Apple has released macOS 27 Golden Gate. And while containing the main features Like Siri AI and an improved Liquid Glass interface, the biggest change coming even for people who can’t get it to work.
When new OS come this fall, it will no longer support Intel Macs. This is not surprising when only a few Intel-based Macs are running macOS 26 Tahoebut that means you’ll have to give up old x86 software (including many games) if you want to try the latest features.
Is your Mac compatible with macOS 27?
Apple silicon is the key
- Operating system
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macOS
- CPU
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Apple Silicon M5
- RAM
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16 or 24 GB
- Storage
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512 GB or 1 TB
- Screen (Size, Resolution)
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14 or 16 inches
- Colors
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Space Black, Silver
The 2025 MacBook comes with the powerful M5 chip, plus everything you know and love from Apple.
Intel’s decision to end Mac support makes compatibility with macOS 27 easier to decipher: if your computer has Apple silicon, it can run the new software. This includes MacBook NeoApple’s first computer based on the iPhone chip.
macOS 27 Golden Gate is compatible with the following devices:
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MacBook Neo (2026 and later)
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Apple Silicone MacBook Air (2020 and later)
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Apple MacBook Pro with Silicon (2020 and later)
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Apple Mac mini with silicon (2020 and later)
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Apple iMac with silicon (2021 and later)
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Mac Studio (2022 and later)
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Apple Mac Pro with Silicon (2023)
The move drops support for the remaining four Intel-powered Macs that support macOS 26 Tahoe, including the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro, the 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro model, the 2020 iMac, and the 2019 Mac Pro.
Apple is still committed to providing security updates for Intel Macs until 2029, so your PC won’t be exposed to major vulnerabilities during that time. You just won’t get the improvements that come with major OS updates.
The most advanced Siri AI features will require a more powerful Mac. You need an M3 chip or newer with at least 12GB of memory. This excludes the MacBook Neo and all other Macs with 8GB of RAM, so you’ll need to buy a new system if you want the full capabilities.
New features in macOS 27: Siri AI and Liquid Glass fixes
Apple Intelligence and overall device performance also get improvements
Where Tahoe focused on a redesign of the Liquid Glass interface, macOS 27 focuses on improvements to Apple Intelligence headlined by the newly named Siri AI.
Where Siri was previously limited compared to other assistants, Siri uses AI Google Gemini roots Providing advanced capabilities without compromising Apple’s privacy focus. Natural-sounding conversations are more capable, with more control over apps and the ability to use both “world knowledge” (the internet) and the personal context surrounding your screen.
Voice dictation is more accurate and works across apps, while you can now use Siri to type in almost any app while mirroring your voice and giving feedback.
Some Siri AI capabilities are reserved for Mac and iPad. You can right-click (or control-click) to access actions through context menus. With the new assistant built into Spotlight, you also don’t have to access the dedicated Siri app to ask questions.
Apple Intelligence has received more extensive improvements, with more powerful image editing, smart tab grouping in Safari, and automatic corrections for weak or broken passwords. You can even create new Shortcuts by describing them.
For some, Apple’s plans to fix both Liquid Glass and performance may be the most important improvements. New refractions, buttons, and icons make content more readable by default, and you can adjust the coloring by swiping. You can also expect more consistently rounded window corners and side bars that extend outward with less clutter.
Apple also promises performance improvements, including faster AirDrop sharing, faster network file browsing, and reduced load times for Safari’s start page. Your MacBook Neo won’t suddenly speed up, but you don’t have to worry about it slowing down.
When will macOS 27 and Siri AI be available?
Coming to a device near you
Apple says it will release macOS 27 in all regions this fall. Siri AI will be available in beta for English users “later this year”, the company says. Apple Intelligence upgrades come to every country and language where the technology is available.
Siri AI will be available on Macs in the European Union from the start, which is notable because the rollout of mobile Siri AI won’t happen in the EU until after the iOS 27 launch date. Apple’s split release is based on the need to address privacy and security concerns in the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Apple claims that DMA requires it to provide “direct access” to personal data and applications without transparency or oversight.
Whether you accept Apple’s take or not, you won’t get the same Siri AI experience on iPhone or iPad as you did on Mac originally. Until Apple and the EU find common ground, you may have to use macOS 27 for advanced requests.
