Apple has released the macOS 27 Golden Gate Release Candidate ahead of its public launch on September 14. Developers and public beta testers can install the RC now and try the version Apple is preparing to release to everyone.
The installation process is straightforward, but the steps differ slightly depending on whether your Mac is enrolled in Apple’s developer beta program or the public beta program. Before installing any Release Candidate, make sure your important files are backed up.
Before You Install macOS 27 RC
The macOS 27 RC is pre-release software, even though it is expected to be very close to the final public version. Back up your Mac with Time Machine or another backup method before starting the update.
You also need a compatible Mac enrolled in Apple’s beta program. If you are already running a macOS 27 beta, you can usually move directly to the Release Candidate through Software Update.
How To Install macOS 27 RC
- Open System Settings on your Mac.
- Click General in the sidebar.
- Select Software Update.
- Find Beta Updates and click the information button next to it.
- Open the beta update menu.
- Select macOS Developer Golden Gate Beta if you are enrolled in Apple’s developer beta program.
- Click Done.
- Wait for macOS 27 Golden Gate RC to appear under Software Update.
- Click Update Now or the available installation button.
- Enter your Mac administrator password if prompted and follow the onscreen instructions.
Your Mac may restart several times during the installation. Keep it connected to power and avoid shutting it down while the update is being installed.
How To Get The Public Beta RC
Public beta testers can also check for the macOS 27 RC through System Settings > General > Software Update.
Make sure Beta Updates is enabled and that your Mac is enrolled in Apple’s public beta program. Once the Release Candidate is available for your beta channel, it should appear as a normal software update.
What If macOS 27 RC Does Not Appear?
If the Release Candidate is not showing up, check that your Mac is enrolled in the correct beta program and that Beta Updates is enabled.
You can also return to System Settings > General > Software Update after a few minutes and check again. Apple sometimes makes beta builds available gradually rather than showing them on every device at exactly the same time.
If you are already running a macOS 27 beta, you do not need to erase your Mac or reinstall macOS to move to the RC. The Release Candidate can be installed through Software Update.
macOS 27 RC Build Number
The first macOS 27 Golden Gate Release Candidate carries build number 26A5428.
After installation, you can check your Mac’s installed version by opening System Settings > General > About and looking under macOS.
Should You Install The macOS 27 RC?
If you are already testing macOS 27, installing the RC makes sense because it is expected to be very close to the public release.
If your Mac is your primary work machine and you are not already participating in beta testing, waiting for the public release on September 14 is the safer option.
macOS 27 Public Release
Apple will release macOS 27 Golden Gate publicly on September 14.
The public version is expected to closely match the Release Candidate unless Apple discovers a significant issue that requires another RC before launch.
