iOS 27: 8 New Features and Changes You Should Know


Apple is giving the iPhone another major software refresh with iOS 27, bringing a redesigned interface, a smarter Siri, faster everyday performance and several useful changes across Apple's apps and services.

Apple announced that iOS 27 will be released publicly on September 14, 2026, following its iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo event. The update is compatible with iPhone 11 and newer, although some of the more advanced Apple Intelligence features require a newer iPhone.

So, what actually changes when you install iOS 27?

Here are eight of the most notable iOS 27 features and changes worth knowing about.

1. Siri AI Gets a Major Upgrade

Siri has been part of the iPhone experience for years, but its limitations have become increasingly noticeable as AI assistants have become more capable.

iOS 27 takes a much bigger step forward with Siri AI, a more conversational and personalized version of Apple's voice assistant.

Rather than being limited to straightforward commands such as setting reminders, checking the weather or starting a timer, Siri AI is designed to understand more complex requests and provide more useful responses.

Apple has also given Siri a dedicated app in iOS 27. Users can continue to access the assistant by pressing and holding the iPhone's side button, too.

One of the more interesting aspects of Siri AI is its ability to work with information already stored on your iPhone. It can also understand what's currently displayed on your screen and perform actions across supported apps.

There is a catch, however. Siri AI requires an iPhone 15 Pro or newer and initially supports English. Apple also plans to impose daily usage limits, with broader access potentially becoming a paid feature later.

Availability is also limited in the European Union at launch because of Apple's ongoing regulatory dispute with the European Commission.

2. More Apple Intelligence Features Arrive

Siri isn't the only part of iOS 27 getting an AI makeover.

Apple is adding more Apple Intelligence capabilities across the operating system, including new editing tools in Photos.

The Photos app gets Extend and Reframe options designed to give users more flexibility when modifying images. Image Playground can also create photorealistic images, opening up more creative possibilities directly from the iPhone.

Apple is also making Shortcuts more accessible. Instead of building every shortcut manually, users can describe what they want and let the system create a shortcut around that request.

Other additions include automatically generated video descriptions for HomeKit Secure Video cameras and additional AI-powered experiences across Apple's software ecosystem.

The broader idea is clear: Apple Intelligence is becoming less of a standalone feature and more deeply integrated into everyday iPhone tasks.

3. Liquid Glass Gets Refined

Apple introduced its Liquid Glass design language with iOS 26, and iOS 27 continues to refine the visual experience.

The interface now features more consistent refraction and improved contrast, while app icons receive sharper and more detailed styling.

Apple has also introduced a new control that lets users adjust how clear or tinted the Liquid Glass interface appears.

That may sound like a small addition, but interface customization can make a noticeable difference in how comfortable an operating system feels over time.

Instead of giving everyone exactly the same visual treatment, iOS 27 gives users more control over how prominent the transparent design elements appear.

4. iOS 27 Makes the iPhone Faster

A major iOS update isn't only about new features. Sometimes the improvements you notice most are the ones happening quietly in the background.

Apple says iOS 27 speeds up several common iPhone experiences.

App launches can be up to 30% faster, while newly added photos can load in the Photos library up to 70% faster. AirDrop transfers can also be up to 80% faster.

These improvements could make everyday interactions feel more responsive, particularly when you're moving between apps, loading large photo libraries or sending content to another device.

And faster AirDrop transfers are particularly useful for anyone regularly moving large collections of photos and videos.

Moving Data After an iPhone Update

Faster sharing is helpful, but it doesn't solve every data-transfer situation.

If you're moving from an older iPhone to a newer model, for example, you may need to transfer years of photos, videos, contacts and other files. That's where a dedicated transfer app such as Smart Transfer can make the process more straightforward.

Smart Transfer is built around moving and managing personal data between devices, giving users another option when they want to organize or transfer their files during an iPhone upgrade. Its fast share capabilities can be useful when you need to move content between compatible devices without turning the process into a complicated series of steps.

For people with large photo libraries or lots of personal files, easy file sharing can make the transition to a new device considerably less frustrating. Instead of discovering after the upgrade that important files are still sitting on the old phone, you can make data transfer part of the upgrade process from the beginning.

5. iPhone Handoff Lets You Switch Between Two iPhones

One of the more unusual additions in iOS 27 is iPhone Handoff.

The feature allows users to switch between two iPhones while keeping the same phone number active on both devices.

That could be useful for people who regularly move between two phones or want to use different devices without constantly changing their cellular setup.

There is an important limitation: carrier support is required.

T-Mobile in the US and Deutsche Telekom in Germany are expected to be among the first carriers to support iPhone Handoff. T-Mobile plans to charge $5 per month for the feature.

