The beta represents a wider test for Apple’s AI assistant after access was previously limited to developer releases. Those early builds included a waitlist, so some users may still need to wait before trying the upgraded Siri. For now, the new assistant works only in English and is not initially available in the EU.
Apple first announced the Siri overhaul at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June. The company is building the assistant around Apple Intelligence, including its Foundation Models and Private Cloud Compute. According to the additional article, Apple developed those models in collaboration with Google and its Gemini model, though they are not simply a rebranded version of Gemini. Apple says Private Cloud Compute is designed so personal data is not stored or accessible to the company.
The new Siri is also more deeply connected to Apple’s operating systems. On iPhone, it can still be reached through familiar methods such as voice activation or the side button, while also appearing through Spotlight and, according to the additional article, by swiping down from the Dynamic Island. Apple is extending the upgraded assistant across its product ecosystem, including iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, CarPlay, AirPods, Apple TV and Vision Pro.
Apple is also expanding Apple Intelligence beyond Siri. Photos is getting stronger editing features, including Spatial Reframing for adjusting composition after capture, Extend for expanding an image beyond its original edges and an improved Clean Up tool for removing unwanted objects. Image Playground is also being updated to produce higher-quality images, including photorealistic results.
Performance is another focus of iOS 27. Apple says apps can open up to 30 percent faster, new photos can appear in the Photos app up to 70 percent faster and AirDrop transfers can be up to 80 percent faster. The original article’s author said early developer betas felt noticeably quicker, while noting they could not verify Apple’s exact figures.
Safari is gaining tools meant to reduce manual browsing work. The browser can sort tabs into groups automatically, and a new Notify Me feature can watch webpages for price changes or restocks. Apple is also updating the Passwords app so it can identify weak passwords and change them automatically. In Shortcuts, users can create automations by describing the task in natural language.
The update also revisits Liquid Glass, Apple’s previous design overhaul. iOS 27 adds readability changes and a control that lets users adjust the strength of the effect.
AirPods users can install a public beta after moving to iOS 27. That software adds a custom equalizer, an adaptive audio slider and a redesigned settings menu.
On Apple Watch, watchOS 27 brings the Siri AI update to the wrist, along with a Dynamic App Grid that surfaces likely needed apps. The watch also adds a single-tap gesture for opening more detail from a Smart Stack widget, while double-tap remains available for scrolling. Menstrual tracking now includes menopause and perimenopause support. Workout Buddy adds new workout-data insights, Spanish-language support and the ability to work without a nearby iPhone.
On the Mac, Apple is presenting Siri AI as a productivity feature in macOS 27 Golden Gate. Users can call up the assistant from Spotlight, ask it to interpret on-screen content or use it for writing help. The Mac update also includes design changes such as more consistent toolbars, edge-to-edge sidebars, updated window shapes and refined menu bar icons.
iPadOS 27 includes the iOS 27 features, with fewer tablet-specific changes. Visual Intelligence can analyze screen content through screenshots, and Apple Pencil users can circle an item to learn more about it. Apple also says file transfers between an iPad and an SSD are now up to five times faster and “just as fast as Finder on Mac.”
As with any beta release, Apple’s early software may include bugs, battery issues or other instability. Users who want to try it must enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program, then go to Settings, General and Software Update, where the public beta appears under Beta Updates.
This analysis is based on reporting from Engadget.
Images courtesy of Apple.
This article was generated with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy and quality.
