Key Points
- iOS 27 brings Siri AI as beta feature for English-only devices initially
- Liquid Glass opacity slider lets users choose between clearer or frosty interface
- Apple Watch and iPad receive performance and connectivity improvements
Apple has begun rolling out iOS 27 to compatible devices, introducing Siri AI as the headline feature across its iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Vision Pro product lines.
The AI-powered overhaul of the Siri voice assistant, which had been delayed from the initial iOS 27 announcement, launches as a beta feature for devices set to English only. Apple said support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish will follow in October.
The update marks Apple’s most significant change to Siri since the assistant’s introduction in 2011, integrating large language model capabilities that allow for more natural conversations and contextual understanding across apps. The beta status means users may encounter limitations as Apple refines the system based on real-world usage.
Beyond the AI assistant, iOS 27 introduces user-facing changes to Apple’s Liquid Glass design language, the translucent interface aesthetic introduced with the iPhone 16 series. A new opacity slider allows users to choose between a clearer user interface or a more frosted appearance, addressing feedback from users who found the default transparency distracting or difficult to read in certain lighting conditions.
Apple has also redesigned icons for several built-in applications, with subtle colour adjustments across Mail, Calendar, Photos and other core apps. The update adds extra large widget options for the home screen, giving users who prefer fewer, more prominent information displays an alternative to the standard widget grid.
A practical change for users who found notification sounds overwhelming: iOS 27 now separates volume controls for ringtones, alarms, timers and system alerts. Previously, these shared a single volume setting, meaning users who wanted quiet system sounds but audible alarms had no easy solution.
watchOS and iPadOS
The watchOS 27 update for Apple Watch introduces Workout Buddy, a feature that provides real-time guidance and motivation during exercise sessions. The update adds a new tap gesture for navigating the interface without using the digital crown or touching the screen, potentially useful for users with wet or gloved hands.
Apple Watch users will also see Liquid Glass refinements that improve readability on the smaller display, along with smarter suggestions in the Smart Stack, the scrollable widget view accessed from the watch face. The Find My app receives improvements for locating devices and sharing locations with family members.
iPad users receive performance improvements focused on two common frustrations. File transfers to external drives, previously slow compared to Mac performance, now operate at faster speeds. Safari browsing has been optimised, and connectivity when moving between Wi-Fi networks and mobile data has been smoothed to reduce the interruptions users experienced when walking between coverage areas.
For Apple Vision Pro, the mixed reality headset launched in early 2024, visionOS 27 brings the same Siri AI capabilities available on other devices. The update adds eye-tracking notification previews, allowing users to glance at incoming alerts to see their content without fully opening them. Control Centre receives visual updates, Wi-Fi connectivity has been improved, and users can now set panoramic photographs they have captured as immersive environments within the headset.
Device compatibility
The iOS 27 update supports iPhone 11 and later, including iPhone SE from the second generation onwards. This means devices from 2019 remain supported, though older models such as iPhone XS and iPhone XR are no longer eligible for the latest software.
For Apple Watch, watchOS 27 requires Apple Watch SE third generation, Apple Watch Series 9 or later, or Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later. Earlier models including the original Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8 are excluded from this update cycle.
iPadOS 27 compatibility varies by iPad line. iPad Pro requires fourth generation or later with M1 chip or newer. iPad Air requires fourth generation or later with M2 chip or newer. iPad mini requires sixth generation with A17 Pro chip. The base iPad model requires ninth generation or later with A16 chip.
The staggered rollout began on Monday (14 September) and may take several days to reach all devices. Users can check for the update in Settings under General and Software Update.
Your Questions, Answered
Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 27?
iOS 27 supports iPhone 11 and later models, including iPhone SE from the second generation onwards. Devices older than iPhone 11, such as iPhone XS and XR, are not compatible with this update.
Is Siri AI available in languages other than English?
Siri AI launches as an English-only beta. Apple has confirmed support for French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish will arrive in October 2024.
What is the Liquid Glass opacity slider in iOS 27?
The opacity slider lets users adjust the translucency of the iOS interface between clearer and more frosted appearances. This addresses feedback from users who found the default Liquid Glass design difficult to read in certain conditions.
Which Apple Watch models support watchOS 27?
watchOS 27 requires Apple Watch SE third generation, Apple Watch Series 9 or later, or Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later. Earlier models including Series 8 and the original Ultra are not supported.
