iOS 27 is officially here. Check out the iPhone 18 Pros new AI features (and a few surprises)

Utsanjan Maity
September 14, 2026

Apple has officially unveiled iOS 27, bringing major system upgrades, enhanced Siri AI capabilities, and user-requested fixes across the entire app ecosystem. Here is everything you need to know about the new iOS 27 features, release date, and supported devices.

A large Apple logo on a store window.

New CEO John Ternus is ushering in the next era for Apple, including the shiny new iOS 27 operating system and its powerful artificial intelligence tools. Revealed during the high-profile "Surprise and Shine" keynote at Apple Park, the software update marks a major shift in how users interact with their devices.

Debuting alongside the brand-new iPhone 18 Pro and Apple's game-changing folding iPhone Duo, iOS 27 promises a more streamlined experience across the company's app ecosystem. Crucially, this release finally addresses several longstanding complaints that users have voiced for years.

Apple Event 2026: Live updates on iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch 12, and new AirPods

What Are the Top iOS 27 Features and Highlights?

Apple's latest operating system is banking heavily on its new Siri AI, a supercharged version of the digital assistant that the company has been teasing for years. With the power of Apple Intelligence driving the software behind the scenes, Siri can now assist with writing, edit your photos, build custom shortcuts, and much more.

Siri is not the only part of iOS 27 receiving a massive upgrade. Apple also announced overall improvements to Maps and Wallet, alongside faster Camera launch times and boosted AirDrop transfer speeds across compatible hardware.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the major changes introduced in this release:

  • Updated Liquid Glass Design: Apple is adding new customizable visual options for its signature Liquid Glass interface design.
  • Independent Alarm Volume Controls: iOS 27 will let users customize volume levels for individual alarms, entirely independent from general device sound levels. For anyone who has ever slept late due to a silent alarm, this fix is huge.
  • iPhone Hand Off Support: Users can now share one phone number seamlessly across two separate phones. This feature initially launches for T-Mobile customers, with Verizon and other major carriers scheduled to follow.
  • Cross-Platform Shared Albums: Apple users can finally invite their Android and Windows friends to join shared albums via iCloud, complete with full-resolution photo support.
  • Direct Video to Photo Conversion: Eliminating the need for manual screenshots, users can now save select video frames as high-quality photos right inside their camera roll.
  • Apple Music Interface Refresh: Apple is introducing smooth new transition options and refreshing overall music layout pages.
  • In-Show Siri Search for Apple Podcasts: If you are searching for a specific moment in your favorite podcast, Siri now allows you to search directly within episodes as you watch.
  • Expanded Keyboard Language Options: Apple has added brand-new dedicated keyboards for various indigenous languages.
  • Enhanced Parental Controls: Initially showcased at WWDC, parents can set up Child Accounts for minors, unlocking a suite of safety tools for web browsing and online communication.
  • Expanded Health App Tracking: Also first announced at WWDC, Apple's latest health support tracking features for menopause and perimenopause are now officially rolling out to users.

How to Download and Install iOS 27

The official release date for iOS 27 is set for September 14 for all compatible Apple device owners. Updating your device to the newest software requires only a few straightforward steps.

To upgrade your hardware, open the Settings app, choose General, and then select Software Update. Before starting the process, ensure your iPhone is fully backed up to cloud storage and connected to a reliable power source.

Mac owners can also get in on the action, as macOS 27 (codenamed "Golden Gate") is available to download immediately. iPad users will not miss out either, as iPadOS 27 delivers the exact same suite of core features optimized for tablet screens.

UPDATE: Sep. 9, 2026, 11:27 a.m. This story was updated with a specific release date for iOS 27.

Follow our Apple event live blog to catch up on the latest news and announcements from the "Surprise and Shine" keynote, with live updates from Apple Park.

With smart AI integration, requested utility fixes, and broader cross-platform compatibility, upgrading to iOS 27 offers a refined experience for every Apple user.



from Mashable
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