iOS 27 public beta puts Siri AI on more iPhones

Apple has opened the public beta for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 Golden Gate, moving its overhauled Siri AI beyond developer-only testing ahead of the final releases expected this fall.

The new Siri is built for more natural, open-ended conversations and can help with work tasks or creative prompts. Apple says it can use personal context to find an old photo, surface a buried email, or retrieve a saved note. In supported apps, it can also edit a recently sent message or add a song to a playlist.

A dedicated Siri app stores conversations and syncs them across devices. Its writing tools can draft or review text, while Camera mode can answer questions or take action based on what the phone sees.

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Apple Intelligence support is limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, all iPhone 16 models and later, and M1 or newer iPads and Macs. Siri AI launches in English first and will not initially be available on iOS, iPadOS, or watchOS in the European Union.

Apple is also promising noticeable speed gains, even for users who do not care much about Siri. According to the company’s testing, app launches are up to 30% faster, new photos up to 70% faster, and AirDrop transfers up to 80% faster.

Other updates in the beta include:

• Safari tab grouping by topic and Notify Me alerts for price changes or restocks
• Passwords warnings for weak or compromised credentials
• Shortcuts that can turn a written request into a multi-app routine
• Photos tools including Spatial Reframing, Extend, and Clean Up
• Expanded family controls for websites, apps, and time-based access
• iPad support for Apple Pencil selection with Visual Intelligence
• External SSD transfers that can run up to five times faster
• Improved Mail search in macOS 27 Golden Gate
• A more adjustable Liquid Glass interface for contrast and readability
• watchOS 27 additions including Siri AI, a dynamic app grid, tap controls, Workout Buddy upgrades, and expanded cycle tracking

Apple’s beta page lists the software as available without naming a launch date, while Engadget reported the first public betas became available on July 13. Enrollment is free with a valid Apple Account, and beta builds arrive through Software Update.

Apple warns that pre-release software can still bring bugs, battery drain, and compatibility issues, including with school or workplace apps. The company recommends using a secondary device and making a backup first, since rolling back may require erasing the device and restoring from a backup made before installation.