The iOS 27 update is Apple’s main iPhone software release of the year, and you can install it right now. Apple released it on 14 September 2026 (15 September in some regions) as a free download. Two weeks later, on 28 September, it followed with iOS 27.0.1 to fix a few early bugs.
The main attraction is Siri AI, a rebuilt Siri that can understand what is on your screen and use your personal context. But the update also brings new photo editing tools, faster app launches, stronger parental controls and a long list of security fixes.
There is a catch. Not every iPhone gets every feature, and Siri AI is still a beta with a waitlist. This guide explains what is new, which iPhones get what, and how to update without losing your data.
Quick answer: iOS 27 is a free update for iPhone 11 and newer, plus iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). Save a backup of your phone, then go to Settings > General > Software Update and choose Download and Install. Siri AI and Apple Intelligence need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or an iPhone 16 model or newer.
What is new in the iOS 27 update
iOS 27 changes a lot across the phone, yet four areas stand out for most users: Siri, the Apple Intelligence tools, design and speed, and parental controls.
Siri AI (beta)
In its iOS 27 release announcement, Apple calls Siri AI “a more capable and conversational assistant with personal context understanding, broad world knowledge, on screen awareness and even more systemwide app actions.” In plain words, you can ask about something on your screen, ask Siri to find details in your messages, mail or photos, and ask it to do tasks inside apps.
There is also a new Siri app that keeps your past conversations. Your chat history stays private and follows you to your other Apple devices through iCloud. A feature called Write with Siri lets you describe what you need and get a draft, or ask Siri to improve something you already wrote. In January, Apple and Google said in a joint statement that the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google’s Gemini models and cloud technology, and that this would power a more personalized Siri.
If you want to understand assistants that take actions for you, our guide on what an AI agent is explains the idea in simple terms.
Keep these limits in mind:
- Siri AI launched in English only. Apple says French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish are coming in October.
- It is not available to users under 13.
- Some Apple Intelligence features that run on Apple’s servers have daily usage limits.
- It is not available in China while it waits for regulatory review.
- It is not launching on iPhone in the European Union for now. Apple says the EU’s Digital Markets Act is the reason, and that it currently has no timeline.
New Apple Intelligence tools
Eligible iPhones also get these AI tools:
- Photos: Spatial Reframing lets you improve the framing of a photo after you take it. Extend and an upgraded Clean Up tool give you more ways to edit.
- Image Playground: You can now create images in almost any style, including photorealistic ones.
- Safari: It can sort your open tabs into topics and alert you when a web page changes, such as a price drop or a product back in stock.
- Call context: When you call a business, your iPhone can show useful details such as a confirmation code or booking number.
If you followed Apple Intelligence from its early days, our iOS 18.2 update guide shows how far these features have come.
Design and speed
Liquid Glass, Apple’s glassy design style, gets a new slider. You can now set it anywhere from ultra clear to fully tinted. App icons also look sharper.
Apple also promises speed gains. By its own figures, apps launch up to 30 percent faster, photos load up to 70 percent faster after you take them, and AirDrop transfers are up to 80 percent faster.
Parental controls
Families get several new tools. Ask to Browse makes children request approval before they open a new website in Safari. Communication Safety now also blocks gore and violent content in shared images, videos and live FaceTime calls.
Time Allowances give parents expert informed, age based guidance for Social Media, Entertainment and Games. Apple notes that every device in the Family Sharing group must update for these features to work together.
Which iPhones are supported?
Apple did not drop any iPhones this year, according to AppleInsider. Apple’s How to download iOS 27 page lists iPhone 11 and newer, plus iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). The AI features are a different story.
| iPhone model | Gets iOS 27 | Siri AI and Apple Intelligence |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, iPhone 17e | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus | Yes | No |
| iPhone 11, 12, 13 and 14 (all models) | Yes | No |
| iPhone SE (2nd generation and later) | Yes | No |
| iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and older | No | No |
A few extras need more memory. TechRepublic reports that more expressive Siri voices and advanced dictation need 12GB of memory, so the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 Pro miss out. 9to5Mac says some of the most advanced Siri AI features are limited to the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone Air and the iPhone 18 Pro models, plus the upcoming iPhone Duo.
Apple’s new iPhone Duo is not on sale yet. Apple says it arrives on 23 October and ships with iOS 27.1.
