Apple releases macOS 27 Golden Gate with Siri AI overhaul

Apple ↗ 0.24% on Monday released macOS 27 Golden Gate, watchOS 27, iPadOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27, completing a sweeping rollout of operating system updates anchored by Siri AI, the company's long-awaited overhaul of its virtual assistant powered by Apple Intelligence.

macOS Golden Gate Drops Intel, Embraces Siri AI

The most notable platform shift arrives on the Mac. macOS Golden Gate runs exclusively on Apple Silicon, ending support for all Intel-based Macs. macOS Tahoe will be the final release compatible with Intel machines, though those Macs are expected to continue receiving security updates.newscord+1

On supported Macs, Siri AI is now integrated directly into Spotlight, allowing users to invoke the assistant with a keystroke and continue working while it searches across emails, documents, and photos. Apple says the update also delivers up to 30 percent faster app launches and smoother performance when swiping between spaces and using Mission Control. A new slider in Settings lets users adjust the transparency of Apple's Liquid Glass design language.thurrott+1

Siri AI on macOS also works with Apple Music for playlist management, a capability that Apple Insider reports still does not function reliably on iOS. Notably, EU users can access Siri AI on macOS Golden Gate since the Mac is not subject to the same Digital Markets Act obligations as iOS and iPadOS.appleinsider+1

watchOS 27 Brings Siri to the Wrist

watchOS 27, compatible with Apple Watch Series 9 and later, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later, and Apple Watch SE 3, introduces a dedicated Siri app that syncs conversations across devices via iCloud. A new Siri Modular watch face dynamically surfaces the most relevant Smart Stack widget.macrumors

Other additions include a single-handed tap gesture for selecting widgets, offline song identification through Shazam, and a Workout Buddy feature that now operates without a nearby iPhone over Wi-Fi or cellular. Siri AI on the Apple Watch requires a paired Apple Intelligence-capable iPhone, such as the iPhone 15 Pro or later.apple+1

EU Restrictions and What Comes Next

Siri AI launches in English as a beta feature, with French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish support arriving in October. iPhone and iPad users in the EU will not have access to Siri AI or several new Apple Intelligence features at launch, with Apple citing ongoing efforts to comply with the bloc's regulations.engadget+1

Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5 go on sale September 18, followed by new Mac mini and Mac Studio models next week.engadget