New Features Coming to iPhone with iOS 27: Everything You Need to Know

 

Photo Credit: Source: Apple / Popular Science/www.investopedia.com

Apple’s official preview at its 2026 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) provided a first look at the significant software updates arriving this fall with iOS 27. The following features were previewed by Apple during WWDC 2026 and are expected to roll out with the full iOS 27 launch later this year. Apple states that iOS 27 will be available for supported iPhone models, although several advanced AI-powered features require newer hardware capable of supporting enhanced on-device processing.

1. Siri AI: A Significant Update

Apple has announced a substantial update to Siri, which is becoming a dedicated, standalone application.

• Synced Chats: Your conversations with Siri will now sync across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

• Enhanced Intelligence: According to Apple, Siri now provides more sophisticated responses and improved web-based information retrieval. Audio and image processing capabilities have also been expanded.

• Hardware Compatibility: Apple says the most advanced Siri capabilities require supported hardware available on select newer iPhone models, including the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

2. Liquid Glass Adjustments

Following feedback on the transparency effects introduced in iOS 26, Apple is providing users with more control over the interface. By navigating to Settings > Appearance, users can now adjust the strength of transparency effects via a new slider.

3. Expanded Child Safety Tools

Apple is rolling out upgraded child safety tools in iOS 27 to provide parents with more granular control.

• Setup Assistant: A new tool assists parents during the initial configuration of a child's device.

• Browsing Controls: An "ask to browse" feature alerts parents when a child attempts to visit a website for the first time.

• Scheduled Screen Time: Parents can now configure screen time limits by app category and set different schedules for individual days of the week.

4. Independent Alarm Volume

iOS 27 introduces a requested feature that allows users to set alarm volume independently from general ringtone and alert settings. This can be configured by toggling Match Ringtone Volume in Sounds & Haptics settings.

5. Custom EQ for AirPods

Apple is adding equalizer settings for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4. Users can access this by tapping the "i" icon next to their connected AirPods in Bluetooth settings and navigating to Audio and Routing > Equalizer > Custom to adjust bass, midrange, and treble.

6. Creative Tools in Messages

The Messages app is adding built-in sketching tools. Users can now send sketches or scribbles by tapping the "+" button in the text input box.

7. AI Image Generation via Image Playground

Apple is expanding the capabilities of its Image Playground app with iOS 27.

• Photorealistic Results: In addition to existing illustration styles, the app is being updated to produce photorealistic imagery.

• Iterative Editing: Users can modify creations using follow-up prompts or by marking specific areas of an existing image for color changes or object additions.

8. Enhanced Apple Maps

Select cities will benefit from Apple Maps' new AI-powered 3D flyovers. These updates are designed to provide greater detail, such as individual trees, and smoother navigation transitions.

9. Spatial Reframing for Photos

As part of the iOS 27 AI enhancements, Apple is introducing a photo editing tool called Spatial Reframing. This tool allows users to adjust the angle and perspective of an image while keeping the subject centered; the system uses AI to fill in the background gaps created by the adjustment.

Source: Based on reporting by David Nield for Popular Science.

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