Apple releases iOS 27 with Siri AI beta, 120 security patches

iOS 27 adds new photo editing controls, a customization slider for Liquid Glass, easier location sharing, a way to replace weak passwords, a redesigned Screen Time with new child safety settings, improved Maps visuals and faster performance, ZDNet reported. The centerpiece is Siri AI, which Apple says can answer questions, follow requests and chat like ChatGPT and Gemini, but is integrated into the operating system so it can help with apps and settings on the device. The new Siri is rolling out as a beta in English, with French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish support coming in October. Users can enroll by opening Settings, selecting Siri and tapping "Try Siri AI (Beta)."

On security, ZDNet reported that iOS 27 patches more than 120 vulnerabilities, some of which could let attackers install malware, steal sensitive data and gain control of unpatched devices. The 26.7 versions of iOS, iPadOS and macOS patch almost 80 security vulnerabilities and add features to Apple Music, new emoji, support for AirPods Max 2 and greater keyboard accuracy. Apple released those 26.7 updates for people who cannot or do not want to move to version 27.

Compatibility varies by device. ZDNet reported that iOS 27 does not support the iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone SE (2nd generation). iPadOS 27 leaves out the iPad (8th generation), iPad mini (5th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Pro (11-inch, 1st generation) and iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 3rd generation). MacOS 27 does not support the MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020), MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019), iMac (2020) and Mac Pro (2019). Users can check Settings or System Settings, then General and Software Update; if a device supports version 27, it will show both options, and users can select Upgrade Now to skip 26.7.

9to5Mac reported that Apple Card gains three changes in iOS 27. A new Recurring section inside the Wallet app's three-dot menu shows regular Apple Card transactions in a monthly calendar view or a chronological list of upcoming transactions. Apple says the dates and amounts shown are predicted from transaction history and may not be exact. The update also adds an Upcoming Transactions notification option, which can warn users before predicted recurring charges, and it redesigns the Apple Pay checkout interface on websites and in apps so shipping and billing details are easier to check and cards are easier to switch.

The Phone app gets Call Context, an Apple Intelligence feature that 9to5Mac reported automatically surfaces relevant information on the call screen when a user calls a business. For example, it can show a confirmation code from Mail when someone calls an airline. 9to5Mac said that during the beta, a call to Southwest Airlines automatically displayed flight information and offered to read the confirmation number aloud, with details for another Southwest flight stacked underneath. Call Context is initially available only in English and only on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch models that support Apple Intelligence.

9to5Mac also reported that faster battery drain and a warmer iPhone after updating to iOS 27 are likely temporary. Apple warns that after a major update the device needs time for background setup, including indexing data and files for search, downloading new assets and updating apps. The effect is larger than usual in iOS 27 because the device must be re-indexed for Siri AI, and the process may last several days. Once background processing finishes, performance should return to normal, and 9to5Mac said the efficiency of iOS 27 may improve battery life after the under-the-hood work is complete.

Editor's Summary

Apple released iOS 27 and parallel 26.7 updates on Monday, bringing the Siri AI beta, more than 120 security fixes and a separate set of nearly 80 patches for users who remain on the older operating system. The update also adds Apple Card recurring-transaction tools and Call Context in the Phone app, while Apple warns that battery drain and heat after upgrading are temporary. The release leaves several older iPhone, iPad and Mac models on the 26.7 path.