iOS 27 is officially here

Apple released iOS 27 to the public on Monday, September 14, bringing new features including the long-awaited Siri AI beta. Safari can now watch websites for changes, and the Photos app gets powerful new editing tools.

Check if your iPhone qualifies

iOS 27 works with iPhone 11 and newer, plus second-generation iPhone SE and later. But Apple Intelligence and Siri AI require iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or iPhone 16 models or later.

Your iPhone will feel noticeably faster

Apple says apps can launch up to 30% faster, photos load up to 70% faster in the Photos app, and AirDrop transfers are up to 80% faster. The update also improves Wi-Fi to cellular transitions and Mail search.

How to install iOS 27 safely

Back up your iPhone first, connect to Wi-Fi, and ensure you have enough battery. Then go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap Update Now or Update Tonight.

Reframe photos after you take them

Spatial Reframing lets you change a photo's composition and perspective after shooting. Apple Intelligence generates additional parts of the scene when your new framing exposes areas outside the original shot.

Extend photos beyond original edges

The new Extend tool expands your photo beyond its original boundaries while Apple Intelligence generates the missing surroundings. Perfect for shots where you got too close to your subject.

Clean Up removes bigger distractions

The upgraded Clean Up tool now tackles larger unwanted objects and distractions while AI fills in the space left behind. Great for removing people in the background or other attention-grabbing elements.

Image Playground gets much more realistic

You can now generate images in photorealistic styles and start with an existing image to describe how you want Apple Intelligence to change it. Adjust settings or overall look without starting from scratch.

Safari watches websites for you

The new Notify Me feature monitors a webpage for changes you care about, like products coming back in stock or price changes. Safari alerts you instead of forcing you to reopen the page repeatedly.

Get info during business calls

Call Context surfaces useful information from other apps while you're on a call. Call an airline about a reservation and it pulls up your confirmation code from Mail without leaving the Phone app.

Liquid Glass gets better readability

Apple improved contrast and readability in the transparent Liquid Glass design. You now have a slider to adjust how transparent the interface appears, from ultraclear to fully tinted.

Customize your Camera controls

Keep the Camera settings you use most right above the camera frame. Customize beyond the default Flash and Live Photo to include Timer, Exposure, Styles, and Aspect controls.

Parents get stronger web controls

The Ask to Browse feature lets children request access to restricted websites. Parents receive requests through Messages and can approve or decline them. Communication Safety now detects gore and violent content too.

Control location sharing duration

Choose custom durations for location sharing or set exact dates and times for it to stop. Pause sharing until end of day for specific people, perfect for trips or surprise parties.

Let AI build Shortcuts for you

Describe a Shortcut in plain English and Apple Intelligence builds the automation. Ask your iPhone to message someone with your ETA when you leave work without manually connecting individual actions.

Siri AI is here but still in beta

Siri AI holds more natural conversations, handles follow-up questions, and uses personal context from your device. It can find old photos, locate buried emails, and pull information from the web.

Try the new Siri app

Siri now has its own dedicated app that feels like other AI assistants you're used to. Invoke it by saying Hey Siri, pressing the side button, or swiping down from the Dynamic Island.

The real test for iOS 27

The best features solve problems you actually run into. Safari watches websites, photo tools rescue unusable shots, and Find My gives better location control. Siri AI is the feature to watch most closely.

“Save me time without making me think about the technology doing the work.”