Apple made iOS 27 available to all iPhone users this Monday, the 14th. After months of testing in the beta version, this update brings the new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Siri, additional Apple Intelligence functionalities, more customization options for Liquid Glass, and various system improvements.
Installation can be done directly from the device by going to Settings > General > Software Update. It is recommended that the user backs up the device beforehand, either via iCloud or computer, before starting the update process.
Key New Features of iOS 27
The central point of iOS 27 is the AI Siri, which represents a more conversational version of Apple's virtual assistant. This new Siri has the ability to access the user's personal contextual information, searching data in emails, photos, and messages. Furthermore, it understands what is displayed on the screen and can execute multiple actions across different applications, allowing, for example, answering follow-up questions about the viewed content.
The update also includes an exclusive app for Siri, allowing users to resume conversations and continue interactions on compatible Apple devices. Additionally, Siri gained a camera mode integrated into the viewfinder that incorporates Visual Intelligence, allowing the user to question objects and elements being observed.
Another highlighted feature is Write with Siri, an auxiliary tool for drafting and reviewing texts. In both Mail and Messages, this function can adapt texts to the user's characteristic writing style.
Hardware Requirements and Customization
It is important to note that the AI Siri and the new Apple Intelligence features require specific devices: iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or models from the iPhone 16 line onwards. The iPhone Air and iPhone Duo models are also compatible with the new Siri. This implies that while older devices may receive iOS 27, they will not have access to the AI functions that depend on adequate hardware.
iOS 27 also expanded the customization possibilities of Liquid Glass, offering a slider in Settings to adjust the effect, allowing the user to opt for a more transparent or completely colored appearance. Apple also improved the application icons and other visual components of the system.
In terms of performance, the company reports improvements, such as faster application opening, accelerated loading of newly taken photos, and faster transfers via AirDrop, according to tests conducted. Search capabilities were also optimized in Spotlight, Photos, and Mail.
App and Feature Improvements
The Photos app received new editing tools on compatible iPhones. Among them is Spatial Reframing, which allows modifying the composition of an image by simulating a change in camera position. The Extend feature serves to enlarge an image beyond its original margins, while Clean Up improves the removal of larger objects.
In Safari, iOS 27 introduces automatic tab organization by theme. The browser also features Notify Me, which monitors a page and alerts the user if any modification occurs, such as a price reduction or product restocking.
The update also brings several minor and practical improvements. Notable is AirPods Custom EQ, which allows adjusting audio according to the user's individual preference. The system now offers separate volume controls for alarms and timers.
Parental controls have been enhanced with features such as Ask to Browse, which requires approval for new websites, and the ability to set daily usage limits and time schedules for applications.
The Communication Safety feature has been updated to reinforce protections related to images and videos containing graphic content or scenes of violence. Call Context can display relevant information during certain commercial calls, such as a reservation number.
iOS 27 also includes accessibility improvements in VoiceOver, Magnifier, Accessibility Reader, and Voice Control.
Updates in Other Apple Ecosystems
The arrival of iOS 27 this Monday was accompanied by updates across much of the Apple ecosystem. In iPadOS 27, the highlight is also the new AI Siri, along with adjustments to Liquid Glass, performance gains, changes to the menu bar, and new productivity tools. The system allows resizing iPhone apps on the iPad and brings improvements to Photos, Safari, and screen time management. However, some of the most advanced features of the new Siri require iPads equipped with the M4 chip or higher and a minimum of 12 GB of memory.
macOS 27 Golden Gate integrates the new AI Siri into the operating system and offers a dedicated app for the assistant, in addition to improvements to Liquid Glass. The system also receives new features in Safari, such as automatic tab organization and the Notify Me feature to track pages and notify of changes. It is possible to create shortcuts using natural language commands, and applications like Photos, Finder, and Calendar receive AI features.
In tvOS 27, the Apple TV 4K reformats the Apple Podcasts app, adds AutoMix and Hi-Res Lossless audio to Apple Music, and allows changing the system text size. There are also improvements in AirPlay, animations, and application opening. A practical convenience is the option to update the Apple TV directly from the iPhone, although the new AI Siri has not been implemented in tvOS 27.
HomePod 27 received two main new features: Apple Music's AutoMix, which simulates musical transitions in a DJ style, and faster and more responsive AirPlay connections. The update also includes security fixes and bug fixes, but does not feature the new AI Siri.
For the Apple Vision Pro, visionOS 27 launches the AI Siri and a dedicated assistant app. The system allows converting panoramic photos into spatial scenes, introduces a new environment called Thórsmörk, improves screen recording quality, adds curved windows and smaller widgets, and enhances accessibility. The AI Siri will be available on the Vision Pro in the European Union (EU).
Finally, watchOS 27 brings the AI Siri to the Apple Watch, introducing new apps such as Siri and Find My, the Tap gesture for navigation in the Smart Stack, a new home screen layout, and the Modular Siri face. There were also updates in health, fitness, and battery. Conversely, the new version loses compatibility with several older models, including the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, Series 7, Series 6, and second-generation SE.