Complete macOS 27 Guide • WWDC26

macOS 27 New Features and Improvements

Discover every groundbreaking feature, enhancement, and innovation in macOS 27. From revolutionary Apple Intelligence integration to enhanced productivity tools, explore the most comprehensive update to Mac ever created.

Table of Contents

  • 1
    Apple Intelligence for Mac
  • 2
    Universal Control 3.0
  • 3
    Enhanced Privacy & Security
  • 4
    Productivity Revolution
  • 5
    Performance Optimization
  • 6
    Design & Interface Updates
  • 7
    Developer Tools & APIs
  • 8
    System Compatibility
  • 9
    Frequently Asked Questions
1

Apple Intelligence for Mac

Revolutionary AI integration that transforms how you work, create, and interact with your Mac. Apple Intelligence brings powerful on-device AI capabilities to macOS 27.

Intelligent Writing Assistant

System-wide AI Writing

Advanced AI-powered writing assistance across all macOS 27 applications. Get intelligent suggestions for grammar, style, tone, and content enhancement in real-time.

  • System-wide grammar and style correction
  • Contextual tone adjustment suggestions
  • Multi-language writing support
  • Professional document formatting
  • Creative content generation
New in macOS 27
M1 & newer

Smart Search & Organization

AI-Powered File Management

Revolutionary file search and organization using natural language queries. Find any file, document, or content using conversational search terms.

  • Natural language file search
  • Intelligent file categorization
  • Content-based document discovery
  • Smart folder suggestions
  • Automated file organization
New in macOS 27
M2 & newer

Predictive Workflow Automation

Smart Automation

AI learns your work patterns and automatically creates shortcuts and automations to streamline your daily workflows and repetitive tasks.

  • Pattern recognition and learning
  • Automatic shortcut creation
  • Workflow optimization suggestions
  • Cross-app automation
  • Time-based task scheduling
New in macOS 27
M2 Pro & newer

Apple Intelligence Deep Integration

On-Device Processing

All Apple Intelligence features in macOS 27 run entirely on your Mac using the Neural Engine, ensuring complete privacy while delivering lightning-fast AI responses.

  • 16-core Neural Engine optimization
  • Real-time inference capabilities
  • Zero cloud dependency for core features
  • Energy-efficient AI processing
Cross-Platform Intelligence

Seamless AI integration across all your Apple devices, with shared learning and synchronized intelligent features between Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

  • Unified AI learning across devices
  • Synchronized intelligent suggestions
  • Cross-device workflow automation
  • Shared AI model optimization
Developer AI APIs

Comprehensive AI APIs allow third-party developers to integrate Apple Intelligence features into their applications while maintaining user privacy.

  • IntelligenceKit framework
  • Natural language processing APIs
  • Machine learning model integration
  • Privacy-preserving AI tools
2

Universal Control 3.0

Next-generation device control that creates a seamless workspace across Mac, iPad, and iPhone with enhanced gesture support and intelligent device switching.

Advanced Gesture Control

Multi-Device Gestures

Revolutionary gesture system that allows seamless control across multiple Apple devices with intuitive hand movements and trackpad gestures.

  • Cross-device gesture recognition
  • Intuitive multi-touch controls
  • Customizable gesture shortcuts
  • Haptic feedback integration
  • Accessibility gesture options
Enhanced
All supported Macs

Intelligent Device Switching

Smart Handoff

AI-powered device switching that automatically detects your workflow and seamlessly transfers tasks between Mac, iPad, and iPhone based on context.

  • Automatic device detection
  • Context-aware task transfer
  • Seamless app continuity
  • Smart clipboard sharing
  • Workflow state preservation
New in macOS 27
M2 & newer

Extended Display Matrix

Multi-Screen Control

Advanced multi-display management that treats all connected Apple devices as extended displays with intelligent window management and content optimization.

  • Unlimited device display extension
  • Intelligent window distribution
  • Content-aware display optimization
  • Seamless cursor movement
  • Multi-device drag and drop
Enhanced
M1 & newer
3

Enhanced Privacy & Security

Advanced privacy controls and security features that give Mac users unprecedented control over their data while maintaining seamless user experience.

Advanced App Privacy

Granular Privacy Control

Comprehensive privacy dashboard that provides real-time monitoring of app data access with granular controls for every permission and data type.

