Apple has announced the upcoming release of iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, updates that focus on improving system stability and everyday usability. While not as visually transformative as last year’s iOS 26, these new versions bring notable enhancements, particularly to the Siri virtual assistant, and are expected to be released to iPhones and iPads later this year, likely in September.
Siri AI Upgrade and Usability Enhancements
A central feature of iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 is a significant upgrade to Siri. Apple describes the assistant as becoming “a more capable assistant,” powered by its third-generation foundation models, developed with assistance from Google’s Gemini models. Apple has clarified that it does not utilize Google’s infrastructure and that user data from Siri actions is not shared with Google. The updated Siri features a new visual design resembling a glass orb and offers more natural interaction through typing or voice commands. A dedicated app will allow users to review past conversations and continue them across devices. Siri is also integrated into the camera app for visual searches, capable of tasks like splitting restaurant bills. The assistant can now understand personal context to access emails, messages, and photos for information retrieval and can perform actions such as drafting emails in specific tones or providing recommendations.
Performance improvements are also a key focus. Apple claims app launches are up to 30 percent faster, newly captured photos load up to 70 percent faster, and AirDrop transfers are up to 80 percent faster. The operating systems are also designed to improve the transition between Wi-Fi and cellular networks. These performance gains, attributed to an optimized CPU Scheduler, are expected to benefit older iPhone models, including the iPhone 11.
Users will also find more control over the visual design. A slider in the Settings menu allows adjustment of the “Liquid Glass” look’s intensity, offering customization from clear to opaque. App icons have also been refined for improved readability and contrast.
Child Safety and Photos App Features
iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 introduce a suite of new child safety features. A revised Setup Assistant for parents will guide them through device setup for children, including app availability. The “Ask to Browse” feature requires parental approval for children accessing new websites in Safari. Communication Safety aims to prevent children from viewing nudity or violence in Messages and FaceTime by blurring such content by default. New features called Time Allowances and Schedules give parents control over app usage duration for specific categories and availability during different times of the week. These controls are accessible through a redesigned parental dashboard.
The Photos app is set to receive Apple Intelligence features, though these are exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro and newer models. The existing “Clean Up” tool, which removes objects from photos, now performs better. New to the Photos app is an “Extend” tool that allows users to expand the edges of a photo, generating content based on the image’s context. “Spatial Reframing” enables users to alter a photo’s perspective, with generative AI filling in the altered areas while preserving faces and pets. These photo editing tools are available for free but are subject to usage limits, with extended use requiring an iCloud subscription upgrade. The Image Playground app also features an improved image-generation model capable of creating higher-quality AI images in various styles, including photorealistic, with daily usage limits tied to iCloud subscriptions.
Device Compatibility and Beta Access
iPhones from 2019 and newer, including the iPhone 11 series and iPhone SE (2nd Gen), will support iOS 27, meaning all devices compatible with iOS 26 are supported. iPadOS 27 compatibility is more specific, with older models like the 8th-gen iPad and 5th-gen iPad Mini being excluded. Supported iPads include the 9th-gen iPad and later, 6th-gen iPad Mini and later, 4th-gen 11-inch iPad Air and later, M2-equipped 13-inch iPad Air and later, 2nd-gen 11-inch iPad Pro and later, 4th-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro and later, and M4-equipped iPad Pro models.
Developer betas for iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 are available now, though users are cautioned about potential bugs and instability, especially on primary devices. Backing up devices before installation is recommended. A more stable public beta is typically released in July, preceding the final release in mid-September.
Mitchell Landsberg is the senior reporter for News Raise and focuses on Technology. Mitchell regularly writes about social media platforms and how influencers, industry and general people use them to communicate and make money.
