Apple is already working on the next major version of its mobile operating system: iOS 27. Although iOS 26 was only released in the fall, there are now initial indications that iOS 27 will be a significantly larger update – especially regarding Apple Intelligence. A recent report suggests that Apple is planning extensive innovations next year that will significantly advance its in-house AI.
With iOS 18, Apple introduced its own AI platform, Apple Intelligence. Its aim is to make operation more intuitive and everyday life more efficient – for example, through intelligent suggestions or automated processes. Since then, Apple has primarily focused on making the technology more secure and privacy-friendly. The new direction remains clear: AI, yes, but with control over one's own data.
So far, progress has been rather gradual. While iOS 26 added over 20 new features related to Apple Intelligence, many observers don't yet see this version as a major leap forward. The next significant development step is expected with iOS 27.
Major updates for Apple Intelligence
According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple will unveil iOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and other systems at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2026. Major updates to Apple Intelligence are expected to be a central focus. While Gurman doesn't provide specific details, he emphasizes that Apple intends to revise its broader AI strategy.
This is noteworthy because Apple Intelligence has so far been seen as a cautious approach to artificial intelligence – with a focus on data privacy and on-device processing. A major update could mean that Apple is finding new ways to integrate AI features even more deeply into the system without deviating from its core principles.
iOS 26.4 as a harbinger of the new generation
Before iOS 27 is released, an important interim update is on the way. According to Gurman, iOS 26.4 is slated for release in spring 2026 and will bring several significant AI improvements. The redesigned Siri will be the central focus.
The voice assistant is set to receive a revamped architecture that will be more context-aware and flexible. This version of Siri was originally expected for iOS 18 but has been delayed several times. It is now finally expected to be available with iOS 26.4. In addition to the three major Siri upgrades that Apple had previously announced, there will also be additional new features.
Users will likely experience two waves of AI innovations: first with iOS 26.4 in the spring and then with iOS 27 in the fall of 2026. Beta testers could try out the new features as early as this summer.
An adapted AI strategy
The report also suggests that Apple intends to update its broader AI strategy. The specifics of this update remain unclear. However, it is considered unlikely that Apple will abandon its current privacy-friendly approach. Instead, the company could explore how current AI trends—such as the use of powerful cloud models—can be meaningfully integrated into its own system without relinquishing control of personal data.
One possible direction would be a combination of local processing on the device and optional cloud support for more complex tasks. This would allow Apple to expand the power of Apple Intelligence without compromising user privacy.
iOS 27 marks the biggest leap for Apple Intelligence
According to current information, iOS 27 is expected to bring the biggest update yet for Apple Intelligence. After a series of smaller steps, Apple apparently plans to take its AI platform to a new level – with a smarter Siri, expanded on-device features, and a strategically revamped approach to artificial intelligence.
If everything goes according to plan, iOS 27 will be released in fall 2026 and will offer the most comprehensive integration of AI into the Apple ecosystem to date. Even iOS 26.4, released in the spring, should show where things are headed: towards an operating system that sees AI not just as an add-on, but as an integral part of the entire user experience. (Image: Photo by Unsplash / CapturePB)
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