Apple has opened the first public beta for macOS 27, giving compatible Mac owners an early look at the update before its wider release, which is expected later in the fall. The new version, called macOS Golden Gate, is part of Apple’s next major software cycle and includes a mix of smaller usability improvements alongside some of the company’s bigger Apple Intelligence additions, including Siri AI access.
As with any beta software, there’s a tradeoff for getting early access. The public beta may be more stable than the developer version, but it is still unfinished software and can contain bugs, glitches, or other problems that affect normal use. According to the report, anyone thinking about installing it should back up important files first, including photos, documents, and messages, and not rely only on an iCloud backup if data loss is a concern.
Compatibility is also a key factor. Unlike iPhone software, macOS 27 does not support every device that can run the previous version. Apple’s list excludes Intel-based Macs, meaning the update is limited to machines with Apple silicon. That includes MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro models with an M-series chip. In practical terms, if the chip name includes an “M,” the Mac should qualify.
Installing the public beta starts with enrolling the Apple Account used on the Mac in Apple’s beta program. After that, users can open System Settings, go to General, then Software Update, tap the information button next to Beta Updates, switch the setting from Off, and select the macOS 27 Golden Gate Public Beta option. Once that’s done, the update installs like any standard macOS release. The developer beta follows a similar path, though the article notes that the public beta is generally the safer way to test early software.
Source: lifehacker.com
