Apple is set to release iOS 27 to the public on Monday, September 14, with the update expected to appear around 10 a.m. Pacific / 1 p.m. Eastern through the Settings app under General → Software Update. The company confirmed the timing during its recent iPhone event, positioning a heavily upgraded version of Siri as the release's headline feature.

iOS 27 runs on the iPhone 11 series and newer, but the marquee artificial intelligence tools are restricted to the iPhone 15 Pro and later, which have the hardware needed for Apple Intelligence.

Siri AI is the centerpiece

The biggest change is a reworked assistant Apple calls Siri AI. Where the classic Siri handled simple tasks like timers and weather but stumbled on more complex requests, the new version behaves more like a conversational chatbot capable of answering open-ended questions. iOS 27 adds a dedicated Siri app, and users can still summon the assistant by holding the side button.

Apple says Siri AI can draw on personal information stored on the device, understands what's on screen, and can carry out actions across more supporting apps. At launch it works in English only and is subject to daily usage limits, with expanded access planned as a paid option later. The feature will not be available at launch in the EU on iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and watchOS 27, which Apple attributes to its ongoing regulatory standoff with the European Commission.

More Apple Intelligence tools

Additional AI features include new Extend and Reframe options in Photos, photorealistic image generation in Image Playground, the ability to build Shortcuts by describing them in plain language, and automatically generated video descriptions for HomeKit Secure Video cameras.

Design and performance

Apple has refined the Liquid Glass interface it introduced in iOS 26, promising more uniform refraction, improved contrast and sharper app icons. A new slider lets users dial the effect between clearer and more tinted looks.

The company also highlighted speed gains across the system. Apple says app launches are up to 30% faster, new photos load in the library up to 70% faster, and AirDrop transfers are up to 80% faster.

New everyday features

iOS 27 introduces several practical additions:

  • iPhone Handoff: Switch between two iPhones using the same phone number. The feature requires carrier support and may carry a fee. T-Mobile in the U.S. and Deutsche Telekom in Germany are the first to offer it, with T-Mobile charging $5 per month.
  • Apple Cash bill splitting: A U.S.-only feature powered by Apple Cash and Apple Intelligence. Pointing an iPhone at a receipt using a new Siri mode in the Camera app can identify items and calculate each person's share, including tax and tip, for repayment through Apple Cash.
  • Find My location controls: Users can share their location for a custom duration or set an exact expiration date and time. Sharing can also be paused with specific people until the end of the day without notifying them.
  • CarPlay video apps: Developers can build CarPlay apps that browse and play video via AirPlay, viewable only while the vehicle is parked. Apple suggests uses such as waiting at an airport or charging an EV.

Which iPhones are supported

iOS 27 is compatible with models from the iPhone 11 range up through the latest iPhone 18 Pro lineup, as well as the iPhone SE from the second generation onward. However, Apple Intelligence features are reserved for the iPhone 15 Pro and newer.

The update is part of a broader software rollout. In June, Apple detailed more than 250 changes spanning iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27 and visionOS 27, all of which arrive on September 14.