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Apple iOS 27: Top New Features and Which iPhones Can Get the Update
Apple has officially released iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, bringing a major new wave of artificial intelligence, performance improvements, visual changes, and productivity features to compatible iPhone and iPad models. The updates began rolling out on September 14, 2026. One of the biggest changes is the arrival of Siri AI, a more conversational version of Siri powered by the next generation of Apple Intelligence. Apple says Siri AI can understand personal context, recognize what is happening onscreen, use broader world knowledge, and perform actions across apps.
Siri AI Gets a Major Upgrade
Siri is one of the biggest highlights of iOS 27. Instead of simply responding to individual commands, Siri AI is designed to understand more natural conversations and use information from across the device. For example, Siri can help locate a particular photo, find information in an email or note, and perform actions across supported apps. A dedicated Siri app also allows users to revisit previous conversations. Siri AI is initially rolling out in beta in English, with additional languages including French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish scheduled to follow. Availability can vary by region and language.
Apple Intelligence Expands
iOS 27 continues Apple's push into on-device and cloud-supported artificial intelligence. Apple Intelligence is integrated into everyday experiences including Photos, Messages, Safari, writing tools, and other apps. Visual Intelligence is also expanding. On supported iPhones, users can use the Camera to search, ask questions, and take actions based on what the camera sees. Apple has also introduced new AI-powered photo editing capabilities, including improved cleanup tools and Spatial Reframe features.
A Refined Liquid Glass Design
iOS 27 continues the Liquid Glass design introduced in Apple's previous software generation, but Apple has made several refinements. Users get improved readability, more consistent light refraction, stronger contrast, and sharper-looking app icons. A new slider allows users to adjust the appearance of Liquid Glass from a clearer look to a more tinted appearance.
Faster iPhone Performance
Performance improvements are another important part of the update. Apple says apps on iPhone and iPad can launch up to 30% faster, photos can load up to 70% faster after being taken, and AirDrop transfers can be up to 80% faster. The exact experience will depend on the device, software configuration, and other factors, but the changes are designed to make everyday interactions feel more responsive.
Smarter Photos, Maps and Home
Several Apple apps are also getting new capabilities. In Photos, users can create more flexible slideshows and use enhanced editing tools. iCloud Shared Albums now support full-resolution photo and video sharing and make it easier for Android and Windows users to participate.
Apple Maps gets an enhanced Flyover experience that combines aerial imagery with AI to provide more detailed visual information. The Home app also gains new Apple Intelligence capabilities, including smarter activity notifications and AI-assisted searches for supported HomeKit Secure Video footage. Compatible HomeKit Secure Video cameras can also stream and record in 4K.
New Features for Families
Apple is also expanding parental controls in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27. Parents can set daily time allowances for categories such as entertainment, games, and social media. New schedules can also control which apps children can access at different times of the day. Apple has redesigned Screen Time to provide a clearer overview of device usage and frequently used apps.
What’s New in iPadOS 27?
iPadOS 27 brings many of the same Apple Intelligence features to compatible iPads, but it also focuses heavily on productivity. Siri AI can understand personal context, recognize onscreen information, and perform actions across apps. Visual Intelligence can also be used on the iPad to learn more about information displayed onscreen.
Apple has also improved multitasking and window management. File browsing and transfers to external USB drives can be up to five times faster, while switching, closing, and dragging windows have received additional improvements. For people who use an iPad as a laptop replacement, these changes could make managing multiple apps and files more convenient.
Which iPhones Can Get iOS 27?
The good news is that iOS 27 supports a relatively broad range of iPhones. Apple lists the following compatible models:
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone SE (3rd generation)
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 16e
iPhone 17
iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 17e
iPhone Air
iPhone 18 Pro
iPhone 18 Pro Max
iPhone Duo
However, getting iOS 27 does not mean every iPhone gets every new feature. The most demanding Apple Intelligence features, including Siri AI, require an Apple Intelligence-compatible device. Apple currently lists iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 models or later among the supported iPhones. This means an iPhone 11 can run iOS 27, but it will not receive the complete Apple Intelligence experience available on newer hardware.
Which iPads Can Get iPadOS 27?
Apple's compatible iPad list includes the iPad mini (6th generation and A17 Pro), iPad 9th and 10th generations, iPad with A16, iPad Air from the 4th generation onward, and supported iPad Pro models. Apple Intelligence features require an iPad mini with A17 Pro or an iPad with an M1 chip or later.
What Does iOS 27 Mean for iPhone Users?
iOS 27 is more than a visual update. Apple's latest software release puts artificial intelligence at the center of the iPhone experience while also improving speed, connectivity, search, photography, and everyday usability. The important distinction is that iOS 27 compatibility and Apple Intelligence compatibility are not the same thing. Older iPhones can receive the operating system, while newer models with more capable chips receive the most advanced AI features. For iPhone users, the update therefore offers two different experiences: a broader set of system improvements for compatible devices and a significantly expanded AI experience for supported newer hardware.
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