The technological landscape for Apple users has undergone a significant shift following the official unveiling of the new operating system for its computers. Under the name of macOS Golden GateThe Cupertino company has unveiled an update that, while seemingly an evolution of the previous version, hides profound changes under the hood in how we interact with the mouse and keyboard. This version aims for a more mature experience, smoothing out rough edges from previous years and focusing entirely on integrating intelligent processes that truly make life easier for the user.
This new release not only pays homage to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, but also aims to be a true bridge to an era where hardware and software are one and the same. The most striking aspect of this transition is the focus on... stability and energy efficiencyThese two points had recently generated some debate within the community. With a clear focus on optimization, the system seems to breathe better, offering a welcome sense of lightness from the very first minute after installation.
Artificial intelligence takes control with Siri AI
The star of this version is undoubtedly the revamped virtual assistant. After years of waiting, Apple's assistant has been transformed into Siri AIa tool that now has the support of Gemini models. The best news for those of us on this side of the pond is that, unlike with the iPhone, the advanced artificial intelligence features will be available on the Mac for the users from the European Union, avoiding the DMA limitations that have affected other devices in the ecosystem.
This new assistant isn't just a colorful bubble on the screen; it now has its own app and is capable of manage conversation threads with astonishing ease. You can ask it to compare two PDF documents on your desktop or to find a specific email from months ago to summarize the key points. Furthermore, it integrates deeply with Spotlight, transforming the system search engine into much more than just an application launcher, becoming a true contextual answer engine that understand what we are seeing in every moment.
Adjustments to Liquid Glass and the return to legibility
In terms of visuals, the aesthetics Liquid glass It has received a much-needed facelift. One of the features that will be most appreciated is the new transparency selector located in the appearance settings. Now it's possible to decide, using a slider, whether you prefer an interface with extreme translucent touches or a more opaque version reminiscent of classic systems. This change isn't just aesthetic; it responds to a need for accessibility for those users who found it difficult to read texts on overly variable backgrounds.
Apple has decided to reverse the floating window trend we saw last year. In Golden Gate, the sidebars once again extend from top to bottom, restoring a more solid and organized structure. The icons have also been tweaked to gain depth and reminiscences in three dimensionsmoving away from the flat design of yesteryear. Although for some this may seem like a trip back in time, the truth is that visual clarity It has gained ground, making working for many hours in front of the monitor a much less tiring experience.
Optimized performance: The Mac flies again
Beyond what you see, the experience of using the computer is perhaps the most striking. A new CPU scheduler has been implemented that knows exactly which tasks should be prioritized. This means that applications open up to a 30% fasterThis figure is especially noticeable in heavy editing or development software. The file transfer system AirDrop has also been given a boostachieving transfers that are up to 80% faster, something that will be perfect for those of us who constantly move heavy videos between the iPhone and the desktop computer.
Native apps haven't been left behind in this race for speed. Safari can now intelligently group tabs based on context (for example, automatically organizing all your open travel websites) and allows create extensions using voiceMeanwhile, the Photos app has opened its borders, finally allowing the creation of shared albums with users who use Android or WindowsThis involved removing one of the oldest walls in the company's fenced garden. An advanced cleaning function has also been integrated to remove unwanted objects from images with surgical precision.
The end of an era: A final goodbye to Intel
With the release of macOS Golden Gate, an important chapter in the history of personal computing comes to a close. This is the first version of the system that It is not compatible with Intel processorsAfter six years since the transition began, Apple has decided it's time to focus exclusively on its own architecture. This means that flagship models like the 27-inch iMac and the 2019 MacBook Pro will remain permanently on the previous version, although they will continue to receive updates. basic security patches for a time.
To enjoy all the benefits of Golden Gate, you'll need an M1 chip or higher. However, you should read the fine print, as the most demanding features of Siri AI and Apple Intelligence They might require more modern hardware, specifically M3 chips or higher with at least 12 GB of unified memory. This ensures the experience doesn't suffer on less powerful machines, but the core operating system will still run flawlessly on any device. computer with Apple Silicon architecture that has come onto the market in recent years.
This update is expected to arrive in September, following the usual release schedule after an intense summer of testing. The changes to the Liquid Glass design, the opening of Photos to other ecosystems, and the significant leap in system speed point to a future where the Mac reclaims its throne as ultimate productivity toolAlthough the farewell to older chips may be painful for some users, the evolution towards software designed specifically for the processor promises to squeeze every watt of power available in our computers.
The rollout of macOS Golden Gate represents a technological consolidation that prioritizes real-world utility over visual spectacle. With a Siri that finally feels intelligent and performance improvements that address the shortcomings of previous versions, Mac users in Spain and the rest of Europe are facing one of the more robust updates of the last decade. The exclusivity of the company's chips allows features such as the new dictation or image processing to reach unprecedented levels of fluidity, paving the way for what personal computing will be like in the coming years without neglecting the personalization and comfort from the end user.