Apple officially released macOS 27 Golden Gate on September 14, bringing its most ambitious artificial intelligence integration to date. Announced at WWDC in June, the update is now available for download on compatible devices, marking a significant shift in how users interact with the operating system.
The headline feature is Siri AI, which represents Apple’s first serious effort to embed advanced AI capabilities deeply into macOS. Running on Apple Foundation Models based on Google Gemini, the new Siri offers improved natural language processing, computer vision, and image generation. It mirrors features found in the iOS and iPadOS updates, including a dedicated app, screen awareness, automatic proofreading, and a customizable voice experience.
Despite the official launch, Siri AI remains in beta and is disabled by default. Apple states the feature is being rolled out gradually, and users have reported long waitlists to access the service. Additionally, Siri AI is currently limited to English and is unavailable in the EU and China due to regulatory concerns.
System-wide access allows users to invoke Siri via a right-click context menu or through Spotlight, which can now automatically route complex questions to the AI assistant. Visual Intelligence enables users to take screenshots and immediately ask Siri to analyze or act on the image content.
Compatibility for macOS 27 is restricted to Apple Silicon Macs, continuing the phase-out of Intel-based systems that began with macOS 26 Tahoe. Supported devices include the MacBook Neo (2026), MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini (2020 and later), iMac (2021 and later), Mac Studio (2022 and later), and Mac Pro (2023 and later). However, advanced features like improved Voice Mode require an M3 chip or newer with at least 12 GB of RAM, excluding older models such as the MacBook Neo and pre-2024 MacBook Airs.
Beyond Siri, Safari receives major updates, including a new “Topics” feature that uses AI to automatically organize tabs into groups. Users can also create custom extensions using natural language descriptions and utilize a native “Notify Me” function to track webpage updates, which appears as a desktop notification badge. The browser also integrates with the Passwords app to automatically remediate insecure login credentials.
The Shortcuts app has been enhanced with AI-driven automation, allowing users to design workflows using plain English. For example, a user can command the system to calculate an ETA and message a contact upon leaving work, with Apple handling the underlying logic between Maps and Messages. Calendar event creation and Image Playground, now powered by Gemini technology for more photorealistic outputs, have also seen significant upgrades.
Refinements to the Liquid Glass design language address previous complaints regarding readability. A new refraction effect better obscures background content, and a default slider allows users to adjust transparency levels. The interface also features uniform toolbars, edge-to-edge sidebars, and restored color in sidebar icons.
Display technology improvements include system-wide utilization of XDR panel brightness for UI elements, giving icons and buttons more visual pop, as well as enhanced support for external monitors. Overall, Apple cites improvements in memory usage, CPU efficiency, and responsiveness, particularly when switching between Spaces or opening Mission Control.
Waitlist for Siri AI? Classic Apple. Also, why is it still English-only in beta?
Finally, Safari tab management that actually works. I’ve been begging for this since forever.