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At WWDC 2026, Apple announced MacOS 27 “Golden Gate,” the latest operating system for MacBooks launching this fall. It’s mostly centered around performance improvements and visual design optimizations, but the main draw is a redesigned Siri.
Although we have some time to go before Golden Gate is available to the public, you can download the developer beta now and try out the new features as they exist. But keep in mind: It’s not free (it’ll cost you $99/a year).
Also: Apple WWDC live blog 2026: Live updates on iOS 27, Siri, Apple Intelligence and smart glasses
The reason is that this stage of the beta is technically reserved for developers to test out their apps — not the public. Features could still be in an unfinished state, buggy, or not optimized for performance.
Apple typically releases its public beta for MacOS in July, so if you don’t want to pay, I’d suggest waiting until then. I’d also recommend not using your main driver for this, and as always, backing up your data before you make any kind of system-wide changes.
How to install the MacOS 27 developer beta
- 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. Register as a Developer
Go to Apple’s Developer site and register as an individual with your Apple account. As I mentioned above, the membership costs $99/year, so if you’re just keen on taking a sneak peek at new features, I’d advise waiting until the public beta opens in July.
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.”
In the window that pops up, click the “Beta Updates” menu and select “MacOS Developer Beta.”
Click Done, and then “Update Now.”
What to do before installing the MacOS 27 developer 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’s likely to have bugs and glitches.
- The Developer Beta is made for devs to test new features and share feedback to improve iOS.
When will MacOS 27 be released?
Apple released the MacOS 27 developer beta during WWDC 2026, and the public beta version will likely be released in 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.
Which Macs are compatible with MacOS 27?
You’ll need a Mac using Apple Silicon, so 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?
When the Public beta is made available, you can access it the same way — navigating 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 to 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 on 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.
