Apple rolled out iOS 27 this week after roughly three months of beta testing. The update brings a next‑generation, AI‑driven version of Siri, but access to the feature is gated behind a waitlist. Only certain iPhone models can run Siri AI, and the service is currently limited to English speakers in most regions.
Signing up for Siri AI
Users who have installed iOS 27 can enroll in the Siri AI beta directly from their device. The process involves four simple steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Select the Siri menu.
- Tap “Try Siri AI (Beta).”
- Follow the on‑screen prompts to confirm enrollment.
After signing up, wait times differ. Some participants receive access within minutes, while others may wait hours or even days. When approval is granted, a notification appears and the dedicated Siri app is added to the home screen. Users can then interact with Siri AI by swiping down on the Dynamic Island, pressing and holding the side button, or launching the new app.
Device compatibility and feature controls
iOS 27 itself supports iPhone 11 and newer models, but Siri AI has stricter hardware requirements. The AI assistant runs only on iPhones that support Apple Intelligence, a list that includes the iPhone 15 Pro and newer, as well as several upcoming models. The full compatibility roster is:
- iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone 17e
- iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone Duo
- iPhone Air
On a subset of these devices—specifically the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Duo, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air—users can adjust Siri AI’s response pace and expressivity, tailoring the conversational experience to personal preferences.
Capabilities, language rollout, and regional limits
Siri AI is positioned as a more intelligent, personalized alternative to the classic Siri. It can draw on personal data stored on the iPhone, recognize on‑screen context, and perform actions across a broader set of apps. The assistant is described as “ChatGPT‑like,” capable of handling complex queries that older versions of Siri struggled with.
At launch, Siri AI supports only English. Apple has announced that French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish will be added in October, likely alongside the iOS 27.1 update. Daily usage limits are mentioned but not quantified; Apple indicated that expanded usage will be tied to certain iCloud+ subscription plans.
Regulatory constraints affect availability. Siri AI is not offered in the European Union on iOS 27, iPadOS 27, or watchOS 27 at launch, as Apple continues a regulatory dispute with the European Commission.
Despite iOS 27 exiting beta, Apple still labels Siri AI as a beta feature, underscoring that the service may evolve based on user feedback and further testing.
Overall, iOS 27’s Siri AI promises a significant upgrade in conversational ability, but users must navigate a waitlist, ensure they own a compatible device, and be aware of language and regional limitations before they can experience the new assistant.
Steve Lopez is a Senior Editorial Columnist and Health & Public Policy reporter for News Raise. Steve focuses on healthcare advancements, medical technologies, and public health policies.
