Apple has today released iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, watchOS 27, tvOS 27 and visionOS 27 to the public after three months of beta testing.

These releases introduce Siri AI, a new version of Siri integrated into Spotlight search where you can type and ask anything.

There is also a dedicated Siri app, so you can go back to conversations you had, or start new ones. You can ask Siri about the content on your screen, to search your messages, photos or mail, and it can generate images using Image Playground.

Apple has also improved the reliability of its platforms, where content loads faster and animations feel smoother. AirDrop has also received an update to be more reliable, working faster and much more consistently.

Other improvements includes network transitions, where moving between different places - such as your home Wi-Fi and mobile data - is smoother and you're not left without a connection for a few seconds.

Version 27 of Apple's platforms introduces a Liquid Glass slider, so the user can set their own preference from more clear to more frosted. The frosted option resembles the older blur style of iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia.

App icons have also received an overhaul, with glass elements implemented directly into the icons artwork. They appear with more clarity and actually look glassy. Some icons, including Settings, Safari and Preview, have received bigger overhauls.

Overview

  • Smarter, more intelligent Siri
  • Performance improvements
  • Design enhancements
  • New parental controls
  • New app icons
  • Landscape apps on iPhone
  • New generative AI Apple Intelligence features
  • AI photo editing tools
  • Image Playground overhaul

How do I download these updates?

If your device is compatible with these new updates, you will see an option to upgrade to this new version in the Software Updates tab in the settings app. To update an Apple Watch, ensure sufficient battery and that the device is on a charger.

Here's a simple breakdown of compatible devices:

  • iPhone 11 and newer
  • Apple Watch Series 9 and newer
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 and newer
  • Apple Watch SE 3
  • Apple Silicon Mac models (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6 chips)
  • iPad Pro (4th generation and later, M1 and later)
  • iPad Air (4th generation and later, M2 and later)
  • iPad (9th generation and later, A16)
  • iPad mini (6th generation, A17 Pro)
  • Apple TV 4K
  • All Apple Vision Pro models

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