Apple has announced macOS 27 Golden Gate, the latest desktop operating system, at WWDC 26, and the developer beta is now available to download. According to TechRadar, this guide shows how to install the developer beta, but most users should wait for the public beta due to missing features and bugs.
About the macOS 27 Golden Gate Developer Beta
The developer beta is intended for developers to test their apps. TechRadar warns that this early version will have missing features and plenty of bugs, making it unsuitable for daily use. Users are advised to install it on a secondary device and to back up before proceeding.
Prerequisites and Important Warnings
To download the developer beta, you need a compatible Mac and an Apple Developer account, which costs $99 per year according to TechRadar. The developer beta is not for public consumption; the public beta is expected in July, with the final stable release likely around October. TechRadar stresses that running a pre-release operating system on your main PC is risky.
Compatible Macs
TechRadar lists the following Mac models as compatible with macOS 27 Golden Gate:
| Model | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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 | Any |
| iMac | M1 2020 or later |
| Mac mini | M1 2020 or later |
| Mac Studio | 2022 and later |
Note that the MacBook Neo is also supported. Ensure your Mac is on this list before attempting installation.
Step-by-Step Installation
To install the developer beta, first sign in to your Apple Developer account at the Apple Developer website. TechRadar instructs: go to System Settings > General > Software Update on your Mac. Next to "Beta Updates," click the Info (i) icon. In the panel, toggle Beta Updates from "Off" to choose the macOS Developer Beta option. Click Done, then click Upgrade Now. The upgrade will proceed, and after a reboot, you will be running the early version of macOS 27 Golden Gate.
What to Expect Next
After installation, expect bugs and missing features. TechRadar notes that the developer beta will continue until the final release, focusing on cutting-edge features that need testing. When the public beta is released in July, it is recommended to switch to that version for greater stability. For most users, waiting for the final release later this year is the safest approach.
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