Apple has released the first public beta of macOS 27 Golden Gate, allowing users outside the developer program to test the update before its full release later this year. The public beta follows three developer beta releases and includes the new Siri AI experience, design refinements, improved search, and several Apple Intelligence upgrades.
Since this is pre-release software, users should expect bugs, compatibility problems, increased battery use, and occasional performance issues. Apple recommends installing beta software on a secondary Mac or a separate partition rather than a work or business-critical computer.
How to install macOS 27 Golden Gate public beta
Back up your Mac before installing the update so you can protect your files if something goes wrong.
- Visit the Apple Beta Software Program website and sign in using your Apple Account.
- Enrol your Mac in the public beta program.
- Open System Settings on your Mac.
- Select General, followed by Software Update.
- Click the information button next to Beta Updates.
- Choose macOS 27 Golden Gate Public Beta from the menu.
- Click Done and wait for the update to appear.
- Select Update Now and follow the on-screen instructions.
The installation can take some time, and your Mac may restart several times during the process.
Everything new in macOS 27 Golden Gate public beta
- New Siri AI experience: Siri now works as a more capable conversational assistant and supports natural follow-up questions. It can search the web, provide detailed answers, and help with tasks across supported apps.
- Personal context searches: Siri can search information stored in apps such as Mail, Messages, Notes, and Photos. For example, users can ask Siri to locate an old email, find a particular photo, or retrieve information shared in a conversation.
- Dedicated Siri app: macOS 27 introduces a separate Siri app that stores conversations in one place. Users can continue previous conversations, start new ones, and access Siri through Spotlight using Command + Space.
- Visual Intelligence on Mac: Siri can examine content displayed on the screen and answer questions about it. This can help users understand documents, images, webpages, and other visible information.
- Improved Spotlight search: Apple has updated the search system to deliver more reliable results across files, apps, emails, and messages. Users can also access Siri AI directly through Spotlight.
- Updated Liquid Glass design: The update reduces excessive transparency and improves the way complex backgrounds appear behind menus and windows. Apple has also added more depth between interface elements, making it easier to identify the active window.
- Transparency controls: Users can adjust the amount of system transparency using a new slider, providing more control over the Liquid Glass appearance.
- More consistent windows and toolbars: Apps now use more consistent corner shapes, toolbar layouts, headings, and controls. Sidebars extend to the edges of windows instead of appearing as floating panels.
- Writing tools powered by Siri: The updated writing tools can generate text, correct grammar, rewrite existing content, and offer feedback on drafts.
- New Photos editing features: Apple Intelligence adds tools that can clean up unwanted objects, adjust image framing, and extend photos beyond their original borders.
- Natural-language Shortcuts: Users can describe an automation in normal language, and the Shortcuts app will create the required actions without needing every step to be added manually.
- Improved Mail and Messages search: Search results inside Mail and Messages are more accurate, making it easier to locate older conversations and information.
- Safari extension builder: macOS 27 can create basic Safari extensions from natural-language instructions, reducing the amount of manual development required.
- Updated iPhone Mirroring: The iPhone Mirroring app supports more flexible screen sizes and aspect ratios, making iPhone apps easier to view on a Mac.
- Performance improvements: Apple has made system-level changes to improve responsiveness, display rendering, memory management, and CPU use, including on older supported Macs.
The first macOS 27 Golden Gate public beta gives users an early look at Apple’s upcoming Mac features, though bugs and unfinished tools remain possible throughout the testing period. If you’ve already installed the update, let us know your experience in the comments.