What to do before you update
A little preparation protects your photos, chats and settings if something goes wrong. Use this checklist:
- Back up your iPhone. Connect to WiFi, open Settings, tap your name, then tap iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Apple’s iCloud backup guide has the full steps. You can also back up to a Mac or PC.
- Charge your phone. Plug it in, or make sure the battery is well above half.
- Free up storage. Delete large videos or apps you no longer use if your phone is nearly full.
- Update your apps. Open the App Store and install pending updates so your apps are ready for iOS 27.
- Check important apps. If you depend on a banking or work app, look for any iOS 27 notes on its support page.
- Know your passcode and Apple password. You may need them after the restart.
How to install the iOS 27 update step by step
You can update right away or let your iPhone do it overnight.
Install it now
- Connect to WiFi and plug in your iPhone.
- Open Settings, then tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install.
- Enter your passcode and follow the instructions on screen.
If the update has already downloaded, you will see Update Now or Update Tonight. Your iPhone restarts during the install, so pick a time when you do not need it.
Let your iPhone update on its own
Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Automatically Install updates your iPhone overnight while it charges on WiFi. Automatically Download gets the file ready so you can install it yourself.
Turn on Siri AI after updating
Siri AI does not switch on by itself. According to BGR’s Siri AI setup guide, you need to:
- Set your iPhone language to English and your Siri language to English (United States).
- Open Settings > Siri.
- Tap Try Siri AI (Beta), then Join Waitlist.
- Wait for a notification that Siri AI is ready.
BGR says users report waits from a few minutes to a couple of days. iPhone in Canada also notes that the waitlist option may not appear unless Siri is set to English (United States).
Known issues reported so far
These are the main problems reputable outlets have reported.
Battery drain in the first days. TechSpot reports that after the update, iPhones rebuild search indexes, download system files and prepare data for AI features. This drain is usually worst in the first 24 to 48 hours. Leaving your phone on charge overnight with WiFi on helps it finish faster.
Bugs fixed in iOS 27.0.1. According to 9to5Mac’s report on iOS 27.0.1, the update fixes three problems:
- The touchscreen could stop responding after opening Notification Center and Control Center at the same time.
- iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could restart when Face ID failed.
- Some iPhone 18 Pro models showed a color artifact in certain 2x photos.
Other user reports. Cybernews collected complaints from Reddit and X about widget editing crashes, choppy animations and overheating on some models. These are unverified user reports, and they may affect only some users.
Is the iOS 27 update worth installing now?
For most people, yes. The early bug fix is out, and Apple’s iOS 27 security notes include a long list of fixed security flaws. That alone is a good reason to update.
Your answer depends on your phone and where you live:
| Your situation | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| iPhone 15 Pro or newer, outside the EU and China | Update now and join the Siri AI waitlist |
| iPhone 11 to iPhone 15 | Update for security, speed and design, but do not expect Siri AI |
| You live in the EU | Update for the other features; Siri AI on iPhone is not available yet |
| You rely on a work or banking app | Check that the app supports iOS 27, then update |
If you prefer to wait, give it a week or two. Just do not stay on an old version for months, because you miss security fixes.
Frequently asked questions
Is the iOS 27 update free?
Yes. Apple released iOS 27 as a free update for all supported iPhones.
Will my iPhone 13 get Siri AI?
No. Your iPhone 13 can install iOS 27, but Siri AI and Apple Intelligence need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or an iPhone 16 model or newer.
Why don’t I see Siri AI after updating?
Siri AI is opt in. Go to Settings > Siri and tap Try Siri AI (Beta) to join the waitlist. It also needs your iPhone language set to English and your Siri language set to English (United States). It is not available on iPhone in the EU, and it is not available in China.
Is Siri AI available in Europe?
Not on iPhone yet. Apple says it cannot ship Siri AI in the EU with iOS 27 because of the Digital Markets Act, and it has not given a date.
Will my battery drain after updating?
It might for a day or two while your iPhone does extra background work. If heavy drain lasts more than three or four days, check Settings > Battery for apps using the most power.
Final thoughts
The iOS 27 update is a big step for Siri and a useful update for everyone else. Newer iPhones get the most, while older models still gain speed, design tweaks and security fixes. Back up first, install iOS 27.0.1 or later, and join the Siri AI waitlist if your iPhone qualifies.
Comparing phones? See how Samsung handles AI in our look at the Galaxy S26 AI features, or read about the iPhone 17e and its AI features if you want a lower cost iPhone.