Apple announces iOS 27: What's new and which iPhones can get it

Apple has announced iOS 27, introducing a redesigned Siri powered by Apple Intelligence, faster system performance, enhanced photo editing tools, and new features aimed at helping parents manage their children's device use.

The update, which was unveiled during the Worldwide Developers Conference, will be available for iPhone models dating back to the iPhone 11 series and second-generation iPhone SE, though some artificial intelligence features will require newer devices.

Here are the key features, improvements, and device compatibility details iPhone users need to know about iOS 27.

Smarter Siri

The biggest change in iOS 27 is the next generation of Siri, which Apple says is designed to be more personal and capable.

Users will be able to interact with Siri and ask it to locate specific photos, emails, or notes, and perform actions across apps, such as Messages, Music, and Reminders.

A new dedicated Siri app will allow users to continue conversations across Apple devices, including iPhones and iPads.

For users who frequently write emails or messages, Siri can help draft content or provide suggestions while adapting to the user's writing style.

Apple is also bringing Siri into the Camera app, enabling visual searches and actions directly from the camera viewfinder.

AI-powered tools across apps

Apple Intelligence is expanding to several built-in apps.

In Photos, users will gain access to new editing tools, including Spatial Reframing, which allows photos to be reframed after they are taken, and Extend, which can expand the edges of an image. An upgraded Clean Up tool can also remove unwanted objects from photos.

Meanwhile, Image Playground lets users generate images from text descriptions, including photorealistic styles.

Mail and Messages will offer contextual suggestions, such as creating calendar events from conversations or quickly locating related photos.

Safari is also getting smarter, with tabs automatically grouped by topic and a new “Notify Me” feature that can alert users when a webpage changes, such as when a product is restocked or drops in price.

New features for families

Parents will see several new tools designed to improve child safety and screen time management.

A Setup Assistant will allow parents to preselect which system apps their children can access. Children will also need parental approval through Messages before visiting new websites under the new “Ask to Browse"” feature.

Communication Safety is being expanded to intervene before children view violent or graphic content, in addition to nudity, across Messages and FaceTime.

Apple has also redesigned parental controls in Settings and added age-based recommendations for screen time limits and app schedules.

Faster and more polished experience

Beyond AI features, Apple says iOS 27 delivers noticeable performance improvements.

According to the company, app launches can be up to 30% faster, photo loading up to 70% faster, and AirDrop transfers up to 80% faster compared with previous versions.

The update also introduces a new Liquid Glass design language featuring improved contrast, sharper app icons, and customizable transparency effects.

Users may also notice smoother transitions when switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks, as well as more relevant search results in Mail.

Other notable additions

iOS 27 includes several smaller updates aimed at accessibility, health, and everyday convenience.

VoiceOver will provide richer image descriptions, while a new automatic captioning feature can generate captions for any video and translate them into supported languages.

The Health app's Cycle Tracking feature can now notify users aged 40 and above of patterns that may be consistent with perimenopause.

Maps gains enhanced Flyover views using AI-generated detail, while the Home app can summarize smart home activity and allow users to search security camera footage using natural language.

Which iPhones support iOS 27?

Apple says iOS 27 will support:

• iPhone 17 series
• iPhone 16 series
• iPhone 15 series
• iPhone 14 series
• iPhone 13 series, including iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 12 series, including iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 11 series
• iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

However, Apple noted that the new Siri AI and Apple Intelligence features will only be available on supported hardware, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 lineup, and newer models.

The company said Apple Intelligence features will begin rolling out later this year, starting in the United States. Some features will not be available in the European Union at launch.

Forbes predicts that the full iOS 27 release will happen on or around September 14.

—CDC, GMA News