Apple launches iOS 27 on September 14, 2026, led by Siri AI, the most advanced context-aware intelligent assistant. Siri delivers a more natural, uninterrupted experience with a smarter, conversational assistant built on next-generation Apple Intelligence.
It brings AI photo editing, a smarter Safari, new parental controls, and performance improvements that make everything faster, like launching apps 30% faster. Available now for iPhone 11 and later, iOS 27 arrives ahead of the iPhone 18 Pro launch on September 18, 2026.
iOS 27 Compatibility: Supported iPhone Models
iOS 27 supports the same lineup of iPhones as iOS 26, meaning nearly every iPhone from the past several years can run the latest iOS app updates. However, not every eligible device will get access to every new feature, as some advanced Apple Intelligence capabilities remain limited to newer, more powerful models.
iPhones That Support Apple Intelligence
- iPhone Duo
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 17 (All versions with e series)
- iPhone 16 (All versions with e series)
- iPhone 15 (All versions)
- iPhone 14 (All versions)
- iPhone 13 (all versions, including mini series)
- iPhone 12 (all versions, including mini series)
- iPhone 11
- iPhone SE
The Biggest iOS 27 New Features
1. Siri AI on iPhone
Siri AI brings a more capable, conversational assistant to iPhone, powered by the next generation of AI solutions. It understands personal context, taps into broad world knowledge, and takes action across more apps than ever before.
Introducing the Siri App
A dedicated Siri app brings all conversations into a single Apple device. Users can start a chat on iPhone and seamlessly continue it on iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch.
Siri Mode in Camera
Siri mode turns the Camera viewfinder into a visual search tool. Users can point, ask questions, and get instant answers or actions based on what’s in frame.
Customize How Siri Sounds
Users can choose from multiple Siri voices to match their preference. Pitch, speed, tone, and accent can all be fine-tuned for a more personal experience.
Write with Siri
This feature helps generate drafts or refine existing text almost anywhere users type. It can also match personal writing style, tone, and punctuation in Messages and Mail.
2. Apple Intelligence in Apps
Apple Intelligence is integrated directly into the apps people use every day, from editing photos to browsing the web. These built-in tools make everyday tasks faster, smarter, and more intuitive without extra effort.
Intelligent Photo Editing
New generative AI tools allow users to reframe photos after they’re taken with Spatial Reframing. The enhanced Clean Up and Extend tools also make removing objects or expanding shots effortless.
Safari Works Smarter
Safari now automatically groups tabs into relevant topics for easier browsing. The new Notify Me feature also alerts users to price drops or restocks on tracked pages.
Fix Passwords with a Tap
The Password feature flags weak or compromised credentials automatically. It can also update vulnerable passwords on the user’s behalf, removing the usual hassle.
3. Child Safety
iOS 27 introduces various expanded child safety features to give parents more control and visibility. Built with input from child development experts, these tools help create a safer, more trusted experience for kids on iPhone.
Help Them Communicate Safely
This feature protects children from viewing or sharing nudity in Messages, FaceTime, and more. It now also intervenes before kids are exposed to gore or violent content in shared media.
Time Allowances and Schedules
Parents can set daily Time Allowances across categories like Entertainment, Games, and Social Media. Schedules further let them control which apps are accessible to their child at specific times or days.
Intuitive, Easy-to-Use Controls
A redesigned settings interface makes managing parental controls simpler than ever. Parents can view usage at a glance and adjust access instantly with just a tap.
OS Improvements
In addition to the headline features, there are many other behind-the-scenes improvements throughout iOS 27. This makes the iPhone experience faster, more consistent, and more refined for users.
Design Refinements
Liquid Glass offers improved contrast and more uniform refraction for better readability. A new slider also lets users customize its look, from ultra-clear to fully tinted.
Faster Performance
App launches have become 30% faster, while new images load in the Photos library up to 70% faster. AirDrop transfers have also increased by 80% from earlier versions.
Smoother Network Transitions
Now an iPhone can easily make transitions between Wi-Fi and cellular connections. This ensures uninterrupted calls and browsing whether users are leaving home or stepping off a plane.
iOS 27 Additional Features
iOS 27 includes several smaller but meaningful improvements across Apple’s ecosystem. These additions enhance photo sharing, health tracking, navigation, audio, and fitness experiences.
- Improved iCloud Shared Albums: Friends and family on Android or Windows can now join shared albums and add full-resolution photos more easily.
- Perimenopause and Menopause Support: Cycle tracking in Health can now flag patterns that may suggest perimenopause, track symptoms, and offer helpful resources.
- Enhanced Flyover in Maps: Flyover now uses AI-powered visual models to render architectural details and trees in sharper, more realistic detail.
- AirPods Custom EQ: Users can easily personalize their AirPods’ sound by adjusting lows, mids, and highs directly in settings.
- GymKit on iPhone: iPhones can now sync with gym equipment and other wearable solutions, like AirPods Pro 3, for real-time workout stats and heart rate tracking.
How to download and install the iOS 27 Update
Updating to iOS 27 is quick and straightforward, taking just a few steps directly from the iPhone’s settings. Here’s how to get the update installed on a compatible device.
- Back up your iPhone: Save your data via iCloud or a computer before starting the update.
- Open Settings: Go to Settings, then tap General.
- Tap Software Update: Your iPhone will check for the latest available version.
- Download and Install: Tap “Download and Install” and enter the passcode if prompted.
- Wait for completion: Keep your iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and charging until the update finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Siri AI is not initially available in the EU on iOS, iPadOS, or watchOS due to regulatory requirements. It is also not yet available in China, but other iOS 27 features remain accessible in these regions.
Most Apple Intelligence features, including Siri AI, are currently free to use but come with daily usage limits based on user demand. Apple has indicated that access to these features may be offered for a fee in the future.
Apple has not yet published exact download sizes for iOS 27, but major iOS updates require several gigabytes of free space. It is recommended to ensure at least 5-10 GB of available storage before initiating the update to avoid installation issues.
