Apple unveils AI-enhanced features in iOS 27 public beta
Apple's upcoming iOS 27, slated for a September release, adds a range of AI-driven tools such as context-aware Siri, automatic wallpaper extension, and new shortcuts creation, alongside refinements to existing apps.
Apple said its iOS 27 update, expected in September, will arrive in public beta this month and introduces a suite of AI-powered capabilities across the system. The new version expands the lock-screen wallpaper function, using Apple Intelligence to generate additional image content that fills the screen when a photo does not match the aspect ratio.
Safari will automatically group open tabs into topic-based collections, while the Reminders and Calendar apps now accept natural-language input that extracts dates, times and locations. In Messages, users can long-press a message from an Android contact to reply inline, a feature previously limited to iMessage.
The Wallet app receives a redesigned pass layout for membership, loyalty and gift cards, and the Shortcuts app adds a “Describe a Shortcut” interface that builds automations from plain-language descriptions. Maps’ Flyover mode is upgraded with higher-resolution aerial imagery, and the Camera app includes a new Siri mode that identifies objects, translates text and provides food nutrition information.
"According to Apple, the update makes select cities around the world look more lifelike, from the shape of individual trees to the way light reflects off glass skyscrapers."
Additional enhancements include a compact lock-screen clock layout, a more capable Image Playground that can generate photorealistic images with a hidden SynthID watermark, and a Liquid Glass opacity slider for UI translucency. Users can now create slideshows from any photo album, switch between Siri AI and ChatGPT within the Siri app, and build Safari extensions by describing desired functionality.
HomeKit Secure Video footage can be summarized in text for iCloud+ subscribers, AirPods with the H2 chip gain customizable equalizer settings, and Siri on newer iPhone models offers voice-customization options. Photos can be rated with stars and keywords, and a new Live Recognition feature in Accessibility describes surroundings in real time.
Password management is streamlined with an auto-update feature that changes weak or compromised passwords via Safari. Video frames can be saved directly as photos, alarms can have independent volume controls, and Find My now supports custom location-sharing durations. FaceTime on supported iPhones can display both front and back cameras simultaneously, and Messages adds a drawing tool for sketches.
Safari’s “Notify Me” monitors webpages for changes, Photos gains a Reframe tool that adjusts perspective using AI, and Wallet introduces spending insights for connected accounts. The Phone app offers “Call Context” that surfaces relevant information such as reservation numbers during business calls, while Maps adds a Local Lists section that highlights trending nearby places in the United States.