How to download the macOS 27 Golden Gate developer beta

Apple has announced macOS 27 Golden Gate, the latest desktop operating system for the best MacBooks and Macs at WWDC 26, and in this guide, I'll show you how to install the developer beta, which is available to download right now. However, before we get into that, it's important to note that for most people, you won't want to download the developer beta unless you know what you're doing.

This is because the developer beta, which, as the name makes clear, is for developers to test their apps with. It's not for public consumption, as this early version will have missing features and plenty of bugs.

Instead, you're better off waiting at least until July, when the public beta will be released. By that time, a lot of bugs will hopefully have been caught and fixed, though there will still likely be some glitches. If you can wait, then the final release later this year (hopefully around October) will be much more stable.

You should also note that you need to have a developer account to download the developer beta, which costs money. If you absolutely can't wait, and don't mind paying, then follow my steps below - otherwise, hang tight until next month.

How to install the macOS 27 Golden Gate developer beta on your Mac

First of all, you must have a compatible Mac to install macOS 27 Golden Gate - see below to make sure your Mac is included.

Also, remember that this is early beta software, so it’s not advisable to put it on your daily driver Mac. Ideally, you want to instal this on a secondary device.

If you’re intent on having a macOS Tahoe developer beta on your main PC, then understand that it’s risky to run a pre-release operating system on it – and definitely be sure to back up before proceeding (you should do this in any case).

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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

iMac M1 2020 or later

Mac mini M1 2020 or later

Mac Studio 2022 and later

You also need to be a software developer. If you are, you must be signed into your Apple Developer account: head here, and click on Account, top-right, then log in.

If you don’t have a developer account, then you’ll need to create one here, signing up as an individual, which requires an Apple Account (with two-factor authentication enabled). You’ll need to provide a payment method, and a developer membership costs $99 per year, so it’s hardly cheap.

Once Apple verifies you and sets up your Apple Developer membership – or if you already have one and are logged in – you can then download macOS 27.

Head to System Settings > General > Software Update on your Mac, and where it says ‘Beta Updates’ click the Info (i) icon on the right. In the panel that opens, along from Beta Updates, click the button on the right, where it says ‘Off’ and you’ll get a list of options. Choose the macOS Developer Beta from that list, click Done, and then click Upgrade Now.

That’s it – the upgrade will go ahead, and after a reboot, you should be faced with an early version of Apple's new operating system. When the public beta is released, it'll be worth installing that rather than sticking with the developer beta, as it should be more stable. The developer beta will likely continue until the final macOS 27 Golden Gate release later this year, but will focus on cutting-edge features that need to be tested before they get rolled out.

That might sound exciting, but it does increase the possibility of bugs appearing; after all, that's part of the reason why beta versions exist.

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Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there's no aspect of technology that Matt isn't passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. He’s personally reviewed and used most of the laptops in our best laptops guide - and since joining TechRadar in 2014, he's reviewed over 250 laptops and computing accessories personally.