Main new features I will try first after upgrading to macOS Golden Gate 27
I’m not gonna lie, I wanted the new macOS to be called Golden Arches. Then every subsequent big update could have been called Big Mac or McMuffin, with all the little in-between software tweaks called McNuggets, etc.
I admit small things like this amuse me. But Apple took the sensible route and called it Golden Gate instead. I still think they’re missing a trick for a great collaboration, but whatever.
Anyway, the newest software update for Mac is almost here, so it’s only right I look into what’s coming (while browsing the McDonald’s menu, since I’ve made myself hungry now…)
Let’s walk you through some of the highlights in macOS 27 Golden Gate
There are some fab new features for Golden Gate that have been announced, and for most regular users like me, it’ll be well worth it.
Now, here’s a little caveat to begin with: While macOS 27 will support Macs powered by Apple silicon, it won’t support Intel-based Macs anymore. Apple says macOS 26 is the last macOS release with full support for Intel-based Macs, although security updates will continue for three years, so it’s not completely the end of the road, though it might be time to start looking at an upgrade quite soon.
With that out of the way, here are the 6 things I think stand out the most.
Siri AI and Apple Intelligence
I’ve made my feelings quite clear on Apple’s AI offerings, and I feel they’ve been fairly lacking so far. With Golden Gate, there’s a redesigned conversational Siri coming.
It’ll act more like a proper chatbot, being able to answer questions, understand context, use information from your personal context, and take actions across different apps.
Apple Intelligence will now offer systemwide proofreading, enhanced writing tools, improved dictation, and intelligent file and folder name suggestions.
One thing worth keeping in mind, though, is that not all of Siri’s new AI capabilities will be available immediately at launch. Apple says the new Siri AI features are rolling out gradually and availability can vary by language and region.
Upgrades to Safari
They’re introducing features such as automatic tab grouping, webpage change alerts with Notify Me, new AI-powered tools for working with webpages and extensions, and speedier browsing capabilities.
Improvements to Messages and Mail
There’s now going to be a better and more personalized Smart Reply function, contextual suggestions, and deeper Apple Intelligence integration across Messages and Mail.
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Enhanced Photo options
Features like Spatial Reframing and image expansion with Extend will make taking and editing images much better.
The Clean Up feature will be enhanced, and better search and organizational tools are coming too.
There are a couple of updates to design and performance…
I think they’re going to be decent:
Liquid Glass design is changing
For me, the Liquid Glass feature could have worked better. I like it a lot, but I’ve found it drains my battery more than it should.
With this update, there’s promised better readability and consistency, more adjustable transparency, and cleaner, more consistent Finder windows.
Faster macOS performance on the way?
Finally, they’re promising broader performance improvements, including faster AirDrop transfers, faster network file browsing, and improvements to things like Safari loading and overall system responsiveness.
When’s macOS Golden Gate due for release?
The good news is that we now have a confirmed date. macOS 27 Golden Gate is officially set to launch on September 14, 2026. So there isn’t much longer to wait.
So, what’s my final verdict on the newest macOS?
With Apple macOS Golden Gate 27: It’s about finding the right balance for you with this update.
I believe that the most fundamental changes here, and the ones that’ll make the most difference to me, are with Siri and Apple Intelligence. Apple really needs to step up its game with AI, and this update could make all the difference.
Other features might matter more to you, like faster performance or the enhanced Liquid Glass aesthetic. For me, I’ll wait to see what I think when I actually get the update to my Mac and start trying it out properly.
Tell me what you’re most looking forward to with the newest update…
