Apple has released the first public betas of its 2027 software updates to give early adopters a first look at iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, and watchOS 27. The updates are now available for installation on supported devices, and the headline feature across the platform lineup is a better Siri AI experience.
Siri Evolved
The biggest change in iOS 27 is Siri, which has evolved from a simple voice-command tool into a more modern AI assistant. The new version can carry on natural conversations, respond to follow-up questions, understand what is on the screen, and complete multi-step tasks inside apps. On newer Apple devices, users can also adjust the expressiveness of Siri’s voice, and a dedicated Siri app stores conversation history.
Apple is making Siri AI available in the public beta for all Apple Intelligence-capable devices, though access in the early developer betas has involved a waitlist. The assistant currently works only in English, and it is not initially available in the EU.
Apple Intelligence also brings stronger photo-editing tools, including Spatial Reframing, the Extend feature, an improved Clean Up tool, and higher-quality image generation in Image Playground.
Performance and Everyday Tools
Apple is also bringing speed improvements in iOS 27. App launches can be up to 30 percent faster, newly captured photos can appear in the Photos app up to 70 percent faster, and AirDrop transfers can be up to 80 percent faster. Safari now organizes tabs into groups automatically, while a new Notify Me feature can track price changes or restocks on webpages.
The Passwords app can now detect weak passwords and update them automatically. In Shortcuts, users can create automations by describing what they want in natural language. Liquid Glass, which is a major design overhaul gets readability improvements and a slider to adjust the effect. Once users are on the iOS 27 beta, they can also install a public beta for AirPods with a custom equalizer, an adaptive audio slider, and a new settings menu.
watchOS and macOS
For Apple Watch users, watchOS 27 brings Siri AI, which could help users answer questions during workouts or while on the move. The update adds a Dynamic App Grid that surfaces likely-needed apps, plus a single-tap gesture for selecting a widget in Smart Stack. The Menstrual tracking feature now includes menopause and perimenopause support, and Workout Buddy now offers new workout insights, standalone operation without a nearby iPhone, and Spanish-language support.
Siri AI as a productivity feature in macOS 27 Golden Gate. Users can summon it right from Spotlight, ask it to analyze what is on the screen, or use it for writing help. There is design refinements tied to Liquid Glass, including uniform toolbars, edge-to-edge sidebars, and more polished window shapes and menu bar icons.
iPadOS
For iPad users, iPadOS 27 includes the main iOS 27 features. Visual Intelligence can analyze what appears on screen through screenshots, and Apple Pencil users can circle content to learn more about it. External drive support has also been improved, with file transfers between iPad and an SSD now up to five times faster and as fast as Finder on Mac.
Remember that these are still early versions of the software, so bugs, battery drain, and other issues are likely. If you want to try these new features early, you’ll have to sign up the Apple Beta Software Program first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What devices can use the Siri AI public beta?
A: Siri AI is available in the public beta for Apple Intelligence-capable devices.
Q: Does Siri AI work everywhere right now?
A: No. It currently works only in English and is not initially available in the EU.
Q: What are the biggest non-AI changes in iOS 27?
A: Apple highlights faster app launches, quicker Photos updates, faster AirDrop transfers, tab grouping in Safari, and new password and automation tools.
Q: What is new in watchOS 27?
A: watchOS 27 adds a Dynamic App Grid, a single-tap Smart Stack gesture, expanded menstrual tracking, and improved Workout Buddy features.
Q: Is iPadOS 27 very different from iOS 27?
A: Not much this year. iPadOS 27 mostly carries over the iOS 27 features, with added Visual Intelligence and faster external drive transfers.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
