Apple Unveils macOS 27 Golden Gate with Siri AI, Apple Intelligence Features, Liquid Glass Design

Apple has officially unveiled macOS 27 “Golden Gate,” the next major version of its desktop operating system, at WWDC 2026. Scheduled for release this fall, the update introduces extensive Apple Intelligence integration, enhanced parental controls, and a series of visual and performance improvements across the platform.

One of the most significant changes in macOS 27 is its hardware requirement. The operating system now runs exclusively on Apple silicon-powered Macs, ending support for Intel-based Mac models.

Siri AI Powered by Apple Intelligence

The centerpiece of macOS 27 is a redesigned Siri AI experience powered by Apple Intelligence. The assistant is now more conversational, context-aware, and deeply integrated throughout the operating system.

Dedicated Siri App

• For the first time, Siri receives a dedicated application on macOS.
• The app stores conversation history and allows users to continue discussions across Apple devices.
• Users can begin a conversation on a Mac and seamlessly resume it on an iPhone or iPad.

Writing Assistance and Visual Intelligence

• Siri AI can generate content, rewrite text, and adjust tone, style, and punctuation directly within supported apps such as Mail and Messages.
• A new Visual Intelligence feature enables users to capture screenshots of documents, images, or PDFs and ask Siri to analyze, summarize, explain, or act on the content.

Cross-App Actions and Personal Context

• Siri can perform multi-step tasks across apps.
• Examples include editing recently sent messages, adding music to playlists, and locating files, emails, photos, or notes using natural language requests.

Expanded Knowledge Access

• Siri can pull information from online sources to assist with research, planning, and project-related tasks.

Note: Siri AI will initially launch in English later this year.

Productivity and Creative App Improvements

Apple has enhanced several built-in applications with new AI-powered capabilities aimed at improving productivity and creativity.

Safari and Passwords

• Safari now supports automatic Tab Grouping, organizing open tabs based on related topics.
• A new Safari Notify Me feature monitors selected webpages and alerts users to changes such as price drops, product availability, and restocks.
• The Passwords app can automatically detect compromised or weak credentials and securely update supported accounts.

Creative Tools

• Image Playground enables users to generate and edit illustrations or photorealistic images using text prompts.
• Photos gains several advanced editing tools:
• Spatial Reframing for adjusting image composition after capture.
• Extend for AI-powered image expansion beyond the original frame.
• Enhanced Clean Up for removing larger unwanted objects and distractions.

Natural Language Automation

• The Shortcuts app now allows users to create complex automation workflows simply by describing them in plain language.
• The system automatically generates the necessary shortcut actions.

Enhanced Child Safety and Parental Controls

macOS 27 introduces a redesigned Parental Controls experience with additional tools to help families manage online safety.

Ask to Browse

• Children must request approval before accessing unapproved websites.
• Parents receive requests directly through the Messages app for review and approval.

Communication Safety

• The system expands beyond nudity detection to identify and block content containing graphic violence or gore before children view it.

Age-Based Screen Time Guidance

• Parents can establish screen-time limits for categories such as Games, Entertainment, and Social Media.
• Apple also provides age-appropriate recommendations developed alongside child development experts.

Design and Core System Improvements

Liquid Glass Design

• The new Liquid Glass interface introduces more consistent refraction effects across windows, toolbars, and menus.
• Users can adjust the visual appearance using a dedicated transparency and tint slider.

Performance Enhancements

• Faster AirDrop transfer speeds.
• Improved network file browsing performance.
• Quicker Safari Start Page loading.
• Enhanced Mail search relevance and responsiveness.

System-Wide Pull-to-Refresh

• Pull-to-refresh gestures are now supported across native apps including Safari, Mail, News, Podcasts, and Calendar.

iCloud Shared Albums

• Android and Windows users can now join and contribute to iCloud Shared Albums through an enhanced web experience on iCloud.com.
• Full-resolution photo sharing is supported across platforms.

Compatibility

macOS 27 Golden Gate is exclusively compatible with Apple silicon-powered Macs, including:

• MacBook Neo (2026)
• MacBook Air (Apple silicon, 2020 and later)
• MacBook Pro (Apple silicon, 2020 and later)
• iMac (Apple silicon, 2021 and later)
• Mac mini (Apple silicon, 2020 and later)
• Mac Studio (2022 and later)
• Mac Pro (Apple silicon, 2023 and later)

Availability

The macOS 27 Golden Gate developer beta is available now through the Apple Developer Program. A public beta will be released next month through the Apple Beta Software Program, while the final version will launch as a free update this fall.

Siri AI will enter beta later this year and requires an Apple Intelligence-enabled device configured in a supported language. English will be the first supported language. Siri AI will not initially be available in the European Union on iOS and iPadOS devices.