I’ve been using the iOS 27 beta for a month: 7 ways the new Siri is so much better
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- Apple has released the first public beta of iOS 27.
- iOS 27 includes new and improved Siri AI.
- Siri AI is the voice assistant I’ve been waiting for.
I’ve been frustrated with Siri for years. This is because Apple’s voice assistant has repeatedly failed to respond properly, especially when I’m driving and need directions and other help. And for years, I’ve been waiting for Apple to fix Siri’s mistakes, only to be bombarded with empty promises. But now I finally get my wish.
On Monday, Apple launched the first public beta of iOS 27 (along with iPadOS, MacOS, WatchOS, and more). That means the upcoming OS is now available for everyone to install and use. It also comes with the new Siri AI, which finally earns its place not just as a real assistant but with a decent level of AI smarts.
Also: How to download iOS 27 right now (and which iPhone models support it)
I’ve been using the new Siri AI in iOS 27 developer beta for about a month, both at home and in the car. I’ve been turning to Siri in macOS 27. And while there are rough edges, I’m impressed. The new Siri is dramatically improved over the current version, not only in its skill set but also in its greater accuracy and reliability.
Now that the public beta is available, anyone with a supported iPhone can take the new Siri for a spin. Since this is only the first public beta, there may still be bugs. That means you might not want to install it on your main phone. In my case, I’m using it for iPhone 15 Pro testing. But I will use that phone more often as my primary device, especially in the car.
To install the public beta, go to Settings, select General, and tap Software Update. Select the Beta updates option, and select iOS 27 Public Beta. Allow the beta to download and install, and restart your phone. With the developer beta, you had to sign up for a waiting list to experience the new Siri. But with the public beta, you can log into Siri without waiting.
Also: Every iPhone model that supports iOS 27 (and any older ones that don’t)
Remember that you need the correct iPhone model to support Siri AI and Apple Intelligence. That means iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, any model of iPhone 16, or any model of iPhone 17. The new Siri will also allow you to customize its voice and use more precise calls. But for those features, you will need iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max or iPhone Air. Come September, I plan to upgrade to the iPhone 18 Pro, so I’ll be able to use all the new Siri features.
7 reasons to celebrate Siri AI
With those requirements out of the way, here are some of the reasons why I love the new Siri.
1. Better visuals
Instead of a glowing border that wraps around your iPhone screen, the new Siri shows a bubble at the top, which looks cool and clearly shows that you’re in Siri mode.
2. Greater loyalty
I’ve been using the new Siri with CarPlay in the car, and so far, it’s more reliable than the old Siri. Although it is not perfect yet, it was able to deliver the right results when I asked for directions while driving.
For example, I often tell Siri to take me to the address of someone in my contact list by specifying the person’s name. Normally, the old Siri doesn’t even update my contacts and instead gives me a list of web results. But the new Siri automatically chooses the right person and place.
3. Not making small talk
Some AIs tend to be chatty, trying to engage you in a long conversation. In contrast, Siri AI answers your question or request without chit-chat. That’s a refreshing change from what I get with ChatGPT, Copilot, and even Alexa+.
4. Dedicated app
iOS 27 includes a dedicated Siri AI app. With the app, you can send requests by voice or typing. The app also tracks your conversations, so you can easily view and return to any previous conversation. Plus, your conversations with others sync across all your Apple devices with Siri AI.
5. Siri in the camera app
With iOS 27, the Camera app adds a new Siri mode. Here, you can ask Siri to explain or answer questions about anything you see through the camera. This affects the Visual Intelligence feature introduced in iOS 18.2. But now you can take advantage of it directly through the Camera app.
6. Get help with the current screen
Since Siri AI has on-screen awareness, it can help you with your current screen. For example, I opened the webpage for Faneuil Hall in Boston and asked Siri to provide driving directions, which it did via Apple Maps.
7. Find the files
Siri AI can find specific files on your iPhone, including documents, photos, videos, and music. I asked Siri to show me photos from the movie “A Trip to the Moon” from my photo library, and it found all the right ones.
Also: Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: I’ve used both navigation apps for years, and one is better
There’s more to Siri and more to iOS 27. But needless to say, I’m happy to use both on my iPhone. And I’m looking forward to the final release in September when I’ll be able to use them on a brand new phone.
