The latest macOS update, macOS 27, is on the horizon, marking the beginning of Apple's new "27" era. This update is expected to bring quality-of-life improvements and significant Apple Intelligence updates, including a revamped Siri AI.
While the update may not boast as many new features as previous revisions, users can look forward to enjoying a smoother experience on their M1 iMac. However, users should be aware that the benefits of updating to macOS 27 may be limited to this improvement, at least for now.
Apple has been beta testing its new updates, including macOS 27, since the June WWDC conference. This means that registered developers have had access to the beta, and the general public can also try out the update now, albeit at their own risk.
Installing a beta of macOS 27 comes with its own set of risks, including bugs and glitches that wouldn't normally make it to an official update. While Apple has spent time beta testing its updates with developers, it's still essential to back up any important data before making the switch.
It's recommended that most users wait for at least the public beta before testing out macOS 27. Apple has announced that public betas will be available sometime in July, offering a more stable experience for users.
Not all Macs are compatible with macOS 27. This year marks Apple's departure from Intel, and only Macs with Apple silicon chips, such as the MacBook Neo, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro, will be able to run the update.
For users willing to take the risk, installing the macOS 27 developer beta is possible. To do so, users must enroll their Apple Account in the developer program, which is now free. Once enrolled, users can head to System Settings > General > Software Update and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the update.