Public Betas for iOS 27, macOS 27 and Multiple Apple Platforms Now Available

Headlining iOS 27 is the long-awaited Siri AI. The new version changes from a basic voice command system to a modern AI assistant. It can capture natural conversations, understand the following, answer questions about screen content and perform multiple actions within applications. On the latest Apple devices, you can customize the display of the assistant’s voice. There’s also a dedicated Siri app that saves your history.

Siri AI is available in public beta for all devices with Apple Intelligence. In early developer betas, there was a waiting list to access the new assistant. So, some patience may be required. The new Siri only works in English for now, and won’t be available in the EU at first.

Not all Apple Intelligence features are related to Siri. Photos now have robust editing tools, including Spatial Reframing, which adjusts the composition after the image is taken. The Extend feature extends images past their original boundaries. There is also an improved Cleanup tool that is better at removing unwanted items. And Image Playground can now produce high-quality images, including photorealistic styles.

Even if you don’t care about AI, here’s an iOS 27 update that might interest you: Apple promises big performance improvements across the board. The company claims that apps launch 30 percent faster, recently captured photos appear in the Photos app up to 70 percent faster, and AirDrop transfers can be up to 80 percent faster. (Although I can’t confirm specific numbers, my devices felt noticeably zippier in the early iOS 27 developer betas.)

Elsewhere, Safari can separate your workflow by automatically organizing your tabs into groups. It also has a new Notify Me feature that monitors web pages for price changes or restocks. A password app can detect weak passwords and update them automatically. And in the Shortcuts app, you can create new defaults by describing what you want in natural language.

iOS 27 (and its siblings) also face criticism for last year’s major design overhaul: Liquid Glass. The new version has improved readability, and there is a slider to customize the effect.

If you’re on the iOS 27 beta, you can install the public beta of AirPods. The new software adds a custom equalizer, a dynamic audio slider and a new settings menu.

Siri AI will also come to the wrist, where it can help answer questions during a workout or while you’re on the go. watchOS 27 adds a new Dynamic App Grid that reveals the apps you might need most. Apple Watch gets new one-tap gestures that let you select a widget in the Smart Stack to see more information. (You can still double-tap to scroll.) Period tracking adds menopause and perimenopause support. And Workout Buddy is getting some upgrades: new workout data insights, the ability to work without an iPhone nearby, and Spanish language support.

Apple is putting Siri AI as a productivity tool in macOS 27 Golden Gate. Like other devices, you can call the assistant directly from Spotlight, use it for your on-screen analysis or rely on it for writing help. There’s also Mac-specific Liquid Glass and other design improvements, including uniform toolbars, edge-to-edge sidebars, and more refined window layouts and menu bar icons.

What about iPad owners? iPadOS 27 includes all of the aforementioned features of iOS 27, but there isn’t much that’s different about the tablet this year. Visual Intelligence, which can analyze anything in your display with screenshots, works with Apple Pencil: just circle what you want to learn about. And external hard drive support is improving: Apple says file transfers between iPad and SSD are now five times faster and “as fast as Finder on a Mac,” according to the company.

Remember that these are the first versions of the software. Bugs, battery drain and other problems may occur. (Apple hopes you’ll use the Feedback app to help it improve the software before final release.) If you’re looking for a safe balance between advanced features and stability, it wouldn’t hurt to wait for at least the second or third public beta.

If you have never installed previously released software, you will need to enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program first. Once signed in, you can download the beta software by navigating to it Settings > General > Software Update. Less than- Beta updates section, select public beta “27” for your device.