Apple today announced that macOS 27 is named macOS Golden Gate.
Much like Mac OS X Snow Leopard in 2009, Apple said it focused on improving macOS's performance and dozens of underlying technologies this year.
Apple says macOS Golden Gate offers quicker AirDrop transfers, faster network file browsing, improved syncing in the Messages app, better Spotlight search suggestions, and other changes that make your Mac feel "more responsive than ever."
"With improvements at the very core of the system and enhancements to apps and experiences you rely on every day, macOS feels better than ever," said Apple.
macOS Golden Gate also has design changes. For example, apps now have a unified toolbar at the top, and the sidebar now expands to the edge of the window.
A new slider on macOS 27 lets you customize the opacity of Liquid Glass.
"Updates to Liquid Glass ensure exceptional readability with more uniform refraction and improved contrast," said Apple. "Uniform toolbars, edge-to-edge sidebars, and updated window shapes and menu bar icons deliver a more refined design. And a new slider lets you easily customize how Liquid Glass looks, from ultra-clear to fully tinted."
macOS Golden Gate is finally getting major promised Apple Intelligence and Siri upgrades, including personal context and on-screen awareness.
Spotlight has a new "Search or Ask" interface that is powered by the more intelligent version of Siri, which is officially known as "Siri AI."
"Powered by Apple Intelligence, Siri AI is your conversational AI assistant with entirely new capabilities on your Mac," said Apple. "Ask open-ended questions, brainstorm ideas for work or creative projects, and engage in natural, back-and-forth conversations. And when you search in Spotlight, you can choose 'Ask Siri' as the top hit."
Apple is also revamping child safety features across its platforms, including macOS Golden Gate.
Here are the Macs compatible with macOS Golden Gate, according to Apple:
- MacBook Neo (2026)
- MacBook Air with Apple silicon (2020 and later)
- MacBook Pro with Apple silicon (2020 and later)
- iMac with Apple silicon (2021 and later)
- Mac mini with Apple silicon (2020 and later)
- Mac Studio with Apple silicon (2022 and later)
- Mac Pro with Apple silicon (2023 and later)
The first macOS 27 developer beta is available today, and the first public beta will follow in July. The update should be widely released in September, but Apple has yet to provide a specific release date.
