News in Short

• iOS 27 is available from September 14.
• The update introduces the new Siri AI, powered by Apple Intelligence.
• Siri can understand personal context and take actions across apps.
• A new Siri mode in Camera brings Visual Intelligence features to the camera experience.
• Apple has added new AI photo tools, including Spatial Reframing, Extend and improved Clean Up.

Apple has released iOS 27, bringing one of the company’s biggest AI-focused software updates to the iPhone. The update is available from September 14, with the new Siri AI rolling out in English.

While the redesigned Liquid Glass interface continues to be part of the iOS experience, Apple is putting much more emphasis on what its AI can actually do. Siri can now handle more natural conversations, access personal information, take actions across apps and answer broader questions.

There are also improvements to Photos, Safari, Messages, Mail, child safety, accessibility and overall performance.

Here are the biggest iOS 27 features you should know about.

1. Siri AI Gets a Major Upgrade

The biggest change in iOS 27 is arguably Siri AI.

Powered by Apple Intelligence, the new Siri is designed to handle open-ended questions and more natural back-and-forth conversations. Users can ask it to brainstorm ideas, help with work or creative projects and perform more complex tasks.

Siri can also understand your personal context. For example, it can search through photos, find an email buried in your inbox or locate a note saved on your iPhone.

2. Siri Can Take Actions Across Apps

Siri is no longer limited to answering questions.

Apple says Siri AI can perform actions in apps such as Messages, Music and Reminders based on what you are doing. That includes editing a message, creating reminders or adding music to a playlist.

This could make Siri more useful for everyday tasks rather than simply acting as a voice search tool.

3. A Dedicated Siri App

Apple is also giving Siri its own dedicated app.

The app brings conversations together in one place. You can start a conversation on an iPhone and continue it on an iPad. Apple also allows users to pin conversations or start new ones.

This makes Siri feel closer to a persistent AI assistant rather than a feature hidden inside the operating system.

4. Siri Comes to the Camera

iOS 27 also adds Siri mode in Camera.

With Siri mode and Visual Intelligence, users can point the camera at something and search for information, ask questions or take actions based on what is in front of them.

Apple is essentially bringing its visual AI capabilities closer to the camera interface.

5. AI Gets Better at Editing Photos

Apple has expanded its AI-powered photo editing tools.

The new features include Spatial Reframing, which lets users reframe a photo after capturing it, while the Extend tool can expand a shot. The Clean Up feature has also been enhanced to remove larger unwanted objects.

Image Playground is also getting more capable. Apple says users can create and transform images using descriptions and choose from a wider range of styles, including photorealistic results.

6. Safari Can Watch Prices and Restocks

Safari gets a useful upgrade for people who frequently shop or track products online.

Tabs can now be automatically grouped by topic, making related webpages easier to find. More interestingly, Safari Notify Me can monitor webpages for changes.

For example, it can alert you when a product price changes or an item comes back in stock.

7. Messages and Mail Get Smarter Suggestions

Apple Intelligence is also being integrated into Messages and Mail.

The apps can suggest actions based on the context of a conversation. Apple gives examples such as adding a calendar event or searching for a photo with a tap.

Siri can also help write content virtually anywhere you type. In Messages and Mail, it can match your writing style, punctuation and tone.

8. New Child Safety Controls

iOS 27 adds several controls aimed at parents and guardians.

During setup, parents can choose which system apps their children can use. Apple also introduces Ask to Browse, which requires children to request permission before accessing new websites. Parents can review these requests through Messages.

Communication Safety is also expanding. It can intervene before children view gore or violence in shared images and videos, in addition to its existing protections around nudity.

Parents can also create Time Allowances for categories such as entertainment, games and social media, along with schedules for when specific apps can be used.

9. iOS 27 Promises Faster Performance

Apple says iOS 27 isn’t only about new features.

The company claims app launches can be up to 30% faster, new photos can load in the Photos library up to 70% faster and AirDrop transfers can be up to 80% faster.

The update also improves network transitions. The iPhone can more seamlessly switch between available Wi-Fi and cellular connections.

10. Liquid Glass Gets More Customisation

Apple is also refining the Liquid Glass design introduced across its operating systems.

The company says iOS 27 improves readability through more uniform refraction and better contrast. App icons are also sharper and more detailed.

Users get a new slider that allows them to adjust the Liquid Glass appearance from ultra clear to fully tinted.

More iOS 27 Features

There is more beyond the headline features.

iOS 27 adds richer VoiceOver image descriptions, automatic video captioning and translation of existing captions. iCloud Shared Albums are also becoming easier for Android and Windows users to contribute to through iCloud.com.

The Health app adds perimenopause and menopause support, while Maps gets enhanced Flyover imagery. AirPods users can also customise lows, mids and highs through a new Custom EQ feature.

Apple is also making the Home app smarter with Apple Intelligence. It can combine related activity notifications, describe selected HomeKit Secure Video footage and search for clips based on what happened. Supported cameras can now stream and record in 4K.

Another notable addition is GymKit on iPhone, which can connect the iPhone to compatible treadmills, ellipticals, bikes and stair-steppers for real-time workout metrics.

iOS 27 Compatible iPhones

The update supports a wide range of devices, starting with the iPhone 11 series and extending to the latest iPhones, including the iPhone 17 lineup, iPhone 18 Pro models and iPhone Duo. The iPhone SE (2nd generation and later) is also supported.

However, the availability of specific Apple Intelligence features can vary by device and feature. The supplied Apple material specifically notes that Siri AI is rolling out in English and that some AI features can have usage limits.

Verdict

iOS 27 is much more than a visual refresh. Siri AI is the biggest change, but Apple is spreading intelligence across the camera, Photos, Safari, Messages, Mail, Home and other everyday experiences.

The performance improvements and expanded parental controls also make the update relevant even if you are not particularly interested in AI.

For compatible iPhone users, iOS 27 is a substantial update, especially for those who want to use Apple’s AI features more extensively.