Apple adds iOS 27 features that have long existed on Android devices
Apple's iOS 27 update introduces several features—such as a transparency slider, enhanced AI assistance, and new photo editing tools—that were already available on Android platforms.
Apple announced iOS 27 at its WWDC event on June 8, highlighting a range of new capabilities. The update includes a transparency slider for the system’s visual style, a feature that several Android manufacturers have offered in recent releases. Apple also said the operating system now supports smoother animations throughout the interface.
The company described improvements to data handling, allowing seamless switching between Wi-Fi and cellular connections, and added a “still sending” indicator to its Messages app. Apple’s AirPods can now be customized with equalizer settings, a function that has been present on Android devices for years. The iOS password manager will automatically detect compromised passwords, a capability previously provided by Google’s password services.
In the Photos app, automatic sharing and group album creation are now supported, mirroring functionality long available in Google Photos. Apple’s parental-control suite has been expanded, though third-party solutions on Android have offered comparable or more extensive features.
Apple introduced an upgraded Siri powered by the Gemini AI model, adding an adjustable voice, a dedicated Siri app for managing queries, and a camera mode similar to Google Lens. The new AI features are initially limited to the United States and English language, with broader rollout planned later.
The company also unveiled “Apple Intelligence,” a set of AI tools separate from Siri. These tools can pull contextual information from apps, suggest actions based on on-screen content, and provide AI-enhanced editing options in Photos. Similar capabilities have been demonstrated in Google’s Magic Cue, Samsung’s Nudge, and other Android implementations. Additional improvements include enhanced voice dictation and updates to the Home app that align with features found in Google Home.
Apple indicated that the iOS 27 features will become available to users in the coming months, though the final release may not include every announced function.