iOS 27: Everything About the Next Major iPhone Update

Anticipation for iOS 27 is high, with the next major version of the iPhone software slated for release soon to all users. After months of beta testing, Apple is preparing to roll out an update that promises a host of new features and improvements for its devices.

Release and Availability

Following Apple’s usual pattern of launching its major iOS updates in September, iOS 27 is expected to arrive around Monday, September 14. The official date is typically announced during the company’s annual iPhone event, which usually takes place the week before. Current expectations indicate that the iPhone 18 Pro presentation will occur around September 9, marking the official announcement of the system’s availability.

New Features

iOS 27 introduces new capabilities in apps such as Wallet, Photos, Messages, and Notes, as well as upgrades to CarPlay and AirPods. A headline change is the AI‑powered redesign of Siri, promising a more advanced experience. Beta versions of iOS 27 have already brought lock‑screen customization options, allowing users to shrink the clock size. In addition, the update includes new photo‑editing tools like Extend and Spatial Reframe, an enhanced CPU scheduler to optimize task handling across all iPhones, a rebuilt system search, and refinements to Liquid Glass.

Compatibility and Model‑Specific Features

iOS 27 will be compatible with the iPhone 11 and later models, including the second‑generation iPhone SE and newer, maintaining the same device list supported by iOS 26. However, the most significant additions—such as the new Siri AI and expanded Apple Intelligence features—depend on hardware, splitting compatible iPhones into three distinct functionality tiers.

Feature Levels

• Full Siri AI and Apple Intelligence features: Only the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air will support all of the new Siri AI capabilities in iOS 27.
• Standard Siri AI and Apple Intelligence: The entire iPhone 16 line (including the iPhone 16e), as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, will get the redesigned Siri interface and the new standalone Siri app. These combine personal context, on‑screen awareness, and web knowledge for more natural conversations and in‑app actions, alongside the new photo‑editing tools.
• iOS 27 without Apple Intelligence or new Siri: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, and models back to the iPhone 11 will receive iOS 27, but without Apple Intelligence or the new Siri. These devices will still benefit from the enhanced CPU scheduler, rebuilt system search, and Liquid Glass refinements.

Artificial Intelligence and RAM

The exclusivity of certain Siri AI features stems from the need for specific hardware, mainly RAM. The on‑device AI model that drives higher speech‑to‑text accuracy and allows customization of Siri’s voice expressiveness and pacing requires a minimum of 12 GB of RAM. Currently, only the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air provide this capacity. In contrast, the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e come with 8 GB.

Restrictions in the European Union

It’s important to note a regional caveat: Siri AI will not be available on any iPhone or iPad in the European Union at launch, due to regulatory restrictions imposed by the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The functionality, however, will be available on macOS 27 Golden Gate in the EU. Apple is working with EU regulators to find a solution.

With information from 9to5Mac, CNET, MacRumors.