# macOS Golden Gate: New Features, Improvements, and Should You Upgrade?

## What's new and improved in macOS 27 Golden Gate?

Quick Answer:

1. 1. Updated, smarter version of Siri AI
2. 2. Refinements in Liquid Glass
3. 3. Enhanced Apple Intelligence for Photos, Safari…
4. 4. Performance improvements
5. 5. No support for Intel Macs

![macOS Golden Gate 27](https://iboysoft.com/images/en-wiki/macos-27-golden-gate/summary-macos-27.jpg)

**What is macOS 27?**macOS Golden Gate \(version 27\) is the upcoming twenty\-third major release of Apple's macOS operating system. It succeeds macOS Tahoe and was announced on June 8, 2026, at WWDC 2026. Its current working state is a beta \(developer & public\), and the official release is scheduled for late 2026.

macOS Golden Gate marks the transition to an Apple Silicon–only platform, becoming the first[macOS](https://iboysoft.com/wiki/macos.html)version to drop support for Intel\-based Macs. Check which Mac models it supports:

- MacBook Neo \(2026\)
- MacBook Air with Apple Silicon \(2020 or later\)
- MacBook Pro with Apple Silicon \(2020 or later\)
- Mac Mini \(2020 or later\)
- iMac \(2021 or later\)
- Mac Studio \(2022 or later\)
- Mac Pro \(2023\)

**Should you upgrade to macOS 27 Golden Gate now**? Check the practical recommendation based on user type:

| User Category | Upgrade Now? | Recommendation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Regular users | Yes | If you want to experience the enhanced Siri AI and Apple Intelligence and are okay with the public beta version |
| Beginner users | No | Wait if you lack enough skills to handle beta bugs |
| Intel Mac users | No | macOS 27 drops support for Intel Macs. Check how to[download and install macOS on unsupported macOS](https://iboysoft.com/howto/download-macos-on-unsupported-mac.html)if needed |
| Developers | Yes | Upgrade after your development tools are confirmed compatible |
| Office users | Yes | Refinements make Mac more responsive and reliable in office document processing, Mail, and meeting notes |
| Designers | No | macOS beta release occasionally breaks GPU acceleration, plug\-ins, color management, etc. |
| Students | Yes | Most student apps \(Microsoft Office, AI writing assistant, Notion, etc.\) are typically updated quickly for new macOS releases. |
| Gamers | No | Wait unless your games are confirmed compatible. |

To upgrade from macOS Tahoe 26 to macOS Golden Gate 27, the following hands\-on experience might be helpful for your reference:

[How to prepare Mac to upgrade to macOS 27 beta](https://iboysoft.com/howto/prepare-to-upgrade-to-macos-27.html)

[Download macOS 27 beta DMG](https://iboysoft.com/howto/macos-27-beta-dmg-download.html)

[How to download and install macOS 27 beta](https://iboysoft.com/howto/download-and-install-macos-27-golden-gate-beta.html)

[Create macOS 27 beta bootable USB installer](https://iboysoft.com/howto/create-macos-27-beta-bootable-usb-installer.html)

## What's New in macOS 27 Golden Gate?

Compared with macOS 26, macOS 27 Golden Gate brings relatively few new features, with the main additions being the next\-generation Siri AI capabilities and enhanced Child Safety features.

### New Siri AI

Siri AI is a conversational AI assistant with entirely new capabilities for your macOS 27 Golden Gate. Ask Siri AI about any open\-ended questions, search for projects, and brainstorm for creative ideas. Meanwhile, Siri AI can take actions in your apps like Messages, Photos, Notes, Mail, Reminders, etc.

A dedicated Siri app is also introduced in macOS 27, bringing all your conversations in one place. I tested it myself. I asked a question on my M1 MacBook Air, and I picked up the same question on my iPhone 15. There are other new features and[Siri shortcuts](https://iboysoft.com/wiki/siri-shortcuts.html)worth a try, like asking Siri AI about what kind of flower this is in the picture open on the Mac display to get an answer or search.

After getting the new features of Siri AI, I upgraded my M1 MacBook Air \(8GB RAM\) to macOS 27 Golden Gate public beta and planned to test Siri AI features on my own. But I only have**Siri**instead of**Apple Intelligence & Siri**under System Settings. Finally, I figured it out.

![Siri under Settings](https://iboysoft.com/images/en-wiki/macos-27-golden-gate/siri-settings.jpg)

**Why no Apple Intelligence?** Apple Intelligence features and languages are rolled out in phases by region and may not be available in my region \(because of specific regulatory restrictions\).

**Why no Siri AI?** Only Mac models with an[Apple Silicon M3](https://iboysoft.com/wiki/m3-apple-silicon-chip.html)chip or later and at least**12 GB of RAM**support on\-device**Siri AI**.

