Image: AzureSaturn / CC0 (Wikimedia Commons)
In short: macOS 27 "Golden Gate" has been available as a free update since 14 September 2026. It is the first version of macOS that runs only on Apple silicon Macs, so Intel Macs stay on macOS 26 Tahoe. New features include Siri AI with its own app, Visual Intelligence, a refined Liquid Glass design, tab grouping in Safari and natural-language Shortcuts. Siri AI is not available in the EU for now.
The name
Apple has named macOS releases after places in California since 2013, and this year it is San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. Since 2025, Apple's operating systems carry the following year's number, so iOS, iPadOS and macOS are all "27" in autumn 2026.
Compatible Macs
You need a Mac with an Apple chip (M1 or later): MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with M1 to M5, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio and Mac Pro with Apple silicon, and the MacBook Neo. Intel Macs will not get macOS 27. Linux can be an option for older hardware.
Key new features
- Siri AI and Visual Intelligence: a new Siri with its own app that can act inside apps. It is not available in the EU for now (see Siri AI in Europe).
- Refined Liquid Glass: better contrast and more accessibility options after criticism of the macOS 26 design.
- Safari: automatic tab groups and "Notify Me" alerts when web pages change.
- Mail and Calendar: smarter search.
- Call Context: relevant information during calls.
- Shortcuts in natural language: describe a workflow and the system builds it for you.
| Area | New |
|---|---|
| Photos | smarter editing tools |
| Podcasts | video podcasts |
| Family | expanded child-safety controls |
| Accessibility | new vision and hearing features |
Updating safely
- Make a full Time Machine backup.
- Free up 25 to 30 GB of storage.
- Check that your professional apps and drivers are compatible.
- Install via System Settings → General → Software Update.
- Update your apps afterwards and adjust the Liquid Glass accessibility settings if needed.
Cautious users can wait for macOS 27.1. More in updates.
Verdict
macOS 27 is a solid annual update that polishes Liquid Glass and makes Shortcuts more approachable. Dropping Intel support marks a turning point. Looking for a new Mac? See our MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Max guide.
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