Apple has begun the global rollout of iOS 27 for eligible iPhones, starting September 14, 2026, at 10:00 am PT (10:30 pm IST). The update introduces a host of new features, with a major focus on artificial intelligence and a visual overhaul dubbed ‘Liquid Glass’.
Siri Gets a Major AI Boost
A central component of iOS 27 is the integration of Apple Intelligence, significantly expanding Siri’s capabilities. According to Apple, the updated Siri will communicate more naturally and gain deeper access to iPhone functionality. This allows users to issue more complex commands, such as requesting Siri to locate photos from a specific trip.
The AI-powered assistant can now perform tasks within apps like Messages, Music, and Reminders, responding to contextual requests. For example, users can ask Siri to add a song heard in the car to a workout playlist or quickly edit a recently sent message. Siri AI can also identify objects captured through the iPhone’s camera; pointing the camera at a flower, for instance, will prompt Siri to identify the species, accessible through a dedicated Siri mode within the camera app.
Liquid Glass Interface Refined
iOS 27 also features enhancements to Apple’s Liquid Glass design. The update allows users to adjust the interface’s transparency, sliding between opaque and fully transparent views. Apple states this update addresses bugs that caused controversy with the design in previous iterations, following the release of iOS 26.2.7.
AI-Powered Photo Editing
The native Photos app receives AI-driven features, including a ‘Clean Up’ tool for removing unwanted objects from images. More lightweight tasks, like scheduling meetings or summarising emails, will be processed on-device, while more demanding operations will leverage Apple’s servers. A new ‘Spatial Reframing’ feature allows users to dynamically alter the framing of their images.
Shortcuts App Simplified with AI
Apple has revamped the Shortcuts app, incorporating AI to streamline the shortcut creation process. Users can simply describe the desired shortcut and its integration with an app, and Apple’s AI will automatically build it. This aims to make the previously complex Shortcuts app more accessible to a wider range of users.
Eligible Devices
- iOS 27 is compatible with devices ranging from the iPhone SE (Second Generation) to the iPhone 17 models.
- The iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone Duo foldable are also confirmed to receive the update.
