Apple is preparing to release macOS 27 later this year, a move that will address significant user experience criticisms of the current macOS Tahoe operating system, according to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
The update, expected to be announced at Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, represents what sources describe as a “slight redesign” of the desktop operating system. The report, published on Saturday, states that Apple has received feedback regarding interface inconsistencies introduced with macOS Tahoe last September.
Background on macOS Tahoe
macOS Tahoe launched with a new visual language heavily influenced by Apple’s “Liquid Glass” design philosophy. This aesthetic, which is also used on iPhone and iPad, introduced translucent panels, frosted effects, and deeper shadows to create a sense of depth and material layering.
However, users and critics reported that the design did not translate as effectively to the larger desktop screen. Key interface elements, including window controls, menu bars, and notification panels, were noted as being less intuitive or visually cluttered compared to their mobile counterparts. The system’s new control center and quick settings menus were specifically cited as areas where the Liquid Glass effects obscured important information or made navigation less efficient.
Planned Changes in macOS 27
According to Gurman’s reporting, Apple engineers are focusing on fixing these specific pain points. The upcoming macOS 27 update is expected to refine the transparency and layering effects to improve readability and reduce visual noise. Apple is also reportedly adjusting the placement and behavior of certain control panels to better suit a keyboard and mouse workflow.
The changes are described as evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Apple is not expected to abandon the Liquid Glass design language, but rather to implement it with greater precision, ensuring that functional elements remain clear and accessible regardless of the background content.
Internal builds of macOS 27 are said to include revised settings panels and a more streamlined notification system. The company is also testing improvements to window management, a feature that has received consistent criticism in previous versions of the operating system.
Broader Context and Other Updates
Gurman’s report also indicated that the WWDC 2026 event will feature updates to iOS 27, visionOS, and Safari. These platforms are expected to receive their own design tweaks, though the macOS changes are the most substantial.
The timing of the report is significant as Apple faces increasing competition from Microsoft’s Windows 11, which has aggressively marketed its own interface updates. The company is also dealing with a maturing Mac user base that is less tolerant of disruptive interface changes without clear functional benefits.
Apple has not commented on the report. The company typically does not confirm future software features until their official announcement.
Expected Timeline
Apple is expected to unveil the first developer beta of macOS 27 at WWDC in June. A public beta will likely follow in July. The final public release of macOS 27 is expected in September or October, alongside the launch of new Mac hardware.
Source: Bloomberg
