iOS 27 is out: Smarter Siri, new AI features and major changes for iPhone
Apple releases iOS 27 with a major Siri upgrade (photo: Unsplash)
Apple has officially released the iOS 27 operating system. The main new feature of the release is a major upgrade to the Siri voice assistant, which now runs on advanced AI models, along with a range of Apple Intelligence system improvements, according to Apple Insider.
Updated Siri AI
The central feature of the update is the transformation of the assistant into Siri AI. The assistant has received a new Apple Foundation Model, trained with the involvement of Google Gemini solutions, as well as an additional System Orchestrator.
Liquid Glass interface. When activated, the voice assistant visually surrounds the Dynamic Island area. Users can also enter text queries and view their conversation history in a dedicated Siri AI app.
Deep personal context. The system can analyze photos, contacts and message history.
For example, if asked about a past vacation, Siri AI can find relevant photos in the gallery as well as details from conversations about the trip.
On-device model limitations. Running the most advanced local AI model requires significant computing power, so it is available on the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and newer flagship models.
Improved photo capabilities and child safety
Working with images. The Visual Intelligence feature is integrated directly into the Camera app through a separate Siri mode, allowing users to ask questions about objects in the frame or in screenshots.
The Photos app now includes Extend (generating a background beyond the edges of the frame) and Spatial Reframe (changing the framing of a shot after it was taken). The Image Playground generator now integrates with ChatGPT to create photorealistic graphics.
Parental controls and safety. Setting up a child’s Apple Account has become easier.
Parents can now control their children’s requests to visit new websites, while the Time Allowances feature in Screen Time provides more flexible control over time spent in apps.
The Communication Safety tool now blocks not only nude photos but also graphic content (gore).
Additional changes and compatibility
The Liquid Glass interface has also been refined: icon contrast and clarity have been improved, and a customization slider has been added.
The Health app now includes:
- support for tracking workouts through GymKit on iPhone;
- heart-rate monitoring during workouts through AirPods Pro 3;
- notifications about signs of perimenopause and menopause in calendar analytics.
Apple Maps now offers more detailed Flyover 3D views and automatic location lists, while HomeKit Secure Video now supports 4K streaming and recording.
The iOS 27 update is supported on all smartphones starting with the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2nd generation) and newer models.
The new system can be installed directly on the device by going to Settings General Software Update.
