News in Short

• Siri AI in iOS 27 introduces a standalone AI app alongside deeper integration across Apple’s ecosystem.
• Users can now ask Siri about what’s on their screen or through the iPhone camera.
• Image Playground can generate more realistic AI images with follow-up editing prompts.
• Siri AI also enhances writing, photo editing, Calendar, Reminders and Shortcuts.

Apple has rolled out the first public beta of iOS 27, giving users an early look at its biggest Siri upgrade yet. Rebranded as Siri AI, Apple’s assistant is no longer limited to answering basic questions or setting timers. Instead, it works more like ChatGPT or Gemini while integrating deeply across iPhone apps.

From understanding what’s on your screen to creating AI-powered shortcuts, Siri AI brings several features that make everyday tasks easier. Here are seven features worth trying in the iOS 27 beta.

1. Use Siri as a Standalone AI Assistant

For the first time, Siri has its own dedicated app.

Instead of relying only on voice commands, users can now have ongoing conversations by typing or speaking, similar to ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini. Siri AI can also answer more complex questions and even use information from your emails, notes and calendar to provide contextual responses.

2. Ask Siri About Anything on Your Screen

One of the most useful additions is Visual Intelligence.

Long-press the side button and ask Siri about anything currently displayed on your iPhone. Whether you’re watching a YouTube video, browsing a website or looking at a social media post, Siri can identify objects, explain content or answer questions based on what’s on your screen.

3. Point Your Camera at Objects

Visual Intelligence also works through the Camera app.

Simply point your iPhone at a landmark, product, plant or any object and ask Siri what you’re looking at. It instantly provides relevant information without requiring a separate search.

4. Create Better AI Images

Apple has significantly upgraded Image Playground.

Unlike earlier versions that mainly generated cartoon-style artwork, Siri AI can now create more realistic images, landscapes and creative scenes. Users can also refine generated images using additional prompts, making the feature much more flexible.

5. Edit Photos Using AI

The Photos app also gets smarter.

Besides the existing Clean Up tool that removes unwanted objects, Siri AI introduces two new editing features. Extend uses generative AI to expand the edges of an image, while Reframe adjusts the composition after the photo has already been captured.

Although results vary depending on the image, both tools can be surprisingly effective.

6. Write Without Typing

Siri AI is now integrated into writing tools across iOS 27.

Inside apps like Notes, users can simply describe what they want to write instead of typing everything manually. Siri can generate summaries, draft emails, create itineraries and even produce related AI images from selected text.

It can also solve mathematical problems directly within supported apps.

7. Create Calendar Events and Shortcuts Naturally

Apple has also made Calendar, Reminders and Shortcuts much easier to use.

Instead of manually entering every detail, users can simply type or say something like, “Dinner with Sarah tomorrow at 8 PM,” and Siri automatically creates the event with the correct date, time and contact.

Similarly, users can create complex Shortcuts by simply describing what they want the iPhone to do. Siri AI handles the automation without requiring users to build workflows manually.

Availability

The new Siri AI features are currently available through the iOS 27 Public Beta. However, several features remain unavailable in Europe due to regulatory issues. Apple has yet to announce when the complete Siri AI experience will roll out globally.

Users should also remember that beta software may contain bugs and performance issues. Installing it on a primary iPhone is not recommended unless you’re comfortable testing unfinished software.