At 1 a.m. Beijing Time on September 15, Apple officially rolled out the iOS 27 system update, representing one of the most substantial software upgrades for iPhones in recent memory. Building on the Liquid Glass design language, iOS 27 significantly boosts Siri's AI prowess. The update brings a host of refinements to system apps such as Photos and Messages, introduces new AI functionalities and parental control settings, and fine-tunes system performance. This update is compatible with the iPhone 11 series and newer models, as well as the second-generation iPhone SE. However, certain Apple Intelligence features demand more advanced hardware. The enhanced Siri AI capabilities necessitate an iPhone 15 Pro or later, with some features even requiring an iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone Air, and are also subject to language and regional limitations.

The revamped Siri can now harness the power of the Apple Intelligence model to access on-device data and execute tasks, perform web searches, comprehend on-screen content, and interact within supported apps. The system interface has also become more adaptable, with Liquid Glass offering transparency adjustment options and the ability to tweak contrast in menus and navigation bars.

For the lock screen, users can now enjoy expanded photo-generative fill capabilities, lock screen wallpapers generated by Image Playground, and a new compact clock layout. The home screen now accommodates larger-sized widgets. The Photos app introduces AI-driven features like Clean Up, Extend, and Reframe, along with the ability to save individual video frames as photos and assign keywords and ratings. The Safari browser boasts new features such as thematic organization, Resume Browsing, and Notify Me.

Numerous system apps, including Apple Music and Weather, have also received updates. For instance, the Passwords app can now automatically update compromised passwords, while Calendar and Reminders support natural language input for creating events and tasks. The Phone app introduces a new Call Context feature, FaceTime enhances call quality, and AirPods and CarPlay gain additional functionalities.

For older iPhone models, iOS 27 delivers optimized system performance, with app launch speeds on the iPhone 11 Pro Max improving by up to 30% and AirDrop transfer speeds increasing by up to 80%. It also introduces a wider array of parental control options, ensuring a safer and more tailored user experience.