The latest version of macOS, Golden Gate, has officially been released. However, not all MacBook users will be able to upgrade to macOS 27. The availability of the update depends on the age and specifications of your device. Older MacBook models with Intel processors will not be able to run macOS 27, meaning they will remain on macOS 26, known as Tahoe, indefinitely. This update marks the beginning of Apple's shift to its own silicon chips, making macOS 27 incompatible with any Mac that uses an Intel chip. If your MacBook was released in 2021 or later, it is likely compatible with Golden Gate. There are also a few 2020 models that can run the update, specifically the M1 chip versions of the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. To check your Mac's specifications, click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen and select "About This Mac." If it displays "Chip" followed by an M-series processor, such as M3, you're using Apple silicon. If it shows "Processor" with a CPU model like "Intel Core i5," your Mac uses an Intel chip. This shift away from Intel hardware has been in progress since 2020. While Apple has cited the desire to develop more in-house technology as a key reason for the change, a former Intel engineer suggested that declining quality assurance with Intel’s Skylake line may have also played a role. Golden Gate introduces several new features, including an AI-focused upgrade to Siri, which aims to make the digital assistant more helpful in daily tasks. Other improvements include a more customizable version of Liquid Glass, AI-powered photo editing tools, automatic tab organization in Safari, and general performance enhancements. While the transition may be inconvenient for users with older MacBooks, Golden Gate represents the final step in Apple's shift to its own silicon. If Apple continues its current support timelines, macOS Tahoe will receive security updates until September 2028, giving Intel Mac users two more years of support. Apple has generally been strong in supporting older hardware, as seen with the release of the latest software update for six-year-old computers.