Tim Cook’s last WWDC: Apple launches macOS Golden Gate

At what is anticipated to be Tim Cook's last Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) as CEO, Apple has unveiled macOS Golden Gate 27, the latest iteration of its desktop operating system. This new version introduces a host of features, including an improved search experience, enhanced integration of Apple Intelligence, and increased user customization options regarding its debated Liquid Glass design. This announcement signifies a pivotal change for Apple as the company gears up for a new leadership chapter while striving to create cohesive software experiences across its devices, leveraging artificial intelligence and a unified design framework. A standout feature of macOS Golden Gate 27 is the global slider functionality, which allows users to modify the opacity of Liquid Glass interface effects. This adjustment appears to address user concerns regarding the visual changes that accompanied the previous version, macOS Tahoe 26. In addition to aesthetic improvements, Apple has refined the corner radius of windows and interface elements to enhance consistency throughout the desktop experience. Significant enhancements have also been made to the Search feature, which Apple claims has been rebuilt on a new framework that allows for more efficient indexing of content across devices. Users will notice improved search capabilities not only in Spotlight but also in the Photos and Mail applications. Golden Gate 27 also carries forward several cross-platform features that were highlighted during Apple's WWDC keynote, such as updates to parental controls and Screen Time functionalities. This release follows the previous macOS Tahoe 26, which introduced a revamped Spotlight search and a native Phone app for Mac. While macOS Tahoe focused on productivity enhancements, it sparked discussions among users regarding the usability of Apple's Liquid Glass redesign, which some criticized for its transparency-heavy interface. Notably, Golden Gate 27 will also signal the end of support for Intel-based Macs, as Apple confirmed that this new operating system will only be compatible with devices powered by its own Apple Silicon, completing the transition that commenced in 2020.