Apple has released the first iOS 27 beta to developers following its WWDC 2026 keynote, giving testers an early look at the next major iPhone software update before its public launch later this year.
iOS 27 beta 1 is available now through the Software Update section for registered developers. A public beta is expected to arrive in July, while the final version is expected to roll out to all compatible iPhone users this fall.
The first beta focuses heavily on Siri AI, Apple Intelligence, Liquid Glass refinements, privacy improvements, parental controls, and system-level performance changes. Apple is also using this release to introduce new developer APIs and test major changes across apps, search, dictation, Health, Shortcuts, Safari, CarPlay, and more.
According to Apple’s iOS 27 beta release notes, the update includes a new on-device Dictation model that can improve accuracy through an Advanced Dictation Preview option in Keyboard settings. HealthKit also adds support for menopausal state and bleeding after menopause, giving developers new reproductive health sample types to support in health and wellness apps.
The release also brings changes for HomeKit, with Apple Intelligence in the Home app able to process HomeKit Secure Video recordings on-device and through Private Cloud Compute for video descriptions and search. Safari, Messages, Photos, Siri, CarPlay, and Home Screen all have known issues in this first beta, which is expected for early pre-release software.
Apple has also listed several developer-facing updates, including Metal 4.1 support, new StoreKit APIs, SwiftUI changes, UIKit requirements, stricter network security rules for select system processes, and the deprecation of On Demand Resources in favor of Background Assets.
As usual, iOS 27 beta 1 is not recommended for users who depend on their iPhone as a primary device. Early betas can include bugs, missing features, battery drain, app crashes, and compatibility issues. Developers and testers should back up their iPhone before installing the update.
iOS 27 will be available for compatible iPhone models later this year, with Apple expected to release more beta updates over the coming months.
