Before You Update to iOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate: A Practical Checklist
A practical checklist before you update to iOS 27 or macOS Golden Gate: compatibility, backups, storage, Family Sharing, work apps and Time Capsule.
Apple released iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27 Golden Gate on 14 September 2026. Most problems with a major update are not caused by the update itself. They come from a rushed install, a backup that was never finished, a full device or an app that no longer works. This checklist covers what to do first. It is part of our WWDC 2026 coverage.
Check that your device is supported
iOS 27 runs on the iPhone 11 and later, and on the iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later. To see which iPhone you have, open Settings, tap General, then tap About.
macOS 27 Golden Gate runs on any Mac with Apple silicon, which means an M-series or A-series chip. Intel Macs are not supported. To check yours, choose About This Mac from the Apple menu and look at the chip. If your Mac is not compatible, you might be able to install an earlier version of macOS instead. Our guide to macOS Golden Gate lists the Macs that can run it.
The Siri AI features need newer hardware again. An iPhone that can run iOS 27 will not necessarily run Siri AI, which needs an iPhone 15 Pro or later. Our iOS 27 guide explains the difference.
Back up first
Back up both devices before you update. A major update can occasionally go wrong, and a recent backup turns a disaster into an inconvenience.
On an iPhone or iPad, back up to iCloud or to a computer. Then check that the backup actually finished. Starting a backup is not the same as completing one, so look for a recent date and time on the backup screen.
On a Mac, use Time Machine. Open System Settings, choose General, then Time Machine, and add a backup disk if you have not already. Our guide to backing up your Mac with Time Machine and a NAS explains the simplest setup, and why a cloud service such as iCloud is not a backup.
If you back up to an AirPort Time Capsule
If you still back up to an old AirPort Time Capsule, macOS 27 can no longer use it. macOS 27 can no longer use an AirPort Time Capsule for Time Machine backups. Set up an external drive or a modern NAS before you update.
Make room
Updates need free space to download and install, and a nearly full device is a common reason for a slow update. On an iPhone, check Settings, General, iPhone Storage. On a Mac, see our guide to freeing up disk space. Remove apps you no longer use, clear large downloads and review your Photos library.
Check the apps you rely on
Think about the apps you could not work without. For a business, that means accounting software, job or practice management tools and anything that connects to your email or files. Before updating a work device, confirm that your accounting, job-management and other essential apps support iOS 27 or macOS 27. If the answer is not clear in the app, ask the supplier. Update the apps before the operating system. Smaller software companies can take longer to catch up.
If you manage a small team, update one device first and use it for a day or two before you update the rest. Avoid your busiest week. Our Mac Support & Setup service can help you test and plan the rollout.
Families: update every device
Apple’s new parental controls do not work if one device in the family is left behind. Every device in a Family Sharing group needs to be on version 27 before you can use the new Screen Time. In Settings, choose Family, then View Family Devices, to see which devices still need updating. Devices that cannot update stay on the earlier Screen Time settings, and Legacy Devices lists them.
Our guide to what to set up first covers the next step.
Check your accounts
Make sure you know your Apple Account password and can receive a two-factor code, that your email accounts are syncing and that your passwords are easy to reach. A backup is not much use if you cannot sign in to restore it.
Siri AI and Apple Intelligence are optional
The update does not force you to use the new features. Siri AI is a beta, it works in English to start and Apple says usage limits apply. On an iPhone, you can turn it off in Settings by tapping Siri, scrolling down and tapping Turn Off Siri. Our Siri AI guide explains what it can see and how Apple says it handles your data.
How to install the update
On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap General, then tap Software Update. Apple also lets you choose automatic updates. Under Automatic Updates you can pick Automatically Install, which downloads and installs updates overnight when the device is charging and on Wi-Fi, or Automatically Download, which downloads them and leaves you to install when it suits you.
On a Mac, choose Apple menu, then System Settings, click General, then click Software Update. You can also search for Software Update in Spotlight. Choose a time when you will not need the Mac.
Your checklist
- Check that your iPhone or Mac is supported.
- Back up, then confirm the backup finished.
- Free up space.
- Check that your key apps support the update, and update them first.
- Update every device in a Family Sharing group.
- Make sure you can sign in to your Apple Account.
- Install when you do not need the device.
Need a hand?
If you would like help preparing your devices, checking compatibility or planning a rollout for your team, contact Your Mac Tech.
