The Top New Features in Apple’s iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 | WIREDSkip to main contentMenuWIREDSECURITYPOLITICSTHE BIG STORYBUSINESSSCIENCECULTUREREVIEWSMenuWIREDAccountAccountNewslettersNoise-Canceling EarbudsSmart Bird FeedersBest Standing DesksBest Apple ChargersDeals DeliveredSecurityPoliticsThe Big StoryBusinessScienceCultureReviewsChevronMoreExpandThe Big InterviewMagazineEventsWIRED InsiderWIRED ConsultingNewslettersPodcastsVideoLivestreamsWIRED StoreSearchSearchJulian ChokkattuGearSep 14, 2026 2:44 PMThe Top New Features in Apple’s iOS 27 and iPadOS 27Now rolling out, the iPhone update is chock-full of smart upgrades, with a big focus on improvements to Siri.Courtesy of AppleCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyApple's latest iPhone and iPad software—iOS 27 and iPadOS 27—is here. While this release won’t make as big of a splash as Apple’s big Liquid Glass redesign in the prior version, there's still plenty here that could change how you use your device.iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 focus largely on stability improvements that you’ll notice in your everyday use. There are several quality-of-life improvements, like how Shortcuts are significantly easier to set up, but the big highlight is the Siri AI upgrade. Here's everything you need to know.Updated September 14, 2026: We've refreshed this story to reflect the latest updates, and that iOS and iPadOS 27 are rolling out today.Is Your iPhone or iPad Compatible?AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronApple sometimes drops a few older devices from the support list with new versions of its operating systems, supposedly because the aging hardware can’t run the latest screen behaviors without feeling sluggish. (Apple typically supports iPhones and iPads for six to seven years.) But there's good news this year. iPhones from 2019 and newer—the iPhone 11 and up, including the iPhone SE (2nd Gen)—will support iOS 27.That means any iPhone that received iOS 26 is still compatible with iOS 27. If you're unsure of your iPhone model, go to Settings > General > About and look at the model name.iPads aren't as straightforward, as they have a unique naming structure. Apple retired the “generations” moniker and is now using the chipset to denote the iPad model. You can check your iPad model using Apple’s support documentation. A few iPads are cut off from the iPadOS 27 update, including the 8th-gen iPad from 2020 and the 5th-gen iPad Mini.iPad: 9th gen and later, including A16iPad Mini: 6th gen and later, including A17 ProiPad Air 11-inch: 4th gen and later, including M2, M3, and M4iPad Air 13-inch: M2 and lateriPad Pro 11-inch: 2nd gen and lateriPad Pro 12.9-inch: 4th gen and lateriPad Pro: M4 and laterHow to Install iOS 27 or iPadOS 27AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronThe final versions of iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 are here. Before installing, it’s very important that you back up your devices. Head to Settings, tap your name at the top, and select iCloud. Then tap iCloud Backup, and tap Back Up Now. Read our How to Back Up Your iPhone or iPad guide for other methods and more details.Then, head to Settings > General > Software Update and choose iOS 27 or iPadOS 27 when you see the option. Installation will take several minutes, and your iPhone or iPad will restart, so set aside several minutes for the whole process.Siri AI, the new assistant, will ask to index your phone or iPad to learn more about you, your apps, and your data so it can be more helpful. This indexing takes a while—anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days—so be prepared to wait a bit.Apple Intelligence Only Works on Select iPhonesAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronRemember—even if older iPhones and iPads receive the iOS 27 or iPadOS 27 update, that doesn't mean all of the new features will be available. Apple Intelligence is still only compatible with the iPhone 15 Pro and newer and select iPads, meaning that several artificial intelligence features are unavailable on older devices.Top New iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 FeaturesHere's a top-line view of some of the biggest changes coming to iOS and iPadOS 27. The updates are largely the same across both operating systems.Siri AI and a New Siri AppCourtesy of AppleSiri is finally becoming “a more capable assistant,” or so Apple claims. The company says this is largely thanks to its third-generation foundation models, developed from the ground up with Google's Gemini models. However, Apple says it isn't using Google's infrastructure to power Siri interactions, and that no user data from Siri actions gets shared with Google.Siri AI has an all-new look when you activate the assistant. It now resembles a glass orb. You can type or talk naturally to Siri, and there's