Apple launches iOS 27 public beta with the new Siri AI and Apple Intelligence updates

Apple has launched the iOS 27 public beta, giving all iPhone users early access to its next major software update ahead of the final release this fall, and just a couple of weeks after releasing the developer beta. The update includes a rebuilt Siri powered by Apple Intelligence, more Liquid Glass customization, performance improvements, and a redesigned Screen Time experience.

Siri can now maintain context across conversations, understand onscreen content, perform actions in apps, and answer a broader range of questions. Responses appear through the Dynamic Island, and there is also a new standalone Siri app that stores conversation history privately through iCloud. Siri can also find information across Mail, Messages, Notes, Reminders, and Calendar, handle follow up questions, and use Visual Intelligence to turn membership barcodes into Wallet passes or extract event details for Calendar. Apple also says apps can launch up to 30% faster and nearby AirDrop transfers can complete up to 80% faster, including on older supported iPhones.

iOS 27 supports every iPhone compatible with iOS 26 (including the iPhone 11), but Apple Intelligence requires an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, and some advanced on device features like the voice change are limited to the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. Alongside iOS 27, Apple has also launched public betas for its other operating systems, including macOS 27, watchOS 27, and iPadOS 27.