iOS 27 is finally here, with the new Siri AI beta - and 120 security patches

Apple on Monday released iOS 27, making it the official iPhone operating system after months of beta testing, and also shipped an update to iOS 26 for users who are staying on the older release. The company updated its other operating systems as well, including iPadOS 27, MacOS 27, WatchOS 27, TVOS 27 and VisionOS 27. The simultaneous arrival of the 27 releases and the 26.7 updates has left some users unsure which version to install, and the new software brings a long list of changes alongside a large batch of security fixes.

The centerpiece of iOS 27 is the next-generation Siri AI, which now has its own AI skills and can answer questions, follow requests and hold a conversation in the manner of ChatGPT and Gemini. Apple's stated advantage is that Siri AI is built into the operating system, so it can work with apps, settings and other features on the device. The previous Siri was often troubled by failures to understand users or answer their questions, and the new version promises greater reliability and accuracy. Apple has also noted that usage limits will apply to the AI features.

Beyond Siri, iOS 27 adds new photo editing controls, a customization slider for Liquid Glass, easier location sharing, a way to replace weak passwords, a redesigned Screen Time with new child safety settings, better visuals in the Maps app and faster overall performance. On the security side, iOS 27 patches more than 120 vulnerabilities, some of which could have allowed attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data and take control of unpatched devices.

The 26.7 updates for iOS, iPadOS and MacOS patch almost 80 security vulnerabilities. They also add new features to Apple Music, new emoji, support for AirPods Max 2 and greater keyboard accuracy. Apple aimed these releases at people who cannot or may not want to move to version 27.

Several older devices cannot run the new operating systems. Apple said iPhones left out of iOS 27 include the iPhone X, XR, XS, XS Max and SE (2nd generation). iPad models that do not support iPadOS 27 are the iPad (8th generation), iPad mini (5th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Pro (11-inch, 1st generation) and iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 3rd generation). Macs that cannot run MacOS 27 include the MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020), MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019), iMac (2020) and Mac Pro (2019).

Users can check what is available by going to Settings on an iPhone or iPad, or System Settings on a Mac, then selecting General and Software Update. Devices that version 27 does not support can only run the 26.7 update, while supported devices will show both options. Users who want version 27 can skip 26.7 and select the Upgrade Now button.

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