APPLE RELEASES IOS 27 WITH OVERHAULED SIRI AI ASSISTANT

Apple has released iOS 27, macOS 27 (also known as macOS Golden Gate), iPadOS 27, watchOS 27 and visionOS 27, bringing an overhauled version of its Siri virtual assistant, called Siri AI, to compatible devices. Siri AI can draw on personal information from various apps and use on-screen content to give more context to its responses. The feature is available at launch only on devices set to English, with Apple saying support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish will follow in October. One report described Siri AI as being available today as a beta for English-language devices. Siri AI will not be available in the European Union at launch, with Apple saying it is "working hard to find a path forward that preserves its users' privacy and security", and the feature remains on hold in China while Apple says it navigates regulatory requirements.

Beyond Siri AI, Apple has adjusted its Liquid Glass design language, including a new opacity slider allowing users to choose between a clearer or more frosted interface, alongside new icon designs for built-in apps and extra-large widgets. Apple says the updates bring performance improvements, including app launches up to 30 percent faster. Additional iOS 27 features include new AI photo-editing tools, custom EQ support for AirPods, expanded parental controls and the ability to use one phone number across two iPhones, with a bill-splitting feature noted for the US. watchOS 27 adds new Workout Buddy features, a tap gesture, Smart Stack suggestions and an improved Find My app. visionOS 27 brings the Siri AI overhaul to Apple Vision Pro, along with eye-based notification previews, Control Centre updates and support for using panoramic photos as immersive environments.

iOS 27 is compatible with the iPhone 11 series and later, plus the second- and third-generation iPhone SE, though Siri AI requires Apple Intelligence-capable hardware such as the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPhone 16 models onward. watchOS 27 is available for Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 9 and above, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 and above. Apple has said users may not be able to install the updates immediately, as demand is expected to place strain on its servers, and it has advised users to free up storage space before updating. The company noted that usage limits may apply to the new Siri app.