even a dedicated Siri app where you can revisit previous conversations or pick up where you left off on a different device. Siri is also now in the camera app, giving you a more direct way to start a visual search, much like Google Lens. You can even point the camera at a restaurant bill, and Siri can split the tab between you and your friends.The assistant understands your personal context, so it can comb through your emails, messages, and photos to find relevant information based on your query. It can then take action on your behalf, whether that's drafting an email in a specific tone or getting wine recommendations for a particular dish. Siri's voice is more expressive, but you can also customize the assistant's voice, its expressiveness, and pace.We've collated all the new things you can do with Siri AI if you want to try the revamped assistant.Platform Stability ImprovementsCourtesy of AppleApple has focused on making iOS run faster in this update. The company says app launches are up to 30 percent faster, newly captured photos in your Photo Library load up to 70 percent faster, and AirDrop transfers are up to 80 percent faster. The iPhone will do a better job switching between Wi-Fi and cellular, so you hopefully won't have that awkward minute with no service while you wait for your device to switch networks as you leave the house. Many of these upgrades will affect older iPhone models, like the iPhone 11, thanks to a better-optimized CPU Scheduler.Liquid Glass RefinementsCourtesy of AppleHate Liquid Glass? Love Liquid Glass? You have some options to make it work for your tastes in iOS 27. Apple says it has generally updated the design language to improve readability and contrast. App icons are sharper, for example. But you now finally have a slider in the Settings menu that lets you adjust the intensity of the Liquid Glass look, from super clear to more opaque. You can customize this in Settings > Appearance > Liquid Glass.Child Safety FeaturesCourtesy of AppleApple spent a lot of time in the WWDC keynote talking up child safety features in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27. A new Setup Assistant lets parents choose system apps and other essential apps for the child when first setting up an Apple device. An “Ask to Browse” feature means any new websites the kids encounter in Safari get sent to a parent for approval, and a feature called Communication Safety prevents children from seeing nudity or violence in the Messages or FaceTime apps; those are blurred by default.Also new are Time Allowances and Schedules. Time Allowances let parents set an allotted amount of time kids can enjoy specific app categories (like Entertainment)—Apple has guidance on how much time makes sense based on the child's age. Schedules let parents choose what apps are available during different times of the week. All of this is also easier to view in a redesigned parental dashboard.AI Features in the Photos AppCourtesy of AppleThe Photos app is getting a small infusion of Apple Intelligence AI features, though remember that these features only work on iPhones that support Apple Intelligence (iPhone 15 Pro and newer).The existing “Clean Up" feature—which lets you select objects in photos to remove (like a trash bag or people in the background)—now performs better thanks to Apple's upgraded foundation models. If the object you want to remove is larger, it will likely run through Apple's Private Cloud Compute servers for processing, but for smaller jobs, it will still handle the task on-device.Extend is a new feature in the Photos app. This lets you expand a photo to add a little more to the edges—maybe you accidentally snapped a pic too close to a subject and want to give them some visual breathing room. It will generate what it thinks should be there based on the photo's context. (This feature works with Apple's diffusion model in the cloud.)This video is about iPhone 17 Pro V 5x7Courtesy of AppleFinally, there's Spatial Reframing. This lets you alter a photo's perspective. Maybe you shot a little too high up and want to reframe the photo to make it look like you were crouching down further. The software will use generative AI to fill in the gaps after you change the perspective in the image (though Apple preserves faces and pets as much as possible to avoid altering them with fake pixels). You can read more about these features here.Tap the Edit button on a photo and go to Tools to access the features in the Photos app. They're free features, but Apple sets usage limits, so you'll have to pay up for a higher-tier iCloud subscription if you want to use them more regularly.Image Playground UpgradesCourtesy of AppleWant to create AI slop? Apple has a more powerful image-generation model for its Image Playground app, meaning you can create higher-quality AI images in virtually any style—even photorealistic. The new