{"slug": "ios-27-everything-we-know-about-the-2026-iphone-update", "title": "iOS 27: Everything we know about the 2026 iPhone update", "summary": "Apple is developing iOS 27, the next major iPhone operating system update, with an unveiling expected at WWDC on June 8, 2026, and a public release likely in September 2026. The update is rumored to prioritize performance and stability improvements over new features, including a major Siri overhaul with a chatbot-like interface and expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities. Devices from the iPhone 11 series and iPhone SE 2 are expected to lose support for the new OS.", "body_md": "Apple is still wrapping up development of iOS 26, but is already hard at work on the next major iPhone operating system release: iOS 27.\n\nWith an unveiling coming in early [June at WWDC](https://www.macworld.com/article/678333/wwdc-keynote-event-time-what-launch-ios-macos-watchos-hardware.html), we’ve already heard a few rumors about what the next OS will have in store for our iPhones when it is released in September 2026. We also have an [Apple WWDC event live blog](https://www.macworld.com/article/3154372/apple-event-live-blog.html) where we will be sharing expert commentary and our immediate reactions and what the news means to you.\n\niOS 27 could be one of Apple’s most important iPhone updates. The leaks and rumors suggest that Apple will be focused on performance and stability improvements, rather than new features. Siri is said to be getting a huge overhaul, with a new chatbot-like interface. Apple is also expanding its Apple Intelligence features, according to reports. The Camera app is also said to be getting new customization abilities.\n\nPlans change of course, and you shouldn’t consider anything to be set in stone until Apple makes a formal announcement. Here’s what we think we know so far.\n\nRead on for more detail about these changes and what else to expect.\n\nApple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC keynote on June 8, 2026, where it will showcase the update’s headline features. As usual, the software will then go through several months of testing before its full public release in the fall.\n\nApple typically launches new versions of iOS in September, often around the second week – making **Monday, September 14** a likely release date based on past patterns.\n\nIf you want to try iOS 27 early, Apple will make beta versions available shortly after the keynote. The first developer beta is set to arrive on **June 8**, followed by a public beta in early **July**.\n\nWhile installing a beta lets you test new features ahead of release, its worth noting that pre-release software can be unstable. Bugs, performance issues, and app incompatibility are common, as Apple uses the beta period to identify and fix problems before the final version launches.\n\nRoman Loyola/IDG\n\nLeaker ‘Instant (Momentary) Digital’, who has a decent track record for leaking credible information, has indicated via a Weibo post that the [iPhone 11](https://www.macworld.com/article/233317/iphone-11-review.html), [iPhone 11 Pro](https://www.macworld.com/article/233322/iphone-11-pro-review.html) and 11 Pro Max (launched in **2019**) and the [iPhone SE 2](https://www.macworld.com/article/234116/iphone-se-2020-review-everything-you-need-and-nothing-else.html) (launched in **2020**) will not be able to run iOS 27. As we explain in our guide to [how long Apple supports iPhones](https://www.macworld.com/article/675021/how-long-does-apple-support-iphones.html), Apple does tend to drop devices from new OS releases after about seven years, so their omission isn’t really surprising.\n\nPlus, with iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Max having been relegated to the [Vintage iPhone list](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/102772) by Apple, it is inevitable that they will not be supported by iOS 27.\n\nThat leaves us with a compatibility list that looks like this:\n\nThe iPhone 15 and older will not be able to take advantage of any Apple Intelligence features, as is currently the case.\n\niOS 26 has been characterized by some users as a “troubled release” due to significant performance issues and unfulfilled promises regarding AI features.\n\nReports suggest iOS 27 will focus heavily on fixing these stability issues and finally delivering a massive overhaul to Siri.\n\nCommon complaints about iOS 26 include:\n\nAnticipated Improvements in iOS 27 include:\n\nApple\n\nApple appears to have abandoned plans to deliver its long-promised Siri overhaul as part of [iOS 26](https://www.macworld.com/article/2575705/ios-26-features-latest-update-release-date-beta.html), and is instead reportedly targeting a [bigger Siri overhaul for iOS 27](https://www.macworld.com/article/3098153/ios-27-rumored-to-bring-a-totally-new-siri-interface-ask-button-and-more.html).\n\nAccording to reports, Siri will evolve into a full-fledged AI chatbot with a redesigned interface that more closely resembles ChatGPT or a messaging app. Users will reportedly be able to interact with Siri through a new Ask interface, reference previous conversations, and continue ongoing chats. Siri is also expected to integrate much more deeply with Apple’s own apps and services.\n\nThe revamped assistant is said to be built on a new foundation model reportedly based on Google’s Gemini technology, with Apple adding its own enhancements, privacy protections, and safeguards on top.