Hark! A new World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) is upon us. Following on with tradition, I am once again pontificating about features and fixes that I’d like to see in macOS 27.
Last year’s macOS Tahoe (macOS 26) was a polarizing release, due in large part to the new Liquid Glass design language. Some of Liquid Glass’s major transgressions (such as low contrast, poor readability) have improved over time, but there are still plenty of user interface inconsistencies and oddities that need attention.
If rumors are to be believed, macOS 27 will focus on two key areas: improved integration with AI and software optimization. Based on what I’ve read, Apple will be leveraging Google’s Gemini to improve Siri. At this point, anything will be considered an improvement over what Apple has now.
Apple made no secret that it will be dropping Intel support with macOS 27. Does this bode well for a “Snow Leopard” type release? I really hope so. Renewed focus on software quality would be a strong overture to developers and users alike. Fix bugs and improve performance!
My wishes from last year still stand. I’m not holding my breath for a better designed Systems Setting panel. I also think that Liquid Glass is here to stay, despite the backlash it’s received. I’m hoping Apple will include more options for users to customize the color for both the windows and the Dock. Bring back some fun, Apple!
While I am excited about potential software quality improvements, I remain ambivalent about Apple’s AI push. I see some beneficial value in AI, but I don’t want it to be rammed down my throat. As a privacy first advocate, I would truly welcome the option to run AI models locally on my Mac instead of the cloud. I can see some potential benefits to having AI in the OS, when it comes to working within first-party apps like the Finder, Apple Mail, Photos, Messages, and the like – but Apple needs to sweat the details to make sure things work right.
Given the rumors swirling about a touch-friendly interface coming to macOS, it would not be surprising to see some type of Apple announcement on that front. Personally, I have no interest in using a touch interface. (I hate seeing fingerprints on my Mac’s screens.)
So, what else would I like to see in macOS 27?
1) App sets: Group apps into specific sets. Launch a specific set and each application will open and neatly tile.
2) An Apple specific menu bar manager to replace third party software like Bartender.
3) An improved Finder window option that allows for split window panes.
4) A winder embrace of color throughout macOS.
5) Improved search across the board (e-mail, file / folder, etc.)
6) A much-improved Mail app. Let’s face it: Apple Mail has remained largely stagnant.
7) Natural language support for entering To-Dos, Calendar items, and more.
8) More intelligent window tiling and window management.
Those are some of my thoughts on the upcoming macOS 27. We’ll find out in a month to see whether any of these hopes and wishes come true. In the meantime, what are some features you are most looking forward to for this year’s OS release? Sound off in the comments below.