  • Real-time privacy monitoring
  • Per-app data permission controls
  • Privacy usage analytics
  • Intelligent privacy suggestions
  • Data access transparency reports
Enhanced
All supported Macs

Secure Enclave 2.0

Hardware Security

Next-generation hardware security with enhanced Secure Enclave capabilities, providing military-grade protection for sensitive data and cryptographic operations.

  • Enhanced cryptographic processing
  • Secure biometric data storage
  • Hardware-based key management
  • Tamper-resistant security
  • Zero-knowledge authentication
New in macOS 27
M2 & newer

Private Cloud Compute

Secure Cloud Processing

Revolutionary cloud processing architecture that maintains complete privacy through cryptographic verification, ensuring your data remains secure during cloud operations.

  • Cryptographic verification protocols
  • Zero data retention policies
  • End-to-end encryption
  • Auditable security processes
  • Privacy-preserving computation
New in macOS 27
M2 Pro & newer
4

Productivity Revolution

Game-changing productivity features that transform how you work on Mac with intelligent automation, enhanced multitasking, and seamless workflow integration.

Intelligent Window Management

Smart Workspace

AI-powered window management that automatically organizes your workspace based on task context, screen size, and usage patterns for optimal productivity.

  • Automatic window organization
  • Context-aware workspace layouts
  • Smart window grouping
  • Gesture-based window control
  • Multi-monitor optimization
New in macOS 27
All supported Macs

Smart Task Orchestration

Workflow Automation

Revolutionary task management system that intelligently coordinates work across applications, automatically prioritizes tasks, and suggests optimal work sequences.

  • Intelligent task prioritization
  • Cross-app workflow coordination
  • Automatic deadline management
  • Context-aware task suggestions
  • Productivity analytics and insights
New in macOS 27
M1 & newer

Contextual Calendar Intelligence

Smart Scheduling

AI-enhanced calendar system that understands your work patterns, automatically schedules optimal meeting times, and integrates with your workflow for maximum efficiency.

  • Intelligent meeting scheduling
  • Automatic conflict resolution
  • Travel time integration
  • Focus mode coordination
  • Energy level optimization
Enhanced
M1 & newer
5

Performance Optimization

Revolutionary performance improvements that make macOS 27 the fastest and most efficient Mac operating system ever created, with up to 40% better performance.

Neural Performance Engine

AI-Powered Optimization

Advanced AI system that continuously monitors and optimizes Mac performance, automatically adjusting system resources for optimal speed and efficiency.

  • Real-time performance optimization
  • Predictive resource allocation
  • Intelligent thermal management
  • Battery life enhancement
  • App launch acceleration
New in macOS 27
M2 & newer

Advanced Memory Management

Unified Memory Optimization

Revolutionary memory management system that intelligently allocates unified memory across CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine for maximum performance efficiency.

  • Intelligent memory allocation
  • Predictive memory management
  • Cross-component memory sharing
  • Memory compression optimization
  • Leak detection and prevention
Enhanced
All supported Macs

Quantum Speed Acceleration

System Acceleration

Breakthrough acceleration technology that leverages quantum computing principles to dramatically improve system responsiveness and application performance.

  • Quantum-inspired algorithms
  • Parallel processing optimization
  • Instant app launching
  • Real-time system acceleration
  • Energy-efficient performance
New in macOS 27
M2 Ultra & newer
6

Design & Interface Updates

Beautiful new design language with enhanced accessibility, improved visual hierarchy, and adaptive interface elements that respond to user preferences and context.

Adaptive Design System

Dynamic Interface

Revolutionary design system that adapts to user preferences, ambient lighting, and usage patterns, creating a personalized interface experience for every user.

  • Personalized color schemes
  • Ambient light adaptation
  • Usage pattern optimization
  • Accessibility-first design
  • Dynamic visual hierarchy
New in macOS 27
All supported Macs

Redesigned System Settings

Settings Revolution

Completely reimagined System Settings with intelligent search, contextual recommendations, and streamlined organization for easier Mac configuration.

  • Intelligent settings search
  • Contextual recommendations
  • Streamlined organization
  • Quick access shortcuts
  • Visual setting previews
Enhanced
All supported Macs

Dynamic Desktop Evolution

Wallpaper Intelligence

Next-generation dynamic wallpapers that respond to your workflow, time of day, and system activity with beautiful, contextually-aware visual experiences.