Verizon and EE in the UK are also expected to support it later in the year, with additional carriers potentially joining afterward.

Because carrier compatibility and pricing can vary, iPhone Handoff is one feature you'll want to check with your network provider before relying on it.

6. Apple Cash Adds Bill Splitting

Splitting a restaurant bill with friends can be surprisingly tedious, especially when everyone ordered something different.

iOS 27 introduces a new Apple Cash bill-splitting feature for users in the US.

The feature works through Apple Wallet and Messages, with Apple Intelligence helping identify items from a receipt.

You can also point your iPhone at a receipt using the new Siri mode in the Camera app. The system can identify the relevant items, calculate each person's share and account for tax and tip.

The result is a much simpler way to figure out who owes what.

The feature is currently limited to the US, so users elsewhere will have to wait for Apple to expand availability.

7. Find My Gets More Flexible Location Controls

Location sharing in Find My is becoming more customizable with iOS 27.

Previously, users had a small number of preset choices for how long their location should remain visible. iOS 27 allows you to set a custom duration instead.

You could, for example, choose to share your location for four days and six hours or specify an exact date and time when sharing should stop.

There's another useful addition: you can temporarily pause location sharing with specific people until the end of the day without notifying them.

Apple suggests that this could be useful for situations such as planning a surprise party.

The change gives users greater control over location sharing without requiring them to permanently change their Find My settings.

8. CarPlay Gets Video Browsing

Apple is also expanding what developers can build for CarPlay.

The company previously announced plans to support video playback through AirPlay in compatible vehicles while the car is parked. With iOS 27, developers can create CarPlay apps that support video browsing.

That means drivers and passengers can browse available video content directly through a compatible car's display.

There is an obvious safety restriction: video playback is available only when the vehicle is parked.

Apple highlights scenarios such as waiting at an airport or sitting in an electric vehicle while it charges. The feature will depend on vehicle support, so it won't immediately be available in every car with CarPlay.

Over time, however, it could make waiting in the car a little less boring.

Which iPhones Support iOS 27?

iOS 27 supports a broad range of iPhone models, going back to the iPhone 11 series.

Compatible devices include:

  • iPhone 18 Pro

  • iPhone 18 Pro Max

  • iPhone Duo

  • iPhone 17e

  • iPhone 17

  • iPhone 17 Pro

  • iPhone 17 Pro Max

  • iPhone Air

  • iPhone 16e

  • iPhone 16

  • iPhone 16 Plus

  • iPhone 16 Pro

  • iPhone 16 Pro Max

  • iPhone 15

  • iPhone 15 Plus

  • iPhone 15 Pro

  • iPhone 15 Pro Max

  • iPhone 14

  • iPhone 14 Plus

  • iPhone 14 Pro

  • iPhone 14 Pro Max

  • iPhone 13

  • iPhone 13 mini

  • iPhone 13 Pro

  • iPhone 13 Pro Max

  • iPhone 12

  • iPhone 12 mini

  • iPhone 12 Pro

  • iPhone 12 Pro Max

  • iPhone 11

  • iPhone 11 Pro

  • iPhone 11 Pro Max

  • iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

Keep in mind that iOS 27 compatibility does not mean every feature will be available on every iPhone. Siri AI and other Apple Intelligence capabilities require newer hardware, beginning with the iPhone 15 Pro generation.

How to Install iOS 27

Once iOS 27 is available for your device, you can check for the update through the iPhone's Settings app.

Go to:

Settings → General → Software Update

If the update is available, you'll be able to download and install it from there.

Before starting a major software update, it is worth making sure your important data is backed up and that your iPhone has enough free storage. If you're using the update as an opportunity to move to a newer iPhone, it is also a good time to review the photos, videos and files you actually want to carry forward.

iOS 27 Is Bigger Than a Visual Refresh

At first glance, iOS 27 might look like another annual iPhone software update. Look a little closer, though, and there is a broader shift happening.

Apple is pushing Siri further into the AI era, bringing Apple Intelligence into more everyday tasks, speeding up familiar experiences and giving users more control over areas such as location sharing and interface appearance.

Some features will appeal to almost everyone, while others are designed for very specific situations. Siri AI and the performance improvements may have the biggest everyday impact, while features such as iPhone Handoff, bill splitting and CarPlay video could prove especially useful to particular groups of users.

And with more than 250 changes reportedly spread across iOS 27 and Apple's other operating systems, these eight features are only part of the story.

The best way to experience iOS 27 may simply be to install it, explore what has changed and see which new capabilities quietly become part of your everyday routine.

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