version of Image Playground defaults to that photorealistic style if you don't specify a style in your prompt. These features have daily usage limits based on your iCloud subscription.More Contextual ActionsCourtesy of AppleSimilar to Google's Magic Cue on its Pixel phones, Apple is adding one-tap actions to Messages and Mail apps. If someone messages you about grabbing milk on the way home, you'll see a button to add it as a reminder. Or if someone asks about hanging out on a specific date, you'll see a Calendar button to create an event with one tap. These features were removed from the final version of iOS 27 but will be added in a future update.Similarly, the Phone app now has a feature called Call Context. If you're on a call with Delta, for example, you'll see relevant flight information on the dialer screen, so you don't have to hunt in your email for a confirmation number during the call.Easier ShortcutsCourtesy of AppleIf you've ever tried to make a shortcut in Apple's Shortcuts app, you'll know it can be a little complicated. Now it’s getting easier. Instead of plugging in various rules and triggers, you can type what you want, and the Shortcuts app will understand your intent and set up an automated task for you. So you can naturally say, “Text my wife my ETA when I leave work,” and the Shortcuts app will set up an action that uses location services, Maps, traffic data, and Messages to automate a text message that fires off when you’re headed home.Safari UpdatesGot a lot of tabs? Safari will now organize your many tabs into topics. Safari can also “notify” you when a webpage changes, like a price drop or a restock.Then there's Custom Extensions. This lets you describe a feature you want in Safari, and it will generate an extension. (It will first suggest existing third-party extensions that may be similar to what you're looking for.) For example, you can say, “When I hit the toolbar button on a recipe website, give me a button to save the recipe, add a star rating, and let me make comments; make the interface look nice.” Safari will generate the extension, and that's it. Extensions you make on one platform, like your iPhone, will carry over to your other devices, like your Mac.You can read more about these Safari features here.Other Smaller UpdatesCourtesy of AppleBetter search in Apple Mail: Apple says a new ranking system will filter more relevant emails to the top of your search.Easier Calendar event creation: You can use natural language to create a calendar event instead of filling out a bunch of fields. Type at the top, “Every Friday, make an event to water the plants,” and it'll make the event in a jiffy.Dual Capture in FaceTime: You can now share video from your front and rear cameras at the same time during one-on-one calls.Accessibility improvements: Apple’s VoiceOver accessibility mode has richer image descriptions, and there’s a new captioning feature that generates subtitles for any video you watch (kind of like Google's Live Transcribe), even translating them into other languages.Maps upgrades: Flyover mode in Apple Maps lets you view a 3D map. Now, in iOS 27, Apple is combining aerial imagery with its Visual Intelligence models to render 3D models with far more detail. That means more detailed 3D buildings and trees.Custom EQ with AirPods: AirPods are finally getting a custom equalizer, letting you customize the mids, lows, and highs in the AirPods settings menu.Better iCloud Shared Albums: Android and Windows users can now more easily join iCloud Shared Albums and contribute their own photos. These albums also now support full-resolution images. You can now also create slideshows in the Photos app, save a video frame as a photo, and add star ratings to photos and videos to filter them.Apple Health updates: The Health app now supports perimenopause and menopause, meaning the cycle-tracking feature can notify you when patterns suggest perimenopause.Home app updates: If you have security cameras in your Apple Home app, you'll now receive smarter notifications that better describe what is happening around your home, much like Google and Amazon's richer notifications on their respective smart-home platforms.Password fixes: If the Passwords app warns you about weak or compromised passwords, it can now automatically fix them for you.Message syncing improvements: Apple says notifications for missed messages and unread count sync more quickly when you return to your iPad after some time.CommentsBack to topJoin the discussionCommentsBack to topTriangleYou Might Also LikeIn your inbox: WIRED's most ambitious, future-defining storiesAI slop backlash is actually having an impactBig Story: The cop who took on FlockThe rise of the 1am job interviewWatch: I stole a car by hacking this hidden deviceJulian Chokkattu is Senior Editor, Gear at WIRED, overseeing personal technology, gadgets, and gizmos. He