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Apple releases iOS 27 with Siri AI and these new iPhone features

iOS 27 is officially here. After a summer of beta testing, the free software update has arrived for everyone. It brings Siri AI, new Apple Intelligence features, more control over Liquid Glass, and improvements throughout the system. Here’s what’s new, which iPhones support it, and how to update.

How to install iOS 27

You can download iOS 27 by opening Settings → General → Software Update on your iPhone. Select the iOS 27 upgrade, then follow the onscreen instructions.

Before installing, back up your iPhone using iCloud or a computer. Apple also provides installation instructions if you need help.

You may need to swipe down on the page to reveal the iOS 27 update option.

Siri AI is the biggest new feature

With iOS 27, Apple introduces a more conversational assistant called Siri AI.

The new Siri can use personal context to find information across your messages, emails, photos, and other content.

It also understands onscreen information and supports more actions across apps. That means you can ask follow-up questions or request help with what you’re viewing.

Siri AI

A dedicated Siri app lets you revisit conversations and continue them across supported Apple devices. Meanwhile, Siri mode in Camera brings Visual Intelligence into the viewfinder so you can ask about things around you.

Write with Siri also helps you draft and revise text. In Messages and Mail, it can adapt to your writing style.

Which iPhones support Siri AI?

Siri AI and the new Apple Intelligence features require iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or an iPhone 16 model or later. iPhone Air and iPhone Duo also support Siri AI.

Liquid Glass gets more controls

iOS 27 adds a slider in Settings that lets you adjust Liquid Glass from clear to fully tinted. Apple also refines app icons and the system’s appearance.

Performance is another focus. Apple reports faster app launches, quicker loading of newly captured photos, and faster AirDrop transfers in its testing. Search improvements also aim to make results more useful in Spotlight, Photos, and Mail.

Photos and Safari gain new AI tools

On supported iPhones, Photos adds several editing options:

  • Spatial Reframing: Adjust a photo’s composition by virtually changing the camera position.
  • Extend: Expand an image beyond its original edges.
  • Clean Up: Remove larger objects with improved results.

Safari also gains automatic tab grouping by topic. In addition, Notify Me can monitor a webpage for changes, such as a price drop or an item returning to stock.

More iOS 27 features worth trying

Top comment by EnjoyingTheSilence

Liked by 13 people

Mine installed 26.7, I got the iOS 27 banner afterwards, and that banner proceed to re-install 26.7... which I didn't think was possible since I was already running it.

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Apple also detail several practical additions:

  • AirPods Custom EQ: Adjust audio to suit your preferences.
  • Separate alarm and timer volume: Set independent volume levels for alarms and timers.
  • Expanded parental controls: Approve new websites with Ask to Browse, set app schedules, and manage daily time allowances.
  • Communication Safety updates: Extend protections to images and videos containing gore or violence.
  • Call Context: Surface relevant information, such as a reservation number, during supported business calls.
  • Accessibility improvements: Expand capabilities in VoiceOver, Magnifier, Accessibility Reader, and Voice Control.

Read Apple’s full release notes for the detailed breakdown.

Which iOS 27 feature are you trying first? Let us know in the comments.

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Avatar for Zac Hall Zac Hall

Zac Hall is a Senior Editor, covering Apple, apps, and AI. He joined 9to5Mac in 2013.