I’ve used macOS Golden Gate for 3 months — and here’s what I think

macOS Golden Gate arrived in June and has been in development ever since. The latest version of the operating system is now set to be released as the final macOS Golden Gate update. The update brings significant AI enhancements and performance improvements, making MacBooks feel more personalized and streamlined. In my testing of the Golden Gate beta, I found it to be a solid update that doesn't drastically change the experience from last year's macOS.

New features include a dedicated Siri AI app, which functions like chatbots such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini. You can access the app via the Dock, Menu bar, or Spotlight, opening a chat window where you can converse with Siri AI about various topics. Siri AI can also perform actions based on context, such as adding events to your calendar or offering suggestions for meetings. Additionally, users can create Shortcuts by speaking or typing desired commands, making tasks easier to accomplish through natural language input.

Another noteworthy feature is the customizable Liquid Glass UI. Users can now adjust the slider's opacity to control the intensity of the effect, improving text readability and making icons stand out more from the background. This adjustment option is a welcome addition for those who dislike the current appearance of the UI. Lastly, the introduction of Spatial Reframing in the Photos app allows users to adjust the perspective of their images, providing a new way to enhance photos while retaining their original quality.

While these new features may not be major game-changers for everyone, they offer a more seamless AI experience and improved visual customization for Mac users.