Siri Is Finally Getting Serious.
This is the biggest update in iOS 27. Apple is building a full chatbot version of Siri, complete with a dedicated Siri app putting it in direct competition with ChatGPT and Claude. Siri will handle web searches, summarise information, generate images, analyse files, and even control your apps. The new Siri will also live in the Dynamic Island while processing requests, and conversations will look just like iMessage chats.
On top of that, Apple is partnering with Google, using a custom AI model built with the Gemini team for some of the new Siri features. And for users who prefer other AI tools, Apple plans to let rival chatbots like Claude and Gemini integrate directly with Siri through an Extensions feature.
Built for the Foldable iPhone.
Apple's first foldable iPhone is launching in September, and iOS 27 is being built to support it. When unfolded, the device will support two apps side-by-side a first for iPhone with an iPad-style layout. When folded, it runs iOS just like a regular iPhone. It's essentially a phone and a mini iPad in one.
Performance Over Flash.
iOS 27 is being described as a "Snow Leopard" update meaning Apple is prioritising cleaning up old code, improving speed, and boosting battery efficiency rather than adding flashy new features.
If you've noticed your iPhone feeling sluggish, this update could change that.
Other Things Worth Knowing.
- The Photos app is getting AI editing tools: Extend, Enhance, and Reframe for expanding photo borders, auto-improving image quality, and changing perspective on spatial photos.
- The Shortcuts app may be able to build shortcuts for you just from a natural language description.
The keyboard could get smarter autocorrect that suggests alternative words, similar to Grammarly.
New satellite features are in the works, including Apple Maps via satellite and photo sharing over satellite.
Will Your iPhone Support It?
iOS 27 is expected to drop support for the iPhone 11 series and the second-generation iPhone SE. If you're on iPhone 12 or newer, you should be fine.
