Apple has officially unveiled macOS 27 “Golden Gate” at WWDC 2026, introducing the next major update for Mac users alongside iOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27 and visionOS 27. The new version replaces macOS Tahoe 26 and brings a combination of Apple Intelligence features, Siri improvements, design refinements and performance-focused upgrades.

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A key highlight this year is Apple’s continued push towards Apple silicon optimisation, with macOS 27 further fine-tuned to take full advantage of its custom chips. At the same time, Apple is extending its Liquid Glass design language, while also giving users more control over its visual intensity to address earlier feedback around readability and transparency effects.

One of the biggest shifts with this release is structural rather than visual. macOS 27 is the first major version of macOS that no longer supports Intel-based Macs. Apple had already confirmed that macOS Tahoe 26 would be the final release to receive major feature updates on Intel hardware. While Intel Macs will still receive security patches for a limited period, all new features and enhancements will now be exclusive to Apple silicon machines, marking a clear end to an era.

Apple has also revisited parts of the Liquid Glass interface following criticism from some users who found certain elements too transparent and harder to read. With macOS 27, the company is offering more flexibility over these effects, along with refinements to windows and system elements for a more consistent visual experience.

Beyond design changes, macOS 27 is being positioned as a refinement-focused update. Apple says it has made several under-the-hood improvements aimed at boosting everyday performance and responsiveness. Apple Intelligence also plays a larger role this year, bringing new AI-powered features, deeper Siri integration and productivity tools across the system, with Apple silicon continuing to support these machine learning capabilities.

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The developer beta of macOS 27 Golden Gate will roll out shortly after WWDC 2026, with a public release planned for later in the year alongside Apple’s other next-generation operating systems.