You are experiencing a design change in macOS 27.0.1, where the integration of Spotlight into the new Siri-backed search interface has introduced restrictions and execution errors that block direct document launching from the search bar.
Why This is Happening
- Siri Permission and Execution Limits: In macOS 27, the revamped Siri and Spotlight interface blocks direct document and script launching due to strict background process permissions (similar to errors where Siri is restricted from opening files or shell scripts directly from the search overlay).
- Spotlight Bugs in 27.0.1: Users are reporting widespread functional and rendering glitches in the macOS 27.0.1 search interface, where typing queries fails to properly trigger or hand off actions to native applications like Pages.
Workarounds
Use a Siri Shortcut Bypass:
One user bypassed the limitation by creating a Siri Shortcut assigned to the Dock that searches and opens files via Finder instead of the native search bar.
Turn off Siri:
Using the classic Spotlight interface restores the ability to double-click and open a result.
- Go to the System Settings app on your Mac.
- Click Siri in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)
- Click Turn Off Siri.
More info from Apple: Turn on and activate Siri on Mac
Personally, I have Siri off on my Mac running 27.2, and I can launch a Pages document from the search results by double-clicking it (I created a new Pages document to test):
User level: Level 2 (344 points)
