Apple has released iOS 27, iPadOS 27, tvOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27 to the general public. The new operating systems have been tested since June, and have been deemed ready for prime time.
Before installing any update, make sure your device has been backed up recently, and is fully charged before you start the installation process over WiFi. Get a cup of coffee and maybe a snack, as the update may take some time to complete. You may even want to wait until later in the day or even the next day to update your device, as the Apple servers will probably be hit hard at first.
To check for the update, go to “Settings” -> “General” -> “Software Update,” and wait a moment for your device to contact Apple’s servers. You can also opt for the update to be installed overnight while you sleep.
iOS 27 and iPadOS 27
iOS 27 introduces the new Siri AI, powered by “next-generation Apple Intelligence.” Apple says the new version of Siri is “profoundly more intelligent, knowledgeable, and capable.”
Siri AI boasta personal context understanding, broad world knowledge, and onscreen awareness, allowing users to find what they need at that point in time. The new Siri is able to answer questions using the web for most any topic, and can use relevant information drawn from a user’s personal messages, emails, photos, and more.
A dedicated Siri app, also powered by Apple Intelligence, allows users to revisit conversations from across their devices, offers expanded Visual Intelligence capabilities, and even integrated writing tools. Siri offers detailed, engaging responses in a natural back-and-forth conversation.
There are also new Apple Intelligence features in apps like Photos, Passwords, Safari, Shortcuts, and Wallet, as well as a standalone Siri app that houses Siri conversations. Write with Siri is available systemwide for generating text or offering feedback on your writing, and Visual Intelligence has been relocated to the Camera app with a new Siri mode.
As reported by iDropNews, two promised features, suggestions in Messages and AI-based password fixes didn’t make the cut, and will be “Coming in a future software update.” That could mean iOS 27.1, but we won’t know for sure until Apple makes an official announcement.
macOS 27 Golden Gate
macOS 27 introduces the new Siri AI, powered by “next-generation Apple Intelligence.” Apple says the new version of Siri is “profoundly more intelligent, knowledgeable, and capable.”
Siri AI boasts personal context understanding, broad world knowledge, and onscreen awareness, allowing users to find what they need at that point in time. The new Siri is able to answer questions using the web for most any topic, and can use relevant information drawn from a user’s personal messages, emails, photos, and more.
A dedicated Siri app, also powered by Apple Intelligence, allows users to revisit conversations from across their devices, Visual Intelligence capabilities are now on the Mac. Siri can now answer questions about what’s on your screen, and a Write with Siri feature lets Siri generate text or offer feedback on your writing.
There are Apple Intelligence photo editing tools in the Photos app, AI tab organization in Safari, AI can automatically update weak passwords in the Passwords app, and a revamped Image Playground app can now generate photorealistic images.
tvOS 27
tvOS 27 brings only a few new features, including a redesigned Podcasts app, options for larger text, and a more responsive Control Center. AirPlaying to an Apple TV from another Apple device is also faster, and apps and animations are smoother. AppleCare coverage details are now available in the Settings app.
watchOS 27
watchOS 27 brings several new features to the Apple Watch.
Apple adds support for Siri AI and the Siri app, allowing Apple Watch users to now use the features right from their wrist.
The Dynamic App Grid that pops up when the Digital Crown is pressed now displays the Siri app in the center, providing access to the smarter version of Siri.
Siri AI on Apple Watch relies on being linked to an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone for processing. Conversations in the Siri app on Apple Watch sync to the Siri app across all other devices like iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
visionOS 27
Apple Intelligence and Siri AI features now seem more integrated with the visionOS platform than in previous versions. Vision Pro user can now query Siri about anything in their surroundings, and the assistant will use Visual Intelligence to see it, identify it, and interpret it in real time, answering questions and providing contextual information about it.
When summoning Siri, a 3D orb will appear that can be placed anywhere in the user’s virtual space. Just looking at the orb can launch a conversation. The new Siri app also makes it easier to refer to previous conversations and interactions.
Panorama photos can now be turned into immersive spatial environments. Panoramas are no longer viewed as flat images. Instead, users can now step into them, experiencing added depth and realism.
Apple says visionOS 27 significantly improves wireless performance, with speeds up to three times faster than before.
A new extra-small widget size allows users to place more widgets throughout their physical space without overwhelming their environment.
A new Web Environments feature allows developers to use a new immersive API to launch users into a full 360-degree environment from within Safari.
Mac owners can now preview and edit 3D models from their laptop directly in visionOS. Meanwhile, Quick Look enhancements allow for annotations to be added directly to 3D models.
Control Center has been reorganized with dedicated sections for notifications and media playback, system controls, and immersive environments.
Notifications will now automatically expand when a user looks at them, providing quicker access to information.
Apps such as Apple TV, Safari, and others now sport new curved window layouts that wrap content around a user’s field of view, creating a more immersive workspace to make better use of Vision Pro’s virtual display area.
A new immersive environment, based on Thórsmörk, a nature reserve in Iceland known for its dramatic mountains, valleys, and glaciers, is now available.
