Apple finally let Siri have its main-character moment.
After months of rumors and years of playing catch-up in the AI race, the tech titan used its Worldwide Developers Conference today to unveil iOS 27 — a software update packed with artificial intelligence features, new customization tools and a few pleasant surprises for anyone hanging onto an older iPhone.
The biggest headline? Siri is getting the makeover users have been begging for. Or, Siri is finally getting a brain boost.
The revamped assistant, powered by Google’s Gemini technology as part of Apple’s expanding AI strategy, is designed to feel less like a robotic voice command system and more like an actual conversation.
Beyond answering questions, the new Siri can understand what’s on your screen, remember personal context and help complete tasks like creating reminders or finding information based on what you’re looking at.
Users can still summon Siri by holding the side button, but Apple is also introducing a dedicated Siri app with a chatbot-style interface.
Whether it lives up to the hype remains to be seen once it launches later this year.
There is one catch: Siri AI won’t initially be available in Europe or China because of regulatory hurdles.
Apple Intelligence is suddenly everywhere — even when Siri isn’t involved, AI is woven throughout iOS 27.
Messages will be able to generate suggested replies with a tap, while Notes and Reminders can create lists and tasks based on natural language prompts and context.
Perhaps one of the most practical additions is the ability to build custom Shortcuts simply by describing what you want in everyday language instead of manually piecing together automations.
In other words, users can tell their iPhone what they want to happen rather than figuring out how to program it.
Your photos are also about to get a Hollywood edit, as Apple is also leaning further into AI-powered photo editing.
The updated Photos app includes improved cleanup tools that can erase unwanted objects from images, while a new feature called “Spatial Reframe” can generate a different composition or angle without requiring another photo.
Another addition, Extend, uses AI to create more of the scene surrounding a subject.
Image Playground is also receiving a major upgrade, allowing users to create more photorealistic AI-generated images — though exactly how much they’ll be able to generate depends on their iCloud storage plan.
Additionally, parents are getting more control, as the WWDC wasn’t all about AI.
Apple also doubled down on parental controls, adding expanded Screen Time tools, new app permission requests and additional safety settings for children.
The updates continue Apple’s broader push toward giving parents more oversight over how kids use their devices.
There’s also good news if you’re still using an iPhone 11.
Despite speculation that Apple’s 2019 lineup might finally lose software support, the company confirmed that every iPhone from the iPhone 11 onward will be compatible with iOS 27.
For millions of users, that means avoiding the annual hardware upgrade — at least for another year.
Apple also showed off new personalization options for its “Liquid Glass” design language.
A new slider lets users adjust the interface from an almost crystal-clear appearance to a more heavily tinted glass effect, giving them greater control over the operating system’s look.
The announcements weren’t all about Siri today.
Apple also revealed that the Health app will include menopause and perimenopause cycle tracking, AirPods users will get customizable equalizer controls, and Apple Maps’ Flyover mode is receiving a significant visual overhaul.
Across iOS 27, the company is also expanding AI-powered features into more apps and everyday workflows.
The Cupertino, California-based tech giant says iOS 27 will launch alongside new hardware this fall, with developers getting access first through a beta release.
The update represents the company’s most aggressive AI push yet — and perhaps its clearest attempt to convince users that the long wait for a smarter Siri was worth it.
Read the full article here
