Apple begins iOS 27 rollout with overhauled Siri AI and new photo tools

The update arrives as an over-the-air notification, or can be triggered manually through Settings, General and Software Update. TechRadar lists the Siri overhaul as the largest change. Renamed Siri AI, it runs on models supplied by Google and, on first launch, spends time indexing content on the phone so it can answer questions using texts, calendars and emails. That data is not sent back to Apple, according to TechRadar. The assistant can also act inside apps, creating notes, rotating photos and resuming podcasts, and can handle queries such as asking to see photos from a past trip to Spain or why stars twinkle without handing the question to ChatGPT. A standalone Siri app allows chats to be saved and synced across devices.

AI photo tools in the Photos app include Reframe, which shifts the angle of a shot and adjusts the background to match; users open an image, tap the three-slider icon, choose Tools and Reframe, then drag to change perspective and use two fingers to pan and zoom. The same Tools menu offers Extend, which generates a wider background canvas, and Clean Up, which removes selected objects or people.

Shortcuts can now be built with natural language. Tapping the plus button on the main All Shortcuts screen lets users describe what they want, such as attaching screenshots to emails or summarising a to-do list, instead of assembling actions manually. Existing automations range from turning text into audio to playing a podcast after a morning alarm.

Two smaller changes concern sound and appearance. Alarm volume can be set separately from ringtone and system volume by opening Sounds & Haptics, switching off the Match Ringtone Volume toggle under Alarms and Timers and choosing a level. The Liquid Glass effect can also be softened or strengthened through Settings, Appearance and Liquid Glass, using a slider that moves from high transparency to almost none. Apple says the effect now has more uniform refraction and improved contrast, and that app icons are sharper and more detailed.

Engadget published a preparation checklist ahead of installation. It advises having roughly 18 to 25GB of free storage for temporary files and the download, updating over Wi-Fi, and keeping the phone plugged in, although 50 percent battery is considered sufficient. Users must also decide whether to install manually or let the phone update automatically overnight while charging and connected to Wi-Fi, configured under Settings, General, Software Update and Automatic Updates; an automatic install may begin days or weeks after release. Engadget also recommends checking that the device is on iOS 26.6, which contains an indexing update intended to smooth the transition to the new Siri, and backing up via iCloud under Settings, Apple Account, iCloud, iCloud Backup and Back Up Now, or to a Mac or Windows PC, with Apple ID credentials at hand in case of lockout.

Engadget reports that iOS 27 supports devices as old as the iPhone 11, and describes the new Siri app as Apple's attempt to catch up with Gemini and ChatGPT. It also points to a more readable design, faster performance and new child safety features among the changes.

Editor's Summary

Apple released iOS 27 on September 14, extending support to devices as old as the iPhone 11 while reserving some Siri capabilities for newer chips. The update's main additions are a Google-powered Siri AI with device-level indexing and app actions, AI photo editing tools, natural-language Shortcuts and revised sound and visual settings. Engadget's guidance emphasises free storage, power, Wi-Fi, a current iOS 26.6 build and a backup before installation.