Will the Apple disc reader work on macOS Golden Gate?

Yes, the Apple USB SuperDrive will work on macOS Golden Gate.

Although the Apple USB SuperDrive was officially discontinued in 2024 (after being sold for 16 years), it continues to function properly with Macs, including those running macOS 27 Golden Gate. For a SuperDrive to work, it must be directly connected to the Mac, not connected to a dock or hub. Many hubs, including powered hubs, do not deliver sufficient power for the SuperDrive through a USB-A port (most deliver 500 mA or 900 mA, Apple rates the SuperDrive for a max draw of 1600 mA and on my MacBook Pro it draws 1100 mA). 

To connect the SuperDrive to your Mac, you need to can use Apple’s USB-C to USB Adapter or a simple dongle – I use an adapter from nonda (Amazon link). 

If you have a Mac laptop computer with Apple Silicon (M-series, and not applicable to Mac desktops), accessories must be allowed to connect. When you first attach a peripheral to a Mac laptop (or re-attach one you have not connected for some time), you need to Allow it to connect. You should be prompted:

If not prompted, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessories, try changing it to Automatically allow when unlocked or Always allow.

In Finder menu > Settings > General tab, with the box to show CDs, DVDs, and iPods checked, the disc should show up on the Desktop

The CD should also appear in the Devices list in the Music app. If the Devices list is closed, over your cursor over where the little > caret is on the right of the sidebar, and click it to expand the section.

Yes, the Apple USB SuperDrive should work with macOS Golden Gate on your new Mac, provided your Mac has a compatible Apple silicon processor and you connect the drive correctly. 

Apple lists the SuperDrive as compatible with Mac computers introduced in 2008 or later that don't have a built-in optical drive

You can check Apple’s USB SuperDrive connection instructions for setup requirements.

If your new Mac has only USB-C ports, you may need a compatible adapter. 

The only other thing to be aware of is that macOS 27 golden Gate has removed the dvd playback framework do you not be able to play DVDs natively using the DVD Player app. You’ll need to use something else t play DVDs, like VLC.

I have the apple disc reader and it works on my Mac with golden gate. be sure to use the official apple usb A to USB c adapter, without it, it doesn't work for me

https://www.macworld.com/article/3182344/macos-27-golden-gate-marks-the-end-of-built-in-dvd-support.html

"The DVD Player app and framework are being deprecated."

Apparently only the SDK has been removed in 27 and Golden Gate is the last version of macOS to support DVD playback.

My bad

lkrupp wrote:

The only other thing to be aware of is that macOS 27 golden Gate has removed the dvd playback framework do you not be able to play DVDs natively using the DVD Player app. You’ll need to use something else t play DVDs, like VLC.

I can still watch The Tick (and the other DVDs I have) on macOS Golden Gate 27.0.1. Inserting a DVD into the Apple USB SuperDrive automatically launches DVD player (and even pick up where I left off watching a particular DVD).

lkrupp wrote:

The only other thing to be aware of is that macOS 27 golden Gate has removed the dvd playback framework do you not be able to play DVDs natively using the DVD Player app. You’ll need to use something else t play DVDs, like VLC.

So '/System/Library/CoreServices/Applications/DVD Player.app' doesn't work in Golden Gate anymore?

Works for me. (I guess carryover from provious system).

After re-reading the MacWorld article I corrected my original post just above yours.