Apple announced macOS 27 Golden Gate, the latest desktop operating system for the best MacBooks and Macs at WWDC 26, and in this guide, I'll show you how to install the public beta, which is available to download right now. However, before we get into that, it's important to note that for most people, you won't want to download the beta unless you know what you're doing.
This is because beta versions of software are mainly for developers to test their apps with. It's not for general public consumption, as this early version will have missing features and plenty of bugs.
If you can wait, then the final release has been announced for September 14, and it will be much more stable.
How to install the macOS 27 Golden Gate beta on your Mac
First of all, you must have a compatible Mac to install macOS 27 Golden Gate - see below to make sure your Mac is included.
Also, remember that this is early beta software, so it’s not advisable to put it on your daily driver Mac. Ideally, you want to instal this on a secondary device.
If you’re intent on having a macOS developer beta on your main Mac, then understand that it’s risky to run a pre-release operating system on it – and definitely be sure to back up before proceeding (you should do this in any case).
- MacBook Air M1 or later
- MacBook Pro M1 or later
- MacBook Pro 13-inch M1 2020 or later
- MacBook Pro 14-inch M1 Pro 2021 or later
- MacBook Pro 16-inch M1 Pro 2021 or later
- MacBook Neo
- iMac M1 2020 or later
- Mac mini M1 2020 or later
- Mac Studio 2022 and later
Head to System Settings > General > Software Update on your Mac, and where it says ‘Beta Updates’ click the Info (i) icon on the right. In the panel that opens, along from Beta Updates, click the button on the right, where it says ‘Off’ and you’ll get a list of options. Choose the macOS Public Beta from that list, click Done, and then click Upgrade Now.
That’s it – the upgrade will go ahead, and after a reboot, you should be faced with an early version of Apple's new operating system.
That might sound exciting, but it does increase the possibility of bugs appearing; after all, that's part of the reason why beta versions exist.
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➡️ Read our full guide to the best MacBooks and Macs
1. Best MacBook overall:
MacBook Air 13-inch M5
2. Best budget MacBook:
MacBook Neo
3. Best Mac:
Mac mini (M4)
4. Best MacBook Pro
MacBook Pro 14-inch M5
5. Best Mac for professionals
Mac Studio M4 Max
