Apple prepares major camera revolution for iPhone in iOS 27
iOS 27 will allow users to choose between Siri, ChatGPT, and Gemini (photo: Getty Images)
The iOS 27 operating system is set to become one of the most important updates for iPhone users. Instead of a limited set of standard tools, Apple plans to introduce deep interface personalization and expanded shooting control features that were previously only available in paid apps, according to Bloomberg.
Widgets and Visual Intelligence
The Camera app in iOS 27 will become fully customizable. Instead of a fixed top panel, users will see widgets that can be selected via a transparent “Add Widgets” menu that slides up from the bottom.
What will change:
Personalization: users will be able to place buttons such as flash, timer, resolution, or exposure directly on the screen.
Advanced Mode: for professionals, an expanded set of tools will appear, including manual control of focus and depth of field.
Siri Mode: a new shooting mode will activate Visual Intelligence features. This will allow instant text translation through the camera or identification of plants and objects in the frame.
Ergonomics: the button for expanding all controls will be moved from the top-right corner closer to the shutter button.
New role for Siri and system search
Siri is no longer just a voice assistant. In iOS 27, it becomes an intelligent agent integrated into the Dynamic Island.
What developers improved:
Chatbot interface: interaction with Siri now looks like a text conversation in the style of ChatGPT or Gemini. Users will be able to expand result cards into a full chat, attach documents and images using a “+” button.
Standalone app: Siri will get its own dedicated app for the first time, where conversation history will be stored in a convenient card grid.
Model selection: In the “Search or Ask” bar, users will be able to switch between Siri and third-party solutions such as ChatGPT or Gemini.
Search: the system will be able to provide detailed web answers in the form of bullet points and large images.
Updates to default apps and system
Design changes will affect most system apps to improve readability and usability:
Safari will get a new start page with four tabs at the top (favorites, bookmarks, reading list, and history).
Weather — a Conditions panel will appear on the main screen, allowing users to switch between rain, wind, and temperature data without leaving the page.
Image Playground — the image generation app will get a simplified interface with a “describe a change” button for quick editing of generated content.
System changes: in the bottom bars of apps (Music, TV, Health), the search tab will be merged with other sections. There will also be a new keyboard animation that smoothly slides up from the bottom, as well as Undo/Redo functions for home screen customization.
Apple also plans to fix visual issues in macOS 27, particularly problems with transparency and shadows that previously affected text readability in the system.
The official release of iOS 27 for users is scheduled for fall 2026.
