Apple has released the public versions of its new operating systems: iOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, visionOS 27, and macOS 27, known as macOS Golden Gate. The releases make Apple’s latest software available to users after months of beta testing.
Siri AI: A Major Redesign
The new Siri AI assistant is a headline feature across Apple’s operating systems. It represents a broad redesign of Apple’s voice assistant, whose AI-powered version had been delayed. Siri AI can use personal information from various apps and understand what appears on the device screen to provide answers more relevant to the user’s context. A dedicated Siri app is also included.
Apple is initially making Siri AI available in a beta capacity on supported devices using English. Support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish is planned for October. There is currently no information about when Arabic will be supported.
Siri AI will not be available in all markets from the start. Apple has stated that Siri AI and features that rely on it in iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS will not be available in the European Union at launch. The company says it is working on a path that balances providing features with maintaining user privacy and security. The feature will also remain on hold in China as Apple deals with regulatory requirements there.
iOS 27 Features for iPhone
iOS 27 includes more than the new Siri AI assistant. Apple has adjusted the Liquid Glass design language and added a new slider to control interface transparency, allowing users to choose between a clearer look or a more blurred design. Several built-in apps have updated icons with minor color changes, support for very large interface elements, and separate volume settings for ringtones, alarms, timers, alerts, and system sounds.
iOS 27 also introduces a set of new features, including AI-powered image editing tools, support for custom equalizer settings for AirPods, expanded parental controls, and the ability to use the same phone number on two iPhones.
Apple says the update also includes performance improvements that can make apps launch up to 30% faster in some cases, along with a range of enhancements aimed at the daily user experience.
iOS 27 is compatible with iPhone 11 and later, as well as iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone SE (3rd generation). However, using Siri AI requires a device that supports Apple Intelligence. Compatible devices include iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 series and later.
iPhone users can check for iOS 27 availability by going to Settings, tapping General, then selecting Software Update and following the on-screen instructions. Some steps are necessary before installing iOS 27, such as checking that enough storage space is available before starting the update.
macOS 27 Golden Gate for Mac
Apple has released macOS 27 Golden Gate, which includes the Siri AI assistant, improvements to the Liquid Glass interface, and enhancements to performance and the window experience.
Siri AI is a key feature of the system, allowing users to search their personal information, such as photos and emails, and perform actions within apps like Messages and Reminders. Apple has also added a standalone Siri app that keeps an archive of previous conversations.
In terms of design, Apple has improved Liquid Glass by enhancing contrast and unifying light refraction. It added a slider to control the transparency level of interface elements and unified the corner radii of windows.
macOS 27 is compatible only with Macs equipped with Apple silicon processors. It no longer supports Macs with Intel processors, making macOS Tahoe the last major update for those devices.
Other Apple Updates
Apple has released watchOS 27 for its smartwatches, adding new features to Workout Buddy, a new touch gesture, improvements to the Liquid Glass design, smarter suggestions in Smart Stack, and updates to the Find My app.
iPadOS 27 includes improvements in file transfer speeds to external storage, faster web browsing, and better switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data, enhancing the iPad experience for work and travel.
Siri AI is available for iPad mini with A17 Pro, iPads with M1 or later, Macs with M1 or later, Apple Vision Pro, Apple Watch Series 9 and later, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later, and Apple Watch SE 3.
Apple says the updates may not appear for all users immediately due to expected high server demand as large numbers of users try to download the new systems at the same time.