has been reviewing consumer products for a decade, specializing in mobile—from smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches to smart glasses and virtual reality. This is his sixth year at WIRED. Previously, he was the mobile and wearables ... Read MoreSenior Editor, GearWebsite LinkLinkedInThreadsblueskyTopicsappleiosWWDCiPhoneiPadsmartphonesphonessoftwareoperating systemsRead MoreB&H Photo Promo Codes and Deals This September 2026Enjoy top deals on cameras, computers, and tech essentials at B&H Photo.Scott GilbertsonTop Dyson Promo Codes: 25% Off in September 2026Get 25% off with a Dyson coupon code, plus save up to $600 with discounts on vacuums, $150 off Airwraps, and more. Nena Farrell Top Booking.com Promo Codes and Deals This September 2026Enjoy big savings on your next adventure with our Booking.com promo codes, coupons, and handpicked travel deals.Molly HigginsTop Sony Coupons: 45% Off Sony Headphones, WF-1000XM6 Earbuds, and Sony CamerasUpgrade your setup with Sony’s newest releases. Save on industry-leading noise-canceling audio, and pro-level Alpha cameras.Harry RabinowitzTop VistaPrint Coupons: 30% for September 2026From personalized gifts to business essentials, WIRED can help you save with our selection of VistaPrint promo codes.Molly HigginsTop Maytag Promo Codes: 15% OffUpgrade your home for less with these verified Maytag discount codes, military savings, and limited-time closeout offers on washers, dryers, and more.Matthew KorfhageAltra Running Promo Codes and Deals September 2026Score big savings on Altra Running shoes with up to 50% off sale styles, 20% off select models, 10% off your first order when you sign up, plus free standard delivery on every purchase.Boutayna Chokrane Columbia Promo Codes: 15% Off for September 2026Explore current Columbia deals on jackets, outdoor gear, and apparel. Find active Columbia promo codes, student discounts, and free shipping offers to save on your next adventure.Boutayna Chokrane Top Nomad Goods Promo Codes: Get 25% Off in September 2026Save up to 25% on Nomad Goods accessories such as Nomad phone cases, Nomad wallets, and more in September 2026.Molly HigginsTop Herman Miller Promo Codes: Save Up to 40% OffWhether you’re looking for a Herman Miller promo code or discounts in their sale, here is how to save on the world's best ergonomic office furniture in September 2026. Nena Farrell Top Ray-Ban Coupon Codes for September 2026Upgrade your frames with major savings on classic shapes, custom designs, and prescription lenses using these verified Ray-Ban discounts.Boutayna Chokrane Limited Time: TurboTax Coupons Full Service This 2026Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. Score 10% off full service expert on federal tax filings and more exclusive TurboTax discount codes on WIRED.Molly HigginsWired CouponsCode promo Canon10% Off Canon Promo Code + Up to 30% OffVeriizon Promo CodeBest Verizon Smartphone DealsAT&T Promo CodeAT&T Top Deals: Wireless, Internet, Bundles and More!VistaPrint promo code15% Off When You Buy Two With Vistaprint CouponPeacock Promo CodeSave With a Peacock Promo Code: 3 Months FreeSquarespace Promo Code10% Off Exclusive Squarespace Promo Code 2026WIRED is obsessed with what comes next. Through rigorous investigations and game-changing reporting, we tell stories that don’t just reflect the moment—they help create it. When you look back in 10, 20, even 50 years, WIRED will be the publication that led the story of the present, mapped the people, products, and ideas defining it, and explained how those forces forged the future. WIRED: For Future Reference.More From WIREDSubscribeNewslettersLivestreamsTravelFAQContact UsWIRED StaffWIRED EducationEditorial StandardsArchiveRSSSite MapAccessibility HelpReviews and GuidesReviewsBuying GuidesStreaming GuidesCouponsAdvertiseManage AccountJobsPress CenterCondé Nast StoreUser AgreementPrivacy PolicyYour California Privacy Rights© 2026 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. WIRED may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Ad ChoicesSelect international siteUnited StatesLargeChevronItaliaJapónCzech Republic & SlovakiaFacebookXPinterestYouTubeInstagramTiktok

Apple's release of iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 focuses on substantial stability improvements, quality-of-life enhancements, and a significant upgrade to the Siri AI assistant. Compatibility considerations are important: iPhones from 2019 and newer, including the iPhone 11 and up, will support the update, while iPad compatibility is more nuanced, with specific older models excluded, and the update is gated by hardware capabilities, meaning Apple Intelligence features are currently limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and newer devices. Installation requires a prior backup via iCloud, and the process involves a restart, necessitating sufficient time.