\n\nSiri should also appear as a standalone app, with a chat history that [auto-deletes conversations](https://www.macworld.com/article/3142296/revealed-siri-chatbots-secret-weapon-in-the-privacy-wars.html) more than 30 days old.\n\nApple is also expected to significantly expand [Siri’s smart home capabilities](https://www.macworld.com/article/2960792/next-year-will-reportedly-be-a-big-year-for-apple-intelligence-again.html). Rumored features include AI-powered vision recognition that would allow devices to identify users and understand what they are doing while maintaining privacy protections. These kinds of capabilities are expected to play a major role in future Apple products such as smart home cameras and smart glasses.\n\nThe Siri interface itself may also see a dramatic redesign. Reports suggest Siri’s activation animation will center around the Dynamic Island. Invoking Siri with the side button or wake phrase would trigger a large pill-shaped animation around the Dynamic Island, while swiping down from the top center of the display could open a new Search or Ask interface with both text and voice input options.\n\nWhen Siri returns results, users may be able to swipe down to expand responses into a persistent chat interface similar to iMessage. Apple is also rumored to be developing a standalone Siri app where users can revisit, search through, and continue previous conversations.\n\nApple Intelligence is Apple’s suite of generative AI tools integrated across its operating systems, designed to enhance productivity through writing assistance, image generation, and system-wide automation. While many features were introduced in 2024 and 2025, the upcoming iOS 27 update – set to be previewed at WWDC on June 8, 2026 – is expected to deliver a massive overhaul of these capabilities.\n\nWe don’t have much information about what specific AI advancements Apple is working on or how it will be used throughout the OS and Apple’s apps, yet. But Gurman reports iOS 27 will be heavy on new AI features.\n\nIn April 2026, some [back-end code relating to Visual Intelligence suggested](https://www.macworld.com/article/3116520/new-apple-intelligence-features-for-ios-27-found-in-hidden-code.html) Apple is working on Apple Intelligence features like reading nutrition lables, adding phone numbers and addresses to contacts, adding physical tickets and passes to Wallet, and auto-generating names for tab groups in Safari.\n\nBloomberg’s Mark Gurman claimed Apple is planning a [trio of new AI-powered image editing tools](https://www.macworld.com/article/3126838/report-3-new-ai-powered-photo-editing-features-are-coming-to-iphones.html). Extend, Enhance, and Reframe will join the existing Clean Up feature in a new “Apple Intelligence Tools” section within the Photos app.\n\nIn a May report, Gurman wrote that [Writing Tools will get an AI-related update](https://www.macworld.com/article/3142743/more-apple-intelligence-features-detailed-as-ios-27-leaks-continue.html) to be more capable, including checking grammar, and will be more easily discoverable in the operating system. He also indicates that there may be a “Write with Siri” button and a “Help Me Write” option.\n\nAI-powered Shortcuts will be able to be created using plain language for the first time, too. You’ll just describe what you want the Shortcut to do, and your iPhone or iPad will create the automation for you.\n\nAs to how Apple will power the new Siri. Reports indicate Google Gemini and Anthropic models are being tested in addition to OpenAI/ChatGPT integration.\n\nTo find out more about Apple Intelligence, read: [How to use Apple Intelligence on iPhone](https://www.macworld.com/article/2889649/apple-intelligence-guide-features-siri-chatgpt-iphone.html) and [What is Apple Intelligence](https://www.macworld.com/article/2362804/apple-intelligence-faq-features-release-date-hardware-support.html).\n\nYou’ll reportedly be able to [fully customize the Camera app interface](https://www.macworld.com/article/3138108/big-camera-and-siri-design-changes-are-reportedly-coming-with-ios-27.html) in iOS 27. According to a report from Mark Gurman of [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-12/ios-27-apple-plans-customizable-iphone-camera-app-siri-overhaul), users will be able to switch to a new Advanced mode or build their own layout using customizable widgets. These widgets will be organized into categories such as Basic, Manual, and Settings, allowing users to tailor the camera interface to their preferences.\n\nPotential widgets could include controls for depth of field, timers, photo styles, and exposure adjustments. The Camera app is also rumored to gain a new Siri mode – similar to existing modes like Slo-mo or Panorama – that would provide quick access to Visual Intelligence features.\n\nA Siri mode in the camera app could offer live visual intelligence – answering spoken questions in real time.\n\nBloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple intends to treat iOS 27 [similarly to Mac OS X Snow Leopard](https://www.macworld.com/article/2983920/ios-27-could-be-mac-os-x-snow-leopard-all-over-again.html), prioritising performance and stability over a long list of new features.\n\nMac OS X Snow Leopard (10.6) followed the more feature-heavy Leopard (10.5) update, and focused on refining the system – removing unnecessary complexity, fixing bugs, and improving overall efficiency. While it didn’t introduce as many headline features, it became a popular version of macOS thanks to its speed and reliability.