### New and Expanded Child Safety

macOS 27 introduces expanded child safety and parental control features designed to help parents create a safer digital environment for children. These improvements provide more visibility and control over how children use their Macs while maintaining Apple's focus on privacy.

A key addition is**Ask to Browse**, which requires children to request parental approval before accessing new websites in Safari. Parents can review these requests through Messages and decide whether to allow or block access.

## What are Key Improvements in macOS 27?

### Next\-generation Apple Intelligence

The enhanced Apple Intelligence is mainly used in Safari, Photos, and Passwords. On macOS Golden Gate, Safari pages can be automatically grouped into topics. Thus, I can find the relevant webpages with zero effort. Meanwhile, Safari Notify Me \- a new feature will timely notify users of any changes from the webpages, like price changes, security alerts, and new replies.

An intelligent Extend tool in Photos enables me to generate more space outside of the photo using AI. And with the enhanced Clean Up tool, I can effortlessly erase larger distractions and unwanted objects from my photos.

![Extend pictures using Photos](https://iboysoft.com/images/en-wiki/macos-27-golden-gate/extend-photos.jpg)

AI automatically fixes passwords. The Passwords app identifies weak, reused, or compromised passwords and can assist with updating them, simplifying password management and improving account security.

### Refined Design with Enhanced Liquid Glass

The predecessor,[macOS Tahoe 26](https://iboysoft.com/wiki/macos-tahoe.html), introduces a new UI design with Liquid Glass. Yet, there is not so much praise as complaints about Liquid Glass. Apple addresses UI complaints from the previous macOS Tahoe version this time.

You can now toggle the intensity of the "Liquid Glass" effect to adjust UI translucency and reduce transparency of the menu bar, Dock, and Controls. Sidebars are no longer floating, providing an edge\-to\-edge look with sharper, more consistent window corners. Follow the steps to tone down the effect if you prefer a more traditional, opaque look:

- Navigate to System Settings \> Accessibility \> Display
- Toggle on Reduce transparency
- Turn on "Increase contrast"

![Reduce transparency](https://iboysoft.com/images/en-wiki/macos-27-golden-gate/reduce-transparency.jpg)

## Other Changes

- Starting with macOS 27.0 beta 3, Apple removed the [Spotlight](https://iboysoft.com/wiki/spotlight-search-mac.html) icon from the menu bar, shifting the focus to Siri as the primary entry point for search and AI\-powered assistance.
- A new swipe\-down to refresh gesture
- Higher resolution 5K at 120Hz on ultrawide display
- 80% Faster AirDrop performance ![80% faster Airdrop performance](https://iboysoft.com/images/en-wiki/macos-27-golden-gate/faster-airdrop-performance.jpg)
- Apply a description to add and edit events on your calendar
- The Golden Gate wallpaper became the default since macOS 27.0 beta 3
- The icons of Menu bar items will no longer show up by default

## Removed Features

macOS Golden Gate removes several legacy features and utilities.

- Support for the Apple Filing Protocol \(AFP\) has been discontinued, meaning Time Machine backups to AirPort Time Capsule routers are unavailable.
- AirPort Utility is no longer bundled with new installations, and Apple no longer guarantees its compatibility.
- [Boot Camp](https://iboysoft.com/wiki/boot-camp-assistant.html) \(used in Intel\-based Macs\) has also been removed as Golden Gate transitions fully to Apple Silicon Macs.

To sum up, macOS 27 Golden Gate focuses heavily on UI refinement \(Liquid Glass\) and Apple Intelligence \(for Siri AI, Photos, Safari\), no key breakthroughs indeed.

For most ordinary users, you should upgrade to macOS 27 Golden Gate only if you are using an Apple silicon Mac, want to experience the redesigned Siri AI and enhanced Apple Intelligence features, and are comfortable running public beta software \(higher chance to encounter macOS 27 issues\). Otherwise, it is recommended to wait for the stable public release arriving this fall.

For other users \(like developers, designers, etc.\), please refer to the suggestions at the very beginning of the post.

## FAQs about macOS 27

AmacOS 27 \(Golden Gate\) has not reached its final stable release yet and is currently available as a public beta. The official version is expected to launch in September 2026.

AAll Intel\-based Macs are no longer eligible for updates to the latest macOS versions. With the release of macOS 27 \(Golden Gate\), Apple has officially ended support for Macs powered by Intel processors. To continue running the latest macOS features and software, users will need a Mac equipped with Apple silicon, such as an M\-series chip.

AThere are numerous ways for you to install macOS Golden Gate beta: 1. Go to System Settings \> click Software Update to update to the latest macOS 27 public beta version 2. Use Terminal commands to install maOS 27 public beta 3. Access macOS Recovery mode to reinstall macOS 27 beta 4. Create a macOS 27 beta bootable USB installer 5. Go to the App Store or Apple Server to download the macOS 27 public beta full installer