Apple has finally released iOS 27 — the biggest system update of the year, which turns the familiar Siri into a full-fledged AI assistant. The release took place on 14 September 2026, and now owners of compatible iPhones can download the update for free.9to5mac+2
What's new in Siri
The main highlight of iOS 27 is the completely redesigned Siri AI. It is no longer just a voice assistant, but a smart helper that understands context, works with your data, and can perform complex tasks.apple+1
Siri AI is built on Apple's own foundation models and Google Gemini technology. It can:
- Search for information in messages, emails, photos, and files on your device
- Answer questions about what is currently on the screen
- Write, edit, and proofread texts in messages and notes
- Perform actions across several apps at once without switching between themapple+3
In addition, Siri AI can go online to get up-to-date information and generate detailed answers, like modern chatbots.apple+1
How to get access
Siri AI is available in beta from the moment iOS 27 was released. To activate it, you need to enable Apple Intelligence in the settings and select English (there are no other languages yet).digitaltrends+2
Important: Siri AI works only on new devices:
- iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and newer
- iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 series
- iPad with M1 chip or newer
- Mac with M1 or newer
- Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2 or SE 3 (paired with a compatible iPhone)
- Apple Vision Proapple+2
What else is in iOS 27
Besides Siri, Apple has added a whole set of AI features to iOS 27 under the Apple Intelligence brand:
- Improved tab management in Safari
- One-tap updating of compromised passwords (this feature will arrive a little later)
- Contextual awareness between apps
- Improved text dictation
- Image Playground — generation of photorealistic images for wallpapers and avatarsdeveloper.apple+2
Limitations
There are several important points:
- Siri AI is currently available only in English
- In the European Union, Siri AI does not work on iOS and iPadOS due to regulatory restrictions
- In China, Siri AI is completely unavailable
- Two features — suggestions in messages and automatic password updates — have been postponed until a future updatedigitaltrends+2
Should you update?
iOS 27 is Apple's most significant update in recent years. If you have a compatible device and want to try a true AI Siri, it is worth updating right now. But keep in mind that Siri AI is still in beta — some features may work unstably or appear later.macrumors+2
The update is available for free via “Settings” → “General” → “Software Update”.
