Password-protected Numbers documents fail to open on macOS Golden Gate

Bug Report: Password-protected Numbers document fails to open on macOS Golden Gate with "Incorrect Password" error.


Environment:

  • Mac Hardware: MacBook Pro (M3 Pro)
  • Desktop OS: macOS Golden Gate 27.0
  • Mobile Hardware: iPhone 17 Pro Max
  • Mobile OS: iOS 27.0
  • Application: Apple Numbers / Files app


Description: Password-protected Numbers documents created prior to installing macOS Golden Gate 27.0 cannot be opened on a MacBook Pro (M3 Pro). Entering the known correct password repeatedly triggers an "incorrect password" error. This issue was reproduced across 3 separate documents. However, entering the identical password unlocks each document successfully on an iPhone 17 Pro Max running iOS 27.0 via the Files app.


Steps to Reproduce:

  1. On a MacBook Pro (M3 Pro) running macOS Golden Gate 27.0, attempt to open any password-protected Numbers document that was created prior to the OS installation.
  2. When prompted, enter the correct password.
  3. Observe the error indicating the password is incorrect (multiple attempts confirm the issue persists despite verified correct input).
  4. Repeat steps 1–3 with 2 additional pre-existing, password-protected Numbers documents to observe the same failure across all 3 files.
  5. Cancel the operation on the Mac.
  6. On an iPhone 17 Pro Max running iOS 27.0, open the Files app.
  7. Open the same Numbers documents and enter the identical password for each.
  8. Verify that each document unlocks successfully, then save/close the files.
  9. Return to the MacBook Pro (M3 Pro) running macOS Golden Gate 27.0 and open the documents again.
  10. Enter the password once more.


Expected Result: The pre-existing documents should authenticate and open successfully on macOS Golden Gate 27.0, matching the behavior observed on iOS 27.0.


Actual Result: macOS Golden Gate 27.0 repeatedly returns an "incorrect password" error across all 3 tested documents, preventing access.

MacBook Pro (M3 Pro, 2023)

Posted on Sep 25, 2026 10:20 AM

Reply

There are no replies.

Password-protected Numbers documents fail to open on macOS Golden Gate

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.