a new feature called Group FaceTime, which allows users to make group video calls with up to 32 people. Mojave also includes several other improvements, including improved performance, enhanced graphics performance, and better support for external GPUs.
How does macOS Catalina improve upon Mojave?
macOS Catalina is the 16th major release of macOS, released by Apple in 2019. It builds upon the foundation laid by Mojave, introducing several new features and improvements. One of the significant improvements in Catalina is the introduction of a new Music app, which replaces iTunes. Catalina also includes improvements to the Podcasts app, including a new design and improved discovery features.
Catalina also includes several security improvements, including improved encryption and better protection against malware. Additionally, Catalina introduces a new feature called Sidecar, which allows users to use their iPad as a secondary display for their Mac. Catalina also includes several other improvements, including improved performance, enhanced graphics performance, and better support for external GPUs. Overall, Catalina provides a more refined and polished user experience, building upon the foundation laid by Mojave.
What are some of the key features of macOS Big Sur?
macOS Big Sur is the 17th major release of macOS, released by Apple in 2020. It introduces several new features, including a redesigned user interface, improved performance, and enhanced security. Big Sur also includes improvements to the Notification Center, including a new design and improved notification management. One of the significant features of Big Sur is the introduction of a new Control Center, which provides quick access to frequently used settings and controls.
Big Sur also includes several security improvements, including improved encryption and better protection against malware. Additionally, Big Sur introduces a new feature called AirPlay 2, which allows users to stream audio and video content to multiple devices at once. Big Sur also includes several other improvements, including improved performance, enhanced graphics performance, and better support for external GPUs. Overall, Big Sur provides a more refined and polished user experience, building upon the foundation laid by Catalina.
What are some of the key features of macOS Monterey?
macOS Monterey is the 18th major release of macOS, released by Apple in 2021. It introduces several new features, including a redesigned Safari browser, improved performance, and enhanced security. Monterey also includes improvements to the FaceTime app, including a new design and improved video conferencing features. One of the significant features of Monterey is the introduction of a new feature called Universal Control, which allows users to control multiple Macs and iPads with a single keyboard and mouse.
Monterey also includes several security improvements, including improved encryption and better protection against malware. Additionally, Monterey introduces a new feature called Focus, which allows users to customize their notifications and minimize distractions. Monterey also includes several other improvements, including improved performance, enhanced graphics performance, and better support for external GPUs. Overall, Monterey provides a more refined and polished user experience, building upon the foundation laid by Big Sur.