iOS 27 is out on 14 September: what is new and who gets the update

A short list of noticeable changes: assistant, photos, speed and design.

• AI Siri recognises what is on screen and uses personal context for answers.
• Photos gains Expand and Reframe tools to extend and recompose shots.
• Apps launch about 30 % faster, photos load 70 % faster.
• The Liquid Glass design is refined with higher contrast and better readability.
• Bill splitting through Apple Cash directly in Messages.
• Fine location control: an app can be granted access for a limited time.

Basic support starts with iPhone 11. AI Siri features work only on iPhone 15 Pro and newer, which have the more powerful Neural Engine. If your model sits between iPhone 11 and iPhone 15, the update brings speed and design but not the new assistant.

The path is standard: Settings, General, Software Update. Before installing, make a backup, free up storage and disable offloading of unused apps if some of them are unavailable in your regional App Store. We cover the preparation steps in a separate piece.

If the phone is used for work, install the update on one device first and check the corporate apps, VPN and mail before rolling it out to the rest of the team.

iOS 27 is about the assistant and speed. Owners of iPhone 15 Pro and newer have reason to install it right away; everyone else should back up first and take their time, since the main features are not available to them anyway.