Apple Releases First iOS 27 Public Beta
Key points
- The revamped voice assistant supports back-and-forth conversations, can search personal information across apps, and is capable of answering broader questions using the web.
- Apple has implemented under-the-hood optimizations that apply even to older devices. Apps can launch up to 30% faster, AirDrop transfers are up to 80% quicker, and Wi-Fi to cellular transitions are smoother.
- New AI tools include a "Clean Up" function for removing unwanted objects from photos, Safari tab organization, and an updated Passwords app that can automatically fix weak credentials.
- The user interface features updates to the "Liquid Glass" design, introducing a new customization slider in Settings that allows users to adjust the transparency and tint of the interface.
- The Screen Time app has been redesigned to provide parents with a clearer view of their child's activity, adding new features like Time Allowances for specific app categories and an "Ask to Browse" function for websites.
- While the iOS 27 public beta can be installed on any iPhone running iOS 26 (dating back to the iPhone 11), the new Apple Intelligence features require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
Apple has released the first public beta for iOS 27, giving users an early look at the company’s biggest software update of the year before its official release this fall. The update introduces significant improvements across the operating system, with a major focus on performance enhancements and the new AI-powered Siri.
The public beta arrives following the initial developer beta, which was rolled out at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) earlier this year. While beta software often contains bugs or may impact battery life, the iOS 27 public beta is reportedly more stable than previous years’ releases. The update is available for free to anyone with a compatible iPhone by signing up through the Apple Beta Software Program.
One of the most notable additions is Siri AI, a complete overhaul of Apple’s virtual assistant. The new Siri can maintain conversational context, perform more complex tasks across apps, and interact with on-screen content. Beyond Siri, the update also brings a system-wide “Write with Siri” feature, enhanced photo editing tools, and deeper integration of Apple Intelligence.
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