Apple released the third developer beta of macOS Golden Gate on Monday, two weeks after the second beta dropped, pushing the operating system closer to its expected fall launch.
For Mac users who have been frustrated by Siri’s limited usefulness over the years, Golden Gate represents the most substantial overhaul of the assistant Apple has shipped on the Mac.
Siri has been rebuilt as a chatbot-style tool called Siri AI, now living inside Spotlight rather than operating as a separate overlay.
It can answer questions using general knowledge, pull in your personal data, and read what’s currently on your screen to give you relevant responses. A dedicated Siri app also stores past conversations so you can refer back to them later.
Passwords, Photos, and Safari Get AI Features
The Passwords app gains an option to automatically update weak passwords using AI, which removes one of the more tedious security tasks Mac users tend to avoid.
In Photos, AI editing tools let you make changes to images without third-party software. Safari can now organize open tabs automatically using AI, a feature that could save time for users who regularly end up with dozens of tabs open.
The Image Playground app has also been updated to generate photorealistic images rather than only stylized illustrations.
The Interface Changes Average Users Will Notice First
Apple has made several visual changes in response to early beta feedback. The Liquid Glass design introduced in the first beta now includes a transparency slider, letting users dial back the glassy effect if it interferes with readability.
Shadows have been adjusted to make it easier to see which window is currently active. Menu bars are getting fewer icons, and app toolbars are being standardized across the system so they look consistent when moving between applications.
Sidebars now run edge-to-edge inside apps, and window corners are slightly less rounded than in earlier builds.
Write With Siri and Visual Intelligence Come to Mac
Two features previously limited to iPhone and iPad are now available on the Mac. Visual Intelligence lets Siri analyze what’s on your screen and answer questions about it, useful for looking up information without switching apps or copying text.
Write with Siri can draft text or review something you’ve already written and offer feedback, which could change how people handle emails, documents, and messages directly on their Mac.
On newer Mac models, users can also set a custom voice for Siri with adjustable pace and expressivity, moving beyond the fixed voice options that have been in place for years.
The beta is now available in System Settings under General, then Software Update, though a free Apple developer account is required.
Apple has indicated a public beta is coming soon for users who want to test Golden Gate without enrolling in the developer program.
