Apple’s upcoming macOS 27 update, set for release this fall, includes a hidden popover menu for its revamped Siri AI that the company didn’t mention during its unveiling.
A floating menu appears when text is selected
A Reddit user discovered the feature in the latest macOS betas—developer beta 3 and public beta 1. When text is selected, a small translucent Siri icon appears next to it. Hovering over the icon reveals a set of actions, offering a quicker alternative to the standard Control-click menu for Apple Intelligence options.
The feature was spotted in a short video posted to the macOS Beta subreddit. Apple hasn’t explained why it’s hidden, though speculation centers on either ongoing bugs or its intended use as an internal tool for Apple employees.
How to enable the hidden menu
The popover can be activated using Apple’s FeatureFlags tool, though the process requires caution. Users must enter a sudo command in Terminal, which grants temporary system-level permissions. Apple warns that improper use could cause issues, so a backup is recommended before attempting it.
To enable the feature, open Terminal and paste:
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sudo mkdir -p /Library/Preferences/FeatureFlags/Domain && \sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/FeatureFlags/Domain/WritingTools LightweightUI_macOS -dict Enabled -bool true
After running the commands, restart the Mac. To disable it later, use:
sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/FeatureFlags/Domain/WritingTools LightweightUI_macOS -dict Enabled -bool false
The feature’s inclusion in the beta suggests Apple may refine it before the final release. If it remains stable, the popover could become a standard part of macOS 27, giving power users a faster way to access Siri’s AI tools without interrupting their workflow.
For now, though, it remains an experimental option—one that hints at how Apple might integrate AI more seamlessly into everyday tasks. Whether it survives the beta cycle or gets cut before launch may depend on how well it performs under real-world use.
The menu’s design, with its minimalist icon and hover-based interaction, aligns with Apple’s broader push toward more fluid, context-aware interfaces. If it works as intended, it could reduce friction for users who frequently rely on Siri for text-related tasks, like summarizing or rewriting content.
Still, the fact that Apple hasn’t officially acknowledged the feature leaves its future uncertain. The company has a history of quietly testing experimental tools in betas before either scrapping them or rolling them out in a later update. For now, those curious enough to try it will have to weigh the convenience against the risks of enabling an unfinished feature.
