With iOS 27, the next major update for the iPhone is imminent. Apple is expected to unveil the new version of its operating system at its WWDC developers conference in June 2026. The release traditionally takes place in September, shortly before the launch of the new iPhone generation.
There are already strong indications that iOS 27 could be more extensive than initially expected. Several features related to artificial intelligence and a significantly improved Siri have apparently been postponed and could now be included in this update. Additionally, Apple is working on adaptations for new hardware, including a possible foldable iPhone.
Why iOS 27 plays a bigger role
Many of the features originally planned for iOS 26 have not yet been released. This is particularly true for the new version of Siri with Apple Intelligence capabilities. These improvements were originally slated for release with iOS 26.4, but development appears to be taking longer than expected.
Therefore, iOS 27 could be the update that brings the major AI improvements. At the same time, Apple is working on a technical modernization of the system. Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman describes iOS 27 as a kind of "Snow Leopard update." Apple uses this term to refer to updates that, in addition to new features, also improve the system's performance, stability, and efficiency.
Support for an iPhone Fold
A key reason for the changes in iOS 27 is a potential new device. Apple is reportedly working on its first foldable smartphone, which could possibly be called the iPhone Ultra.
The device is expected to have a 5.5-inch display when closed and a 7.8-inch display when unfolded. This would make the smartphone roughly the size of a small tablet.
For such a device to be used effectively, iOS needs to be adapted. When unfolded, the system should display an iPad-like layout, allowing two apps to run side-by-side simultaneously. Many Apple apps could also gain a sidebar on the left to present content more clearly.
Despite its similarities to the iPad, the device will still run iOS, not iPadOS. Furthermore, it will reportedly not support iPad apps. Rumors suggest the large display will have a 4:3 aspect ratio. When folded, the device will revert to the standard iPhone layout.
A significantly more intelligent Siri
A key component of iOS 27 is a new generation of Siri. Apple is working on an architecture that more closely integrates the voice assistant with artificial intelligence.
The new Siri is expected to receive three major improvements: better personal context, the ability to analyze screen content, and significantly deeper integration with apps.
Personal context allows Siri to consider information from emails, messages, files, or photos. This enables the assistant to recognize connections and find content more quickly. Siri is also said to have a short-term memory, so follow-up questions are better understood.
Another feature is screen content analysis. This allows Siri to recognize what is currently displayed on the screen and perform appropriate actions. For example, if an address appears in a message, Siri can directly add it to a contact or use it for navigation.
Integration with apps is also being expanded. In the future, Siri should be able to perform more complex tasks, such as moving files between apps, editing and then sending photos, or calculating a route and automatically forwarding the arrival time to a contact person.
Siri becomes a Chatbot
In addition to the classic voice functions, Apple is also planning a chatbot version of Siri. This is intended to function similarly to modern AI assistants.
The chatbot will be integrated directly into the operating system and will not be a separate app. Siri can still be activated via the wake word or the side button. However, a new feature could be a text-based conversation with a visible chat history.
The Siri chatbot is designed to conduct internet research, summarize information, and analyze uploaded files, among other things. At the same time, Siri remains deeply integrated with the system and can access device content or control settings.
For some of these features, Apple is collaborating with Google and the Gemini team to develop a special AI model.
More new features in iOS 27
Besides Siri, other areas of iOS could also receive new AI features. For example, it's reported that Apple is working on an AI-powered calendar app that can organize appointments more intelligently.
New features could also appear in the health sector. Apple originally planned a service called Health+, which was intended to offer health reports, wellness tips, and videos explaining illnesses. Although the project has been scaled back, some of its features could still be integrated into iOS 27.
Furthermore, Apple is working on new satellite features for the iPhone. These include potential features such as Apple Maps via satellite, sending photos via satellite connections, and a satellite framework for developers. However, some of these features may not appear until later years.
Developers will also gain new possibilities. Apple is working on a Core AI framework that will replace the existing Core ML framework. This will allow developers to more easily integrate their own AI models into their apps.
Additionally, Apple could further revise and adapt the Liquid Glass design introduced with iOS 26.
Improvements in performance and battery life
In addition to new features, Apple is also focusing on the technical quality of the system with iOS 27. Outdated code will be removed and parts of the operating system will be rewritten.
These changes could result in faster response times and more efficient operation of iOS. Improvements in energy efficiency are also planned, which could have a positive impact on battery life.
Release date
The iOS update schedule usually follows a fixed pattern. iOS 27 is expected to be unveiled at WWDC in June 2026. Several beta versions for developers and testers will follow.
The final version is usually released in September 2026, shortly before the release of the new iPhone models.
iOS 27 as the next big step for the iPhone
iOS 27 could be one of the most important updates in recent years. The planned improvements to Siri, new Apple intelligence features, and potential support for a foldable iPhone, in particular, demonstrate that Apple is further developing its operating system towards artificial intelligence and new device forms.
At the same time, the company is working to improve the system's performance, stability, and efficiency. If most of the current reports are accurate, iOS 27 will not only bring new features but also lay the foundation for future developments in the iPhone ecosystem. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Alex Malt)
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