Apple launches iOS 27 with AI-enhanced features and performance upgrades
Apple's iOS 27 update, now available for compatible iPhones, adds AI-driven tools such as context-aware Siri, generative image creation, and performance improvements, while expanding functionality across apps like Safari, Wallet and Maps.
Apple has rolled out iOS 27 as a free update for supported iPhone models, accessible through the Settings app. The release focuses on integrating on-device AI, dubbed Apple Intelligence, into core functions. A new context-aware Siri can interpret visual content, answer questions about objects on screen and switch between Apple’s own model and ChatGPT. Safari now groups open tabs into topic-based collections automatically, and users can generate custom browser extensions by describing desired actions in plain language.
The Camera app includes a "Siri" mode that identifies plants, animals, food and other items, while the Photos app adds an "Extend" feature that expands images to fill the lock screen and a rating system for easier organization. Users can create shortcuts by describing desired automations, and the Shortcuts app assembles the steps using AI. Maps’ Flyover receives higher-resolution aerial imagery, and a new Local Lists section suggests trending places in the United States.
Productivity gains include natural-language input for Reminders and Calendar events, AI-generated summaries of HomeKit Secure Video footage (iCloud+ only), and automatic password updates via the Passwords app. The Wallet app expands its pass designs and adds spending insights, and the new "Create a Pass" tool digitizes physical tickets and cards.
Apple also introduced performance enhancements, claiming up to 30% faster app launches, 80% quicker AirDrop transfers and significantly faster photo library handling. Additional tweaks cover a compact lock-screen clock, adjustable Liquid Glass opacity, customizable Siri voice, AirPods equalizer controls, and a dual-camera FaceTime mode on newer iPhone models. Parental controls have been overhauled with stricter web-site approvals and expanded screen-time management.
"iOS 27 brings on-device intelligence to everyday tasks while preserving privacy," an Apple spokesperson said.
The update is available now for download on eligible devices.