Apple has released the first public beta of iOS 27, giving anyone enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program an early chance to try the next major iPhone update before its official release this fall. Based on the latest developer beta, the update introduces Siri AI, expanded Apple Intelligence features, Liquid Glass refinements, faster performance, and dozens of improvements across the system.
The public beta marks the next phase of Apple’s testing cycle, making iOS 27 available to a much wider audience after several developer previews. While the software is significantly more polished than the earliest beta builds, Apple still recommends installing it on a secondary device and creating a backup before updating.
Siri AI Is the Biggest New Feature
The biggest addition in iOS 27 is Siri AI, Apple’s next-generation assistant powered by Apple Intelligence. Siri can now understand ongoing conversations, remember context between requests, recognize what’s on your screen, and complete actions across supported apps without requiring users to repeat themselves.
Apple has also introduced a dedicated Siri app that stores conversation history and syncs it privately through iCloud. Instead of opening and closing individual requests, users can continue conversations naturally while Siri responds through a redesigned interface.
Siri AI also works with Visual Intelligence, which has moved into the Camera app. Users can point their camera at objects, documents, flyers, or barcodes to perform contextual actions such as adding events to Calendar, creating Wallet passes, identifying products, or retrieving useful information.
Like other Apple Intelligence features, Siri AI requires a compatible Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone. Learn more about that here.
Apple Intelligence Expands Across iPhone
Apple Intelligence is integrated throughout iOS 27, bringing new AI-powered capabilities to many of Apple’s built-in apps.
Users can rewrite, summarize, and refine text with Write with Siri, while intelligent writing tools are available throughout the operating system. Safari can automatically organize tabs, monitor webpages for changes with Notify Me, and even create browser extensions using natural language descriptions.
Photos also gains new AI editing tools that can remove distractions, expand the edges of images, and adjust framing after a photo has been captured. Calendar can create and edit events using natural language, while Shortcuts now lets users build automations simply by describing what they want to accomplish.
These features continue Apple’s privacy-first approach by processing many requests on device while relying on Private Cloud Compute when more advanced processing is required.
Liquid Glass Gets More Refinements
The public beta includes visual improvements that make interface elements easier to read while preserving the translucent appearance of Liquid Glass. A new transparency slider lets users adjust the intensity of the Liquid Glass effect throughout the system, giving them more control over the overall look of iOS.
Apple has also improved the appearance of navigation bars, menus, controls, and app icons to create a cleaner and more consistent interface.
iOS 27 Feels Faster
Alongside its new AI features, Apple has focused heavily on performance. The company says iOS 27 delivers faster app launches, quicker keyboard loading, smoother animations, more responsive navigation, and faster AirDrop transfers. Search has also been improved across Spotlight, Mail, and Photos, while switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks is more intelligent to help maintain reliable connectivity.
These optimizations extend to older supported iPhone models as well, making the overall experience feel faster and more responsive throughout the operating system.
More Features Across iOS 27
Messages is faster and more reliable, with improvements to media transfers, syncing, and group conversations. The Passwords app can automatically replace eligible compromised passwords and better manage verification codes.
Apple has also redesigned Screen Time with improved parental controls, category-based app limits, expanded communication safety features, and more flexible scheduling options for families.
Other notable additions include:
- AirPods Custom EQ for adjusting bass, mids, and treble
- Native support for compatible 4K cameras in the Home app
- FaceTime Dual Camera support on compatible iPhone models
- Larger Home Screen widgets
- Independent alarm volume controls
- Save any video frame as a photo
- Improved HomeKit Secure Video reliability
- Direct GymKit connections on supported equipment
Compatible Devices
iOS 27 is compatible with iPhone 11 and newer, including iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). However, Apple Intelligence features, including Siri AI, require a compatible Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone, beginning with iPhone 15 Pro and newer models.
How to Install the iOS 27 Public Beta
Before installing beta software, Apple recommends backing up your iPhone using iCloud or a computer.
To install the public beta:
- Sign in to the Apple Beta Software Program with your Apple Account.
- Open Settings > General > Software Update.
- Tap Beta Updates.
- Select iOS 27 Public Beta.
- Return to Software Update and download the available update.
Users already running the latest iOS 27 developer beta will not receive a new download since the first public beta is based on the same build.
Apple is expected to continue releasing additional beta updates throughout the summer before iOS 27 is released to all users this fall.
