Every MacBook getting macOS 27: How to try the public beta
The macOS 27 Golden Gate public beta launched July 13, 2026, and every MacBook getting macOS 27 needs Apple silicon—M1 or newer. Intel MacBooks are out. Enroll free at beta.apple.com, back up your Mac, then open System Settings, General, Software Update, and pick the public beta.
Apple unveiled Golden Gate at WWDC in June. For readers of our Nostalgia: Then & Now coverage, this is the clearest before-and-after line in modern Mac history: one OS for every chip, then one OS only for Apple silicon.
Key Takeaways
- The macOS 27 Golden Gate public beta arrived Monday, July 13, 2026, after Apple announced the update at WWDC in June.
- Every Mac with M1 or newer—including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, MacBook Neo, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro—can run macOS 27.
- Intel Macs that still run macOS 26 lose access to macOS 27 features but should get roughly two more years of security updates.
- Golden Gate adds next-generation Siri AI, updated Apple Intelligence, refined Liquid Glass design, and new child safety tools.
- Anyone with a compatible Mac and Apple ID can try the public beta after enrolling on Apple’s beta site and selecting the update in Software Update settings.
What is macOS 27 Golden Gate and why does it matter?
macOS 27 Golden Gate is Apple’s next major Mac release. It brings a next-generation Siri AI assistant, expanded Apple Intelligence tools, new child safety features, and a more polished, customizable Liquid Glass design.
The public beta gives everyday users a preview months before the final release expected later this fall. That same week, Apple also released public betas for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27—keeping the ecosystem aligned.
For MacBook owners, compatibility is the headline. Last year, Apple said macOS 26 would be its final release for Intel-based Macs. macOS 27 makes that official.
Which MacBooks and Macs support macOS 27?
According to Apple’s official macOS page, macOS 27 requires an M1 chip or later:
- MacBook Neo, 2026
- MacBook Air with Apple silicon, 2020 and later (M1 through M5)
- MacBook Pro with Apple silicon, 2020 and later (M1 through M5 Pro and Max variants)
- iMac with Apple silicon, 2021 and later (M1, M3, and M4)
- Mac mini with Apple silicon, 2020 and later (M1, M2, M2 Pro, M4, and M4 Pro)
- Mac Studio with Apple silicon, 2022 and later
- Mac Pro with Apple silicon, 2023 (M2 Ultra)
If your MacBook shipped with Apple silicon, you are likely in. Liquid Glass is positioned to look especially sharp on these M-series machines as Golden Gate rolls out.
Which Intel Macs are being left behind?
Intel-powered MacBooks cannot install macOS 27. A few Intel models that still run macOS 26 are also cut off:
- 16-inch MacBook Pro, 2019
- 13-inch MacBook Pro with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, 2020
- 27-inch iMac, 2020
- Mac Pro, 2019
Those owners should receive about two more years of security updates on macOS 26, but no Golden Gate features. The contrast with iPhones is striking: Apple kept the iPhone 11 lineup on iOS 27 despite pre-WWDC rumors to the contrary. Intel Macs got no such reprieve.
How do you install the macOS 27 public beta?
Apple’s public beta program is free. First, sign up with your Apple ID at beta.apple.com and verify beta access for your Mac.
Second, back up your Mac before installing any beta. Time Machine or another full backup gives you a rollback option if pre-release software misbehaves.
Third, open System Settings, go to General, then Software Update. Select Beta Updates and choose the macOS 27 Golden Gate public beta. The install process mirrors a standard macOS update once the beta channel is enabled.
The public beta went live July 13, 2026. The finished release is expected later this fall.
What about Siri AI and Apple Intelligence on Mac?
Golden Gate ties into Apple’s broader AI push. Mashable reports Siri AI and Apple Intelligence will be available on Mac devices with M1 silicon or newer.
Apple’s beta instructions add a caveat: some Siri AI features may require M3 or later on Mac, with a separate waitlist step under Apple Intelligence & Siri in Settings after installing the OS beta. iPhone users face a similar split—iOS 27 runs on models as old as the iPhone 11, but full Siri AI requires iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
If AI tools are your main reason for upgrading, confirm your chip generation and waitlist requirements before running beta software on a daily-driver Mac.
When should you upgrade versus wait?
M-series MacBook owners can preview Liquid Glass and test app compatibility now. Intel users cannot install macOS 27 at all—plan around macOS 26 security updates or budget for Apple silicon if you need Golden Gate features.
July 2026 marks the moment when every MacBook getting macOS stopped meaning every MacBook Apple ever sold. From here forward, it means every MacBook with Apple silicon.