\n\nIf iOS 27 is going to follow a similar path as Snow Leopard, users can expect some new features, but a greater emphasis on optimisation, performance, and stability, with effort spent on cleaning up the code and improving performance.\n\n**AirPods settings**: Apple reportedly planning a [redesign of AirPods settings](https://www.macworld.com/article/3148482/latest-ios-27-rumor-brings-hope-for-an-overdue-settings-app-revamp.html) in iOS 27. According to [Bloomberg’s](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2026-05-24/apple-watch-needs-shake-up-amid-whoop-oura-google-fitbit-air-airpods-ios-27-mpjuh7ln) Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a more functional and streamlined interface that better highlights key features and makes AirPods easier to manage. AirPods settings currently only appear when the earbuds are connected, and the menu has become increasingly cluttered as Apple has added features like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and personalised controls. While Gurman did not mention a standalone app, the reported overhaul suggests Apple is responding to long-standing complaints about how difficult some AirPods features are to find and manage within the Settings app.\n\n**Satellite connectivity**: It might be possible to use a Satellite connection to navigate Apple Maps and send photos via Messages. This could be made possible by Apple’s next-generation modem technology coming to [future iPhones](https://www.macworld.com/article/2953687/iphone-18-pro-2026-release-date-design-specs-rumors.html).\n\n**AI Vision Recognition**: iOS 27 is expected to introduce [AI vision features](https://www.macworld.com/article/3131182/ios-27-tipped-to-get-new-create-a-pass-feature-in-wallet.html) that allow devices to recognize users and their activities while maintaining privacy, which will be critical for upcoming smart home products.\n\n**Personalized Intelligence**: Siri is expected to use on-device data from mail, messages, and web history to build a private profile, allowing it to provide answers specific to the user.\n\n**Wallet Enhancements**: A new “[Create a Pass](https://www.macworld.com/article/3131182/ios-27-tipped-to-get-new-create-a-pass-feature-in-wallet.html)” feature is tipped for the Wallet app.\n\n**Image Playground updates**: Image generation should get a boost.\n\n**AirPlay**: Users in the EU may be able to choose between AirPlay and an alternative streaming default.\n\n**Safari**: Tab grouping is said to be getting more intelligent.\n\nIn May 2026, [Apple previewed some new accessibility features](https://www.macworld.com/article/3143698/apple-just-gave-us-a-peek-at-some-of-ios-27s-new-features.html) coming in iOS 27. These lean heavily on Apple Intelligence, with updates coming to VoiceOver, Magnifier, Voice Control, Accessibility Reader, on-device subtitles, and Vision Pro.\n\n**Magnifier and VoiceOver**: Major Visual Intelligence upgrades, enabling more detailed descriptions of images and what’s in the viewfinder. These improvements also reflect Apple’s broader AI efforts, since the same systems power object and text recognition across the OS.\n\n**Voice Control**: Evolving from fixed commands to natural language interactions. Users will be able to describe what they want to tap, zoom, or scroll to using context like color or content, showing how Apple’s AI is becoming more capable of understanding on-screen information.\n\n**Accessibility Reader**: Expanding support for more complex layouts, including tables, images, and multi-column content, using AI to better interpret and present information on screen.\n\nWe’ve heard of the imminent release of a folding iPhone for more than five years now, but it looks it could *actually* happen in 2026. The [iPhone Fold, or iPhone Ultra](https://www.macworld.com/article/2629813/apple-folding-iphone-ultra-design-display-specs-release.html), as some are calling it, is expected to be an ultra-premium device with a sky-high price tag—some [rumors say](https://www.macworld.com/article/2985706/folding-iphone-on-track-to-launch-next-year-with-wild-2399-price-tag-reports-claim.html) as much as $2,400.\n\nNaturally, an iPhone that has a 5.5-inch screen on the outside but then opens to reveal a 7.8-inch display on the inside is going to need some specific iOS changes to make use of it. Not only will the operating system itself need an overhaul to deal with this screen-switching and new aspect ratios, but all of Apple’s built-in apps will need to take advantage of the iPhone Fold’s unique geometry.\n\nWe haven’t gotten any rumors about how iOS 27 will adapt to the folding phone, and Apple is unlikely to unveil any new features until the phone arrives in September, but we’ll be looking for clues at WWDC.", "url": "https://wpnews.pro/news/ios-27-everything-we-know-about-the-2026-iphone-update", "canonical_source": "https://www.macworld.com/article/2986799/ios-27-new-iphone-features-release-date-beta-compatiblity-apple-intelligence-siri.html", "published_at": "2026-06-05 18:59:42+00:00", "updated_at": "2026-06-05 19:11:55.054680+00:00", "lang": "en", "topics": ["artificial-intelligence", "ai-products", "ai-tools", "large-language-models", "generative-ai"], "entities": ["Apple", "iOS 27", "Siri", "WWDC", "iPhone"], "alternates": {"html": "https://wpnews.pro/news/ios-27-everything-we-know-about-the-2026-iphone-update", "markdown": "https://wpnews.pro/news/ios-27-everything-we-know-about-the-2026-iphone-update.md", "text": "https://wpnews.pro/news/ios-27-everything-we-know-about-the-2026-iphone-update.txt", "jsonld": "https://wpnews.pro/news/ios-27-everything-we-know-about-the-2026-iphone-update.jsonld"}}