Your Mac doesn't get the macOS 27 Golden Gate update

Why it happens

Apple built macOS 27 for its own Mac chips only, so Macs with Intel processors aren't offered it at all. On those Macs, Software Update keeps saying you're up to date on macOS 26, and a downloaded macOS 27 installer says it can't be installed on this computer. Nothing is wrong with your Mac. Intel Macs keep getting security updates for macOS Tahoe through Software Update.

How to fix it

1. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, click General, then About.

2. Look near the top for a line called Chip or Processor. Chip with Apple M1, M2, M3, M4 or later means Apple silicon. Processor with an Intel name means an Intel Mac.

   General›About

3. On an Intel Mac, keep using macOS 26 Tahoe and install the updates it offers in General > Software Update. They keep your Mac protected.

   General›Software Update

4. On a Mac with Apple silicon, open General > Software Update. macOS 27 may be listed under the smaller macOS 26 updates, with its own Upgrade Now button.

Still not fixed?

1. Apple silicon Mac and still no macOS 27? Press Command-R in Software Update to check again, and make sure the internet works and any VPN is off.

2. If the Mac belongs to work or school, its managers can hold back new versions for a while. Ask them when macOS 27 will be allowed.

3. Tools that force a newer macOS onto an unsupported Mac aren't from Apple. They can break things after an update, and Apple can't help when they do.

4. If your Mac has Apple silicon, isn't managed, and macOS 27 still hasn't appeared after a few days, contact Apple Support.