Apple has officially released iOS 27, bringing a major software update to compatible iPhones.
The update became available on September 14, 2026, and introduces a redesigned Siri AI, new Apple Intelligence features, more customization options, improved apps, stronger parental controls and several system improvements.
The biggest change is Siri. Apple has rebuilt the assistant to understand more about the user, recognize what’s happening on the screen and perform more actions across apps.
But Siri is only one part of iOS 27. Here’s a look at the biggest changes.
Siri AI Gets a Major Upgrade
The headline feature in iOS 27 is Siri AI.
Apple says the new Siri is more conversational and can understand personal context. It can look across information such as messages, emails, photos and saved notes to help users find what they need.
Siri can also understand what’s currently displayed on the screen and take actions across supported apps.
For example, users can ask Siri to find a specific email, locate a photo or help edit and share a group of pictures.
Apple has also introduced a dedicated Siri app. Conversations can be continued across supported Apple devices through iCloud.
Siri AI is currently rolling out as a beta in English, with French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish scheduled for October.
More Apple Intelligence Features
Apple Intelligence is now being integrated into more parts of iOS.
In Photos, Apple has added new editing tools such as Spatial Reframing, an improved Clean Up feature and additional Image Playground capabilities.
Safari also gets AI-powered improvements. It can automatically organize tabs into topics, while a new Notify Me feature can alert users when information on a website changes.
For example, users can receive notifications about a product restock or a price change.
The Shortcuts app also becomes more useful with a feature that lets users describe what they want to create in natural language.
Liquid Glass Gets More Customization
Apple introduced its Liquid Glass design in the previous generation of iOS, and iOS 27 gives users more control over how it looks.
Users can adjust the appearance of Liquid Glass from ultraclear to fully tinted.
This gives people more choice over the transparency and visual appearance of interface elements.
Apple has also made design changes intended to improve readability and contrast throughout the system.
Visual Intelligence Gets More Useful
Visual Intelligence is also expanding.
Users can use the Camera to ask questions about things they see and get information about objects or scenes.
On supported iPhones, iPads and Macs, Visual Intelligence can also understand content displayed on the screen.
This means users can ask questions about something they’re viewing without having to manually copy the information into a search box.
Better Photos, Safari and Search
Several everyday apps have received smaller but useful improvements.
The Photos app gets more AI-powered editing options, while Safari can automatically organize tabs and monitor webpages for changes.
Apple has also improved search across areas such as Spotlight, Photos and Mail, making it easier to find information.
These changes may not be as dramatic as Siri AI, but they can make everyday iPhone use more convenient.
New Features for Parents
iOS 27 also brings new tools for parents.
Apple has redesigned Screen Time to make controls easier to manage. Parents can set Time Allowances for categories such as Social Media, Entertainment and Games.
A new Ask to Browse feature allows parents to approve individual websites before children can access them.
Apple has also expanded Communication Safety to cover additional types of potentially harmful content.
These features are designed to give parents more control over how children use Apple devices.
iOS 27 Brings More Accessibility Features
Apple has also expanded accessibility across iOS 27.
VoiceOver can provide richer descriptions of images, while Visual Intelligence can help users understand what the camera sees.
Voice Control has gained more natural-language capabilities, and Accessibility Reader provides additional options for making text easier to read.
These improvements show how Apple is using AI not only for productivity, but also to make the iPhone easier for more people to use.
Which iPhones Support iOS 27?
iOS 27 is available for a wide range of iPhones.
Apple’s compatibility list includes the iPhone 11 series and newer models, as well as the second- and third-generation iPhone SE.
However, there’s an important difference between supporting iOS 27 and supporting all Apple Intelligence features.
Apple Intelligence requires compatible hardware, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 models or later.
Some features also depend on language, region and local regulations.
Apple says Siri AI and other new Apple Intelligence features are initially unavailable in China, while iOS users in the European Union will not initially receive Siri AI.
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How to Install iOS 27
If you have a compatible iPhone, you can check for the update by going to:
Settings → General → Software Update
Apple says iOS 27 is available as a free software update for compatible devices.
Before updating, it is a good idea to back up important data and make sure your iPhone has enough storage and battery.
Conclusion
iOS 27 is more than a regular software update.
Apple has made Siri much more capable, expanded Apple Intelligence across more apps and added new customization, accessibility and parental-control features.
The new Siri AI is clearly the biggest change, but improvements to Photos, Safari, Visual Intelligence and other everyday features also make the update more useful.
Not every iPhone will get every AI feature, but compatible devices receive a large collection of new tools.
For iPhone users, iOS 27 marks another major step toward Apple’s vision of an AI-powered iPhone that can understand more about what users need and help them get things done.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was iOS 27 released?
Apple released iOS 27 on September 14, 2026.
What is the biggest feature in iOS 27?
The biggest change is Siri AI, which adds personal context understanding, onscreen awareness and more systemwide actions.
Which iPhones support iOS 27?
iOS 27 supports iPhone 11 and newer models, along with the second- and third-generation iPhone SE.
Does every iPhone get Siri AI?
No. Siri AI requires an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, including the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max or iPhone 16 models and later.
Can Liquid Glass be customized?
Yes. iOS 27 lets users adjust Liquid Glass between ultraclear and fully tinted appearances.
Sources
- Apple — Major updates for Apple’s software platforms
- Apple Support — What’s new in iOS 27
- Apple Support — iPhone models compatible with iOS 27
- Apple — Siri AI