The central feature is the evolution of Siri AI, which has been enhanced through third-generation foundation models derived from Google's Gemini models, while maintaining user privacy by not sharing Siri interaction data with Google. This new assistant features a redesigned interface resembling a glass orb, allowing for natural interaction, and includes a dedicated app for managing past conversations. Siri gains greater contextual awareness, enabling it to process emails, messages, and photos to perform actions, such as drafting emails or providing recommendations. Furthermore, the assistant's voice is more expressive and customizable in terms of pace and expressiveness.

Platform stability has seen targeted improvements designed to enhance overall device performance. Apple reports that application launches are up to thirty percent faster, newly captured photos in the Photo Library load up to seventy percent quicker, and AirDrop transfers are up to eighty percent faster. These optimizations, particularly in the CPU Scheduler, benefit older models like the iPhone 11. Aesthetic refinements are also present through Liquid Glass adjustments, which now include a settings slider allowing users to customize the opacity of the Liquid Glass effect.

Child safety features are significantly expanded in this update, introducing a Setup Assistant for parents to select essential system apps during initial device setup and an Ask to Browse feature to vet new websites encountered in Safari. Communication Safety blurs nudity or violence in Messages and FaceTime, and new Time Allowances and Schedules enable parents to manage application access based on age-appropriate categories and weekly schedules, all presented via a redesigned parental dashboard.

Artificial Intelligence integration extends into the Photos application with performance upgrades for the existing Clean Up feature, utilizing upgraded foundation models for better object removal. New features include Extend, which utilizes cloud diffusion models to intelligently expand photos and add context to edges, and Spatial Reframing, which uses generative AI to alter a photo's perspective while attempting to preserve faces and pets. The Image Playground app also receives a more powerful image-generation model, capable of producing higher-quality, more photorealistic images.

Contextual actions are being introduced across the operating system to streamline tasks. The Messages and Mail apps now incorporate one-tap actions for common requests, such as setting reminders or creating calendar events. The Phone app now features Call Context, displaying relevant flight information directly on the dialer screen during calls. The Shortcuts app has also been streamlined, allowing users to define complex automation by natural language intent rather than manually setting intricate rules.

Safari receives updates focused on organization and customization, including a feature to organize tabs into topics and notifications for webpage changes. Custom Extensions allow users to define desired functionalities via natural language, enabling the generation of extensions, which can be shared across devices. Other incremental updates include improved search ranking in Apple Mail, natural language event creation in the Calendar, dual capture in FaceTime for sharing front and rear camera views, enhanced VoiceOver accessibility with richer image descriptions, new video captioning with translation capabilities, advanced 3D rendering in Maps via Flyover mode, a custom equalizer for AirPods, enhanced iCloud Shared Albums supporting full-resolution images, new health tracking support for perimenopause and menopause, smarter notifications in the Home app for security cameras, automatic password fixing in the Passwords app, and improved message syncing speeds.