macOS 27 Golden Gate: Compatible Macs, End of Intel Support and New Features

macOS 27, named Golden Gate, was announced at WWDC on June 8, 2026 and released on September 14, 2026. It marks a turning point: it is the first version of macOS that runs only on Macs with Apple silicon.

Compatible Macs

• MacBook Air with M1 (2020) and later
• MacBook Pro with M1 (2020) and later
• Mac mini with M1 (2020) and later
• iMac with M1 (2021) and later
• Mac Studio (2022) and later
• Mac Pro with Apple silicon (2023)
• MacBook Neo

In short: if your Mac has an M-series chip, it can run macOS 27.

What about Intel Macs?

macOS 26 Tahoe is the last version for Intel Macs. Apple has indicated that these Macs will continue to receive security updates for about three years. Your Intel Mac keeps working; it simply will not get new features.

What to do:

• Install the latest macOS 26 Tahoe update and keep it current (see macOS Tahoe features).
• Check that your browser and important apps continue to support macOS 26.
• Plan an upgrade within the next two to three years if you rely on the Mac for work.

New features

Siri AI on Mac

The new conversational Siri arrives on Mac, but requires an M3 chip or newer with at least 12 GB of memory. For users accepted from the waitlist, Siri can also take over the role of Spotlight for searches. Same limits as on iPhone: English only at first, not in the EU or China at launch. See how to get Siri AI.

Design refinements

Redesigned window controls with Liquid Glass styling and a cleaner menu bar, where menu items no longer show icons by default.

Performance

Apple focused on speed and stability across system apps, a welcome change after the large redesign of macOS 26.

Important changes to know

• Last version with full Rosetta 2: Intel-only apps still run, but this is the last year. Check whether your older apps have Apple silicon versions.
• AFP removed: the old Apple Filing Protocol is gone. This ends Time Machine backups to an AirPort Time Capsule. Move your backups to an external drive or a NAS that uses SMB.

How to update

1. Back up with Time Machine.
2. Open System Settings > General > Software Update.
3. Click Upgrade Now next to macOS Golden Gate.

macOS firmware and restore images for Apple silicon Macs are listed on our Mac page.