Apple tones down Liquid Glass, and Mac looks much better

MacOS 27 Golden Gate, set to launch later this year, introduces major changes to the Mac, with Siri AI leading the charge as its headline feature. In the first developer beta, however, access to Siri AI is limited to a waitlist, leaving users to explore the operating system’s visual and experiential upgrades instead.

Booting up the macOS 27 developer beta offers no splashy welcome , that fanfare is likely reserved for the public release , but there’s still plenty to appreciate. Head to the appearance settings, and you’ll discover a new Liquid Glass slider, which gives users control over the level of UI transparency in macOS. At one extreme, the interface becomes nearly opaque, while the other end lets elements shimmer with a glassy, translucent effect. This adjustment dramatically alters the look and feel of the desktop, making windows, menus, and the Dock either more subdued or more vibrant depending on your preference.

Beyond the slider, the beta refines the overall aesthetic. Apple has toned down the Liquid Glass effect compared to earlier iterations, resulting in a cleaner, more cohesive visual experience that many users will find appealing. The changes suggest a deliberate shift toward balance , offering customization without overwhelming the interface. For now, this hands-on time with the beta reveals that macOS 27 Golden Gate is shaping up to be a polished update, even before its AI features fully arrive.