News in Short

• Apple will roll out iOS 27 later this year alongside the iPhone 18 series.
• Siri AI, smarter photo editing, and customizable alarm volume headline the update.
• AirPods gain a built-in equalizer for the first time.
• Apple also improves parental controls, Messages, and Apple Maps.
• Most features will be available on compatible iPhones, while advanced AI tools require newer models.

Apple’s iOS 27 update is more than just a visual refresh. While much of the attention has focused on the new Siri AI experience, the software also introduces several practical features that iPhone users have wanted for years. From finally letting you control alarm volume separately to adding better AI photo editing and AirPods equalizer settings, iOS 27 brings meaningful upgrades for daily use.

Here’s a closer look at the nine biggest features coming to compatible iPhones later this year.

1. Siri AI becomes much smarter

The biggest upgrade in iOS 27 is the new Siri AI.

Apple has rebuilt Siri into a standalone AI assistant that works across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Conversations now sync across devices, making it easier to continue where you left off.

Siri AI can understand text, images, and voice commands more naturally while delivering richer web-based answers. However, Apple’s most advanced AI features will only be available on newer models such as the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

2. More control over Liquid Glass

Not everyone loved Apple’s new Liquid Glass design introduced in iOS 26.

With iOS 27, users can adjust the transparency effect through a dedicated slider in the Appearance settings. This allows people to customize the interface according to their preference.

3. Better parental controls

Apple has expanded its child safety tools.

Parents now get a dedicated Setup Assistant when configuring an iPhone for children. A new “Ask to Browse” feature requests parental approval before children visit unfamiliar websites.

Screen Time also becomes more flexible with app-category time limits and different schedules for weekdays and weekends.

4. Finally, separate alarm volume controls

This is one of the most requested iPhone features.

Users can now set alarm volume independently from ringtone and notification volume. The new toggle appears inside Settings > Sounds & Haptics, making it easier to keep loud alarms without increasing notification sounds.

5. AirPods finally get a built-in equalizer

Apple has introduced a custom equalizer for supported AirPods.

Users can manually adjust bass, mids, and treble directly from iPhone settings. The feature supports AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4.

6. Draw directly inside Messages

The Messages app now includes built-in drawing tools.

Users can quickly create sketches, handwritten notes, or simple illustrations without switching to another app.

7. AI image generation becomes more realistic

Apple has significantly upgraded the Image Playground app.

Instead of only creating cartoon-style images, the app can now generate realistic AI images. Users can also edit AI-generated images using follow-up prompts or mark specific areas they want to modify.

8. Apple Maps gets better 3D city flyovers

Apple Maps is also receiving an AI boost.

The company has enhanced its 3D Flyover experience with richer visuals, smoother navigation, and more detailed city models, including improved rendering of buildings, roads, and even trees in supported cities.

9. AI can reframe your photos

Apple is introducing Spatial Reframing inside the Photos app.

The feature lets users reposition subjects, adjust image angles, and expand backgrounds using AI. If part of the image is missing after reframing, Apple’s AI fills the gaps automatically to create a more natural-looking result.

Should you upgrade to iOS 27?

While Siri AI grabs most of the headlines, iOS 27 focuses heavily on quality-of-life improvements. Separate alarm controls, better parental features, AirPods EQ, smarter photo editing, and upgraded Apple Maps make the update useful even if you don’t use AI every day.

For users with supported iPhones, iOS 27 looks set to deliver one of Apple’s most practical software updates in recent years.