iOS 27 Release Date Revealed: Compatible Models, Features, and All You Need to Know!

The next version of the iPhone operating system will be unveiled at the WWDC on June 9, 2026. Apple appears to be focusing more on optimization rather than introducing new features. Here’s what we know so far about iOS 27, based on information gathered from both general and specialized media sources that follow the company on a daily basis.

Release Date for iOS 27

Apple’s tradition for major updates typically follows a four-step process. iOS 27 will be formally introduced during the opening keynote at the Worldwide Developers Conference, scheduled for June 9 at Apple Park in California. This event can be watched online via the Apple Developer website, the corresponding app, or the dedicated YouTube channel.

The first beta version will be offered to developers before mid-July, followed by several public beta phases open to owners of compatible devices. The final version is typically rolled out a few days after the September keynote, where Apple usually unveils its new iPhone models. Based on past trends, the deployment could be expected between September 14 and September 22.

Which Models Will Be Compatible with iOS 27?

As is customary, Apple will announce the list of devices compatible with its next major update during the WWDC in June. However, the specialized website Macworld has already made a prediction based on previous versions and known upcoming features. Following the exclusion of models with the A12 Bionic chip in the last update, devices with the A13 Bionic chip are expected to make the cut this time. “This leaves us with a list of compatible devices very similar to that of iOS 26,” notes the media, including the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max released in 2019.

What’s New in iOS 27?

An Update Inspired by “Snow Leopard”?

After years of adding functional enhancements under competitive pressure, and revamping the interface with Liquid Glass, Apple is reportedly taking a break to focus on optimizing the performance of its operating systems for iPhone and iPad, according to Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter. This isn’t a first for the brand, which took a similar approach in 2009 with MacOS X Snow Leopard, an update focused solely on system stability and lightening. “With the aim of improving the software, Apple’s engineering teams are now fine-tuning their operating systems, seeking out unnecessary complexities to remove, fixing bugs, and finding opportunities to significantly enhance performance and overall quality,” writes the Bloomberg journalist. Among the areas identified for improvement are adjustments to Liquid Glass for better readability, enhanced battery management, and corrections for interface bugs or slow navigation.

Developments Designed for the iPhone Fold?

Long anticipated, the first folding iPhone, dubbed the iPhone Fold by observers and set to compete with Samsung’s models, could hit the market this fall, according to The Information. Described by the American media as one of the “most complex phones ever designed by the company,” the device, priced at over $2,000, will feature a 5.3-inch screen when folded and a 7.7-inch screen when unfolded, a front camera, and several functional enhancements related to window management, apps, and the overall interface. “Apple plans to prioritize software features specifically designed for this new format,” confirms Mark Gurman in Bloomberg, without providing further details.

A Major Redesign of Siri

Initially scheduled for iOS 18.4 in spring 2025, the redesign of Siri is expected to finally take place. On iOS 27, the assistant launched nearly 15 years ago will undergo a significant facelift, especially in terms of its interface. According to Bloomberg, Siri will still be activatable via voice command or the power button, but will forgo the glowing border effect at activation to appear within Dynamic Island. The assistant might also replace the Spotlight search system and receive a dedicated app, currently in testing phase.

According to Bloomberg, this new version will also allow sending requests to conversational assistants installed on the iPhone, such as Gemini or Claude, following the model established by ChatGPT since the launch of Apple Intelligence. This capability is made possible by a new mechanism called Extensions, which lets users “activate or deactivate the services they want to integrate with Siri, through a dedicated menu in the Apple Intelligence and Siri settings panel,” reports the media.

Finally, Siri is also expected to benefit from the Gemini models, following an agreement early this year to integrate this technology into the company’s core models, powering the assistant. Thanks to this partnership, which reportedly costs a whopping one billion dollars annually, “Siri will be able to answer factual questions, tell stories, provide emotional support, or assist users with tasks like booking travel,” reports The Information. Apple will have the option to ask Google to modify certain aspects of the model, while also having the ability to fine-tune it themselves to adapt it to their use cases, continues the media.

More AI in the Shortcuts App?

Apple is developing a new feature for Shortcuts, the native app that allows users to automate tasks on their iPhone by chaining a series of actions. According to MacRumours, users would have the ability, through a deeper integration of Apple Intelligence, to create shortcuts by describing them in natural language.