Apple Sets September 14, 2026 Release for iOS 27 With Conversational Siri AI

Apple announced that iOS 27 will be available for download on September 14, 2026, with users able to upgrade through the General and Software Update options in the Settings app. The update covers iPhone 11 and later models, including the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, iPhone 17, the released iPhone 18 series, and the second-generation iPhone SE and later. Some artificial intelligence features based on Apple Intelligence are supported only on iPhone 15 Pro and newer devices.

One of the core changes in iOS 27 is a new Siri AI. The assistant uses a conversational interaction similar to ChatGPT and can answer a broader range of questions. The system adds a standalone Siri app, while users can also continue to summon the assistant by pressing and holding the side button. Because it relies on Apple Intelligence technology, the feature is supported only on iPhone 15 Pro and newer models.

Siri AI can access personal information stored on the user's device, recognize on-screen content, and perform actual actions in more compatible apps. The feature will initially support only English and will have a daily usage limit, with users able to pay for a higher allowance later. Due to a regulatory dispute between Apple and the European Commission, the feature will not initially be available to users in the European Union on iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and watchOS 27.

The Apple Intelligence system also adds several features. The Photos app offers creative tools including Extend and Reframe; the Image Playground app supports generating more realistic photo-style images; the Shortcuts app allows users to create automation workflows directly through natural language descriptions; and HomeKit Secure Video cameras can automatically generate descriptions of video content.

In terms of design, the Liquid Glass design language Apple introduced in iOS 26 is further refined in iOS 27. The new version has more consistent refraction effects and higher contrast, and app icons are sharper and more detailed. The system also adds an adjustable slider that lets users control the transparency and tint level of the Liquid Glass effect.

Performance optimization is part of the update. iOS 27 speeds up a large number of operations across the system, with app launch times improved by up to 30%, loading of newly captured photos in the Photos app improved by up to 70%, and AirDrop file transfer speeds improved by up to 80%. Targeted optimizations were made to multiple core parts of the system.

iOS 27 also introduces a new feature called iPhone Handoff, which allows users to switch the same phone number between two iPhones. T-Mobile and Deutsche Telekom in the United States and Germany will be the first to provide support, with T-Mobile planning to charge a monthly service fee of 5 US dollars. Verizon in the United States and EE in the United Kingdom also plan to introduce support by the end of 2026, and more carriers are expected to join in the future.

For the United States market, iOS 27 introduces a bill-splitting feature based on Apple Cash and Apple Intelligence, which users can access through Apple Wallet, the Messages app, or the new Siri mode in the Camera app. When scanning a receipt with Siri mode, the system can automatically identify the relevant bill and start the bill-splitting process, while also recognizing the specific items on the receipt. After users select the items they will cover, the system automatically calculates the corresponding amount, including shares of tax and tip, and completes settlement through Apple Cash.

The Find My app enhances location-sharing controls. Users can now set a location-sharing duration to any custom length, such as 4 days and 6 hours, or specify an exact end date and time. Users can also temporarily hide their location from specific contacts without notifying them, until the end of the day, when normal sharing resumes. By comparison, iOS 26 and earlier versions offered only three fixed duration options: Share Forever, Share Until End of Day, and Share for One Hour.

Video playback in CarPlay is now officially available. Apple had previously announced plans to allow users to watch video on in-car screens through AirPlay, and for new car models that support the feature, users can project content from compatible video apps to the vehicle display through AirPlay. iOS 27 further opens up a development interface for video CarPlay apps, allowing developers not only to enable video playback but also to provide video browsing directly in CarPlay, so users can find and select content in the car system. Video playback will be enabled only when the vehicle is parked.

In addition to iOS 27, Apple will release iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27 and visionOS 27 at the same time. Apple previously announced that this round of system updates brings more than 250 new features and improvements in total, and all official versions will be available to users on September 14, 2026.