macOS Golden Gate (version 27) Release Information

macOS Golden Gate Release Information

Apple's most recent operating system, macOS Golden Gate (version 27), comes pre-installed on new Macs and is available as an upgrade for compatible Macs. For a full listing of new features, please visit the official macOS Golden Gate information page.

OIT's Recommendation: Wait to upgrade

As is often the case when new operating systems are first released, there are incompatibilities with some widely used applications for campus Mac users. At this time, OIT is testing compatibility with CU Boulder services and applications and recommends that faculty, staff, and students wait to upgrade Apple devices to macOS Golden Gate.

OIT recommends that before upgrading to any new operating system, ensure your most used applications are compatible by checking the compatibility testing information below, or by contacting the vendor directly.

As we have done in the past, all Mac systems enrolled in Secure Computing or managed by Buff Techs Pro (BTP) will be prevented from upgrading to the new operating system until significant compatibility issues have been addressed.

If you need assistance or have other questions, please schedule an appointment to bring your computer to the OIT Buff Techs Walk-In Center, contact Buff Techs Pro, or contact the IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 or oithelp@colorado.edu.

Known Compatibility Issues

Intel computers not compatible with macOS 27

macOS 27 Golden Gate is not compatible with Intel based computers. Visit Apple’s macOS Golden Gate information page and scroll down to compatible devices to check your device’s compatibility.

macOS 27 Final Version that will Support Rosetta

In 2020 Apple announced the transition from Mac computers with Intel processors to Mac computers with Apple silicon. Rosetta was designed to ease this transition by automatically translating Intel-based apps for use with Apple silicon. This has given users and app developers more time to update their apps for Apple silicon.

Rosetta is currently available for any Mac with Apple silicon, and it will remain available through macOS 27. Starting with macOS 28, Rosetta functionality will be available only for certain older, unmaintained games that rely on Intel-based frameworks.

For optimal performance and future compatibility, update your Intel-based apps, plug-ins, extensions, and other add-ons for Apple silicon. Learn more about Intel-based apps on Apple’s website.

Compatibility with CU Boulder Wi-Fi Networks

Please be aware that a network feature introduced with macOS 15 Sequoia and iOS 18 called Private Wi-Fi Address can cause issues when using campus Wi-Fi networks.

We strongly recommend setting the Private Wi-Fi Address to "off" for CU Guest to avoid frequent registration prompts and connectivity issues. This setting doesn't affect CU Secure Wi-Fi. Visit OIT's Private Wi-Fi Address setting on a Mac and iPhone and iPad tutorials for assistance finding this setting.

Because this is a per-network setting, OIT's recommendations are only for CU Boulder networks. For all campus Wi-Fi users with an IdentiKey, we continue to recommend that you connect to CU Secure rather than CU Guest. Visit Apple's website for more information about Private Wi-Fi addresses.

Compatibility Issues & Testing

Compatibility of macOS Golden Gate is currently being tested by OIT. If additional compatibility issues with campus services and supported software arise, we will report the results on this page. Before you upgrade to Golden Gate, check this page to ensure compatibility with software, services, and systems you use the most.