2001 · No longer updated

Download Mac OS X Cheetah 10.0

The very first Mac OS X, with the Aqua interface, the Dock and the Unix-based Darwin core that every macOS since has been built on.

Disc onlyPowerPC

Version: 10.0
Released: 24 March 2001
Latest build: 10.0.4
Processors: PowerPC

How to get Mac OS X Cheetah 10.0

Retail CD (used market)

Shipped on CD. These are collector items now.

Search eBay for discs

Opens a search for used Mac OS X Cheetah 10.0 discs. Check the listing says “retail”, not a grey disc that came with a specific Mac.

Compatible Macs

PowerPC G3 and G4 Macs with 128 MB of RAM.

Not sure which Mac you have? See which macOS your Mac can run.

Get help from Apple

Apple Support Communities: Earlier Operating SystemsApple's official user forum for Mac OS X Cheetah and other macOS versions before Sequoia.discussions.apple.comApple: How to download and install macOSApple's guide to the App Store, disk image and Terminal download methods, with compatibility rules.support.apple.com

What's new in Mac OS X Cheetah

Aqua interface and the Dock
Darwin (Unix) foundation
Classic environment for Mac OS 9 apps

Questions

Can I still download Mac OS X Cheetah 10.0 from Apple?

No. Mac OS X Cheetah 10.0 was only sold on physical discs and Apple doesn't offer it as a download. Retail discs are available on the second-hand market.

What is the latest version of Mac OS X Cheetah 10.0?

The final or latest build is 10.0.4, according to Apple's version list.

Which Macs can run Mac OS X Cheetah 10.0?

PowerPC G3 and G4 Macs with 128 MB of RAM.