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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The MacOS 27 public beta is available to download now.
- Only compatible Apple Silicon Macs support the update.
- Back up your Mac before installing the beta software.
At WWDC 2026, Apple announced MacOS 27 “Golden Gate,” the latest operating system for MacBooks, set to launch this fall. It’s mostly centered on performance improvements and visual design optimizations, but the main draw is a redesigned, more powerful Siri.
You’ll be able to activate Siri in its own dedicated app, and the AI is more informed by what’s on your Mac — it’ll be able to look through your files, emails, and messages to answer personalized questions in natural language.
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We saw the first glimpses of MacOS 27 Golden Gate earlier this year with the developer beta, but now it’s open to the public, meaning anyone can download the new OS and test out the new features. Just be aware that things could still be unfinished, buggy, or underperforming.
Although the public beta is typically more stable than earlier versions, I wouldn’t recommend downloading it onto your main driver and, as always, recommend backing up your data before making any system-wide changes.
How to install the MacOS 27 public beta
1. Determine if your Mac is eligible
Golden Gate marks the end of Apple’s support for Intel-based Macs, so you’ll need, at the bare minimum, a device running Apple Silicon. That includes any of the following Macs:
- MacBook Air M1 and later
- MacBook Pro M1
- MacBook Neo
- iMac M1 and later
- Mac mini M1 and later
- Mac Studio M1 and later
- Mac Pro M2/2023 and later
2. Sign up as an Apple beta tester
Go to Apple’s beta software program and register your Apple account. Unlike the developer beta, the public beta is free of charge and geared toward early adopters who want the first glimpses of the new software. Part of the beta testing process is providing feedback, which you can do at any time within the Feedback Assistant app.
3. Download the beta
Once you’re all registered, you just have to enable beta updates on your Mac. To do this, go to System Settings > General > Software Update and click the (i) icon to the right of “Beta Updates.”
Also: 3 new MacOS 27 features make it worth upgrading right away for me – Siri included
In the window that pops up, click the “Beta Updates” menu and select “MacOS Public Beta.”
Click Done and then “Update Now.”
What should I do before installing the MacOS 27 public beta?
Join the Apple Beta program to get the latest beta versions of MacOS. Before you download a beta version of an operating system, remember:
- Back up your device and personal information.
- Don’t download beta software on your daily driver Mac; it could still have bugs and glitches.
- The beta is made for developers and early adopters to test new features and share feedback to improve MacOS.
When will MacOS 27 be released?
Apple released the MacOS 27 developer beta during WWDC 2026 and the public beta version in mid-July. If past years are any indication, the general release of MacOS 27 will take place in September, following the iPhone event where Apple announces its new hardware.
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Which Macs are compatible with MacOS 27?
You’ll need a Mac using Apple Silicon, meaning anything with an M1 chip or newer:
- MacBook Air M1 and later
- MacBook Pro M1
- MacBook Neo
- iMac M1 and later
- Mac mini M1 and later
- Mac Studio M1 and later
- Mac Pro M2/2023 and later
How do I install the MacOS 27 public beta version?
Navigate to System Settings > General > Software Update and click the (i) icon to the right of “Beta Updates.” You’ll see an option for MacOS 27 Public Beta.
How do I submit feedback to Apple?
The MacOS public beta comes with its own built-in Feedback Assistant app, which you can open from the Dock. If you encounter something that doesn’t work or you have feedback on any part of the OS, you can communicate directly with Apple via that app.
How do I install iOS 27 when it’s available?
The public release of iOS 27 is expected this September. Depending on the carrier, region, and local restrictions, iPhone users will be able to upgrade after it’s available.
- Go to your iPhone’s Settings and select General.
- Within General, tap Software Update. When iOS 27 is available for your iPhone, you’ll see the option to download it here.
- After you agree to download and install iOS 27, you can wait for your iPhone to finish installing the update.
