iOS 27: 5 Biggest Features & Compatible iPhones

iOS 27 is now available, bringing major new features, performance improvements, a smarter Siri experience, and new Apple Intelligence tools to compatible iPhone models.

Apple released its latest software generation on September 14, 2026, with Siri AI beginning its rollout in beta in English. The update also introduces smarter photo editing, Safari improvements, stronger child safety controls, and several system-wide performance upgrades.

But not every iPhone that supports iOS 27 gets every feature. Some advanced Apple Intelligence and Siri AI functions require newer hardware.

Here are the 5 biggest new features in iOS 27, followed by the full list of compatible iPhones.

iOS 27: 5 Biggest New Features

1. Siri AI Is Much More Powerful

The biggest change in iOS 27 is the new Siri AI experience powered by Apple Intelligence.

Siri AI can understand more natural conversations, use personal context, answer questions about what is on your screen, and perform more actions across supported apps.

Apple says Siri AI can help users:

• Find information inside Messages, Mail, Photos, and Notes
• Create reminders and calendar events
• Draft emails
• Edit and share photos
• Play music and podcasts
• Answer questions using information from the web

Apple has also introduced a dedicated Siri app that keeps conversations together and can sync them across supported Apple devices.

At launch, Siri AI is rolling out in beta in English, with additional languages planned later.

2. Smarter AI Photo Editing

Apple Intelligence is now more deeply integrated into the Photos app.

One of the most interesting additions is Spatial Reframing, which allows users to change the framing of a photo after it has already been captured.

The Photos app also includes:

• Spatial Reframing
• Extend tools for expanding images
• An upgraded Clean Up tool
• More powerful Image Playground features
• AI-based image editing using text descriptions

These tools make it easier to improve photos without relying on a separate editing app.

You can also read our guide to hidden iPhone features you should know.

3. Safari and Everyday Apps Get Smarter

iOS 27 also introduces several useful improvements to Safari and other everyday apps.

Safari can now automatically group related tabs by topic, helping users manage large numbers of open pages more easily.

Apple also introduced Safari Notify Me, a feature that can monitor supported webpages for changes, such as a product coming back in stock or a price changing.

Other useful improvements include:

• Better search in Mail
• Suggestions in Messages and Mail
• Smarter Shortcuts
• Improved Passwords security alerts

Apple says the Passwords app can warn users about weak or compromised passwords, while future updates will make some password fixes even easier.

4. Faster Performance and Liquid Glass Improvements

Apple has also focused heavily on performance and responsiveness in iOS 27.

According to Apple, supported devices can see improvements such as:

• App launches up to 30% faster
• New photos loading in the Photos library up to 70% faster
• AirDrop transfers up to 80% faster

Real-world performance can vary depending on the iPhone model, app, storage, network, and battery condition.

Apple has also refined its Liquid Glass design with better readability, improved contrast, sharper icons, and a new slider that lets users adjust the look from clearer to more tinted.

If you notice battery drain after updating, read our guide on how to fix iOS 27 battery drain.

5. New Child Safety and Parental Controls

iOS 27 introduces several new parental control and child safety features.

Parents can now control which system apps are available during setup, while the new Ask to Browse feature allows children to request access to new websites.

Apple has also expanded Communication Safety and Screen Time controls.

Parents can create schedules and time allowances for categories such as:

• Games
• Social media
• Entertainment
• Other apps

The parental control section in Settings has also been redesigned to make these options easier to manage.

Other New Features in iOS 27

Beyond the five biggest changes, iOS 27 includes many smaller improvements.

• Enhanced Flyover in Apple Maps
• AirPods Custom EQ
• GymKit support on iPhone
• Improved iCloud Shared Albums
• Better accessibility tools
• Smoother switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks
• Smarter Home app features
• Improved system search

Which iPhones Are Compatible With iOS 27?

Apple officially lists the following iPhone models as compatible with iOS 27:

Does Every Compatible iPhone Get Apple Intelligence?

No. Supporting iOS 27 does not automatically mean an iPhone supports every Apple Intelligence feature.

Apple says Apple Intelligence and Siri AI require:

• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16 models or newer

Older compatible models such as the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and standard iPhone 15 models can still install iOS 27, but they will not receive the complete Apple Intelligence experience.

How to Install iOS 27

Before updating, back up important data and make sure you have enough free storage.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Select Software Update.
4. Wait for your iPhone to check for updates.
5. Tap Download and Install if iOS 27 appears.

It is also a good idea to connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi and make sure the battery is sufficiently charged.

For more battery tips, see our guide on how to make your iPhone battery last longer.

Should You Install iOS 27?

For most users with a compatible iPhone, iOS 27 offers useful improvements in performance, security, Safari, Photos, parental controls, and overall system responsiveness.

The biggest upgrade is available to owners of newer iPhones that support Apple Intelligence and Siri AI.

Users with older compatible iPhones still benefit from many system-level improvements even without the full AI feature set.

If you are also thinking about upgrading your phone, check our iPhone 18 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra comparison.

iOS 27 FAQ

When was iOS 27 released?

Apple began rolling out the new software generation on September 14, 2026.

Is iOS 27 free?

Yes. iOS 27 is available as a free software update for supported iPhone models.

Does iPhone 11 support iOS 27?

Yes. The iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max are officially compatible with iOS 27.

Does iPhone 12 support iOS 27?

Yes. All iPhone 12 models, including the iPhone 12 mini, support iOS 27.

Does iPhone 13 support iOS 27?

Yes. The iPhone 13 series is officially supported.

Which iPhones support Siri AI?

Siri AI and the latest Apple Intelligence features require the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, or an iPhone 16 model or newer.

Why don't I see Siri AI after installing iOS 27?

Siri AI availability depends on your device, language, and region. Apple began rolling it out in beta in English, with additional languages planned later.

Official Sources

• Apple — iOS 27
• Apple Support — iPhone Models Compatible With iOS 27
• Apple Newsroom — Siri AI and Apple Intelligence