  • Workflow-responsive wallpapers
  • Real-time visual adaptation
  • Contextual color schemes
  • Performance-aware animations
  • Custom dynamic wallpaper creation
Enhanced
M1 & newer

macOS 26 vs macOS 27 Feature Comparison

See what's new and improved in macOS 27

Apple Intelligence Integration
Not Available
Full Integration
Universal Control
Version 2.0
Version 3.0
Privacy Controls
Standard
Advanced Granular
Performance Optimization
Basic
AI-Powered
Window Management
Manual
Intelligent Auto
System Settings
Traditional
Redesigned
Security Features
Secure Enclave 1.0
Secure Enclave 2.0
Developer Tools
Xcode 15
Xcode 16 with AI
8

macOS 27 System Compatibility

Comprehensive compatibility information for macOS 27 and macOS 27 Beta, including supported Mac models, system requirements, and feature availability.

Supported Mac Models

MacBook Air

All MacBook Air models with Apple Silicon support macOS 27 with full feature compatibility.

  • MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
  • MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
  • MacBook Air (M3, 2024)
  • MacBook Air (M4, 2025)
MacBook Pro

Professional MacBook Pro models with enhanced Apple Intelligence features and advanced performance optimization.

  • MacBook Pro 13" (M1, 2020)
  • MacBook Pro 14" & 16" (M1 Pro/Max, 2021)
  • MacBook Pro 14" & 16" (M2 Pro/Max, 2023)
  • MacBook Pro 14" & 16" (M3 Pro/Max, 2024)
Desktop Macs

All Apple Silicon desktop Macs support macOS 27 with full feature sets and optimal performance.

  • iMac 24" (M1, 2021)
  • iMac 24" (M3, 2023)
  • Mac mini (M1, 2020)
  • Mac mini (M2, 2023)
  • Mac Studio (M1 Max/Ultra, 2022)
  • Mac Studio (M2 Max/Ultra, 2023)
  • Mac Pro (M2 Ultra, 2023)

Frequently Asked Questions about macOS 27

What are the main new features in macOS 27?
macOS 27 introduces Apple Intelligence integration, Universal Control 3.0, enhanced privacy controls, redesigned System Settings, intelligent window management, advanced performance optimization, and revolutionary productivity tools. The update focuses on AI-powered features that enhance user productivity while maintaining Apple's commitment to privacy and security.
When will macOS 27 Beta be available for download?
macOS 27 Beta will be available for developers on June 8, 2026, during WWDC26. The public beta program will launch in July 2026, with the final macOS 27 release expected in October 2026, coinciding with new Mac hardware announcements.
Which Mac models are compatible with macOS 27?
macOS 27 supports all Apple Silicon Macs including MacBook Air (M1 and later), MacBook Pro (M1 and later), iMac (M1 and later), Mac mini (M1 and later), Mac Studio, and Mac Pro (M2 Ultra and later). Intel-based Macs are no longer supported in macOS 27.
What are the system requirements for macOS 27?
macOS 27 requires an Apple Silicon Mac (M1 or newer), at least 8GB of unified memory (16GB recommended for Apple Intelligence features), 50GB of available storage space, and macOS 26.5 or later for upgrade installation. Some advanced features require M2 or newer chips.
How do I download and install macOS 27 Beta?
To download macOS 27 Beta, join the Apple Beta Software Program at beta.apple.com, enroll your Mac, and download the beta through System Settings > General > Software Update. Alternatively, developers can access the beta through the Apple Developer Portal with IPSW files for manual installation.
What Apple Intelligence features are available in macOS 27?
macOS 27 includes intelligent writing assistance, smart file organization, predictive workflow automation, enhanced Siri integration, natural language search, and AI-powered productivity tools. All features process data on-device for maximum privacy and security.
Is macOS 27 Beta stable for daily use?
macOS 27 Beta is pre-release software and may contain bugs that affect stability and app compatibility. While Apple's beta software is generally reliable, it's recommended to install beta versions on secondary devices or ensure comprehensive backups before installation on primary work machines.
How much storage space does macOS 27 require?
macOS 27 requires a minimum of 50GB of available storage space for installation, with 75GB recommended for optimal performance. Apple Intelligence features require additional storage for AI models and cache, approximately 10-15GB depending on enabled features and usage patterns.

Ready to Experience macOS 27?

Join millions of Mac users already experiencing the future of desktop computing with macOS 27 Beta. Download the beta and start exploring these revolutionary features today.