Kathmandu – Apple is rolling out its new operating system, iOS 27, to the general public from Monday, following its initial announcement at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.

The update, which had previously been available only to developers and beta testers, is expected to become available for download and installation through Settings > General > Software Update at around 10:45 p.m. Nepal time.

iOS 27 brings several new features and changes, with the biggest upgrade focused on Siri and Apple Intelligence.

Major Siri AI Upgrade

Siri has traditionally been useful for basic tasks such as setting timers and checking the weather, but its ability to handle complex requests has remained limited.

With iOS 27, Apple is introducing a significantly more advanced version called Siri AI, designed to provide more intelligent and personalized responses.

The new Siri AI is designed to answer questions in a conversational manner similar to ChatGPT. A dedicated Siri app will also be available, while users can continue activating Siri by pressing and holding the iPhone’s side button.

Siri AI will be able to use secure personal information stored on the iPhone to provide more relevant answers. It will also understand content displayed on the screen and perform actions across supported apps.

Initially, Siri AI will be available only in English. Apple is also expected to introduce usage limits at launch, with plans for expanded paid access in the future.

More Apple Intelligence Features

Beyond Siri AI, iOS 27 introduces several other Apple Intelligence-powered features.

The Photos app will receive Extend and Reframe tools, allowing users to modify photo composition and framing with the help of AI.

The Image Playground app will also support the creation of more photorealistic images. Meanwhile, users will be able to create new shortcuts in the Shortcuts app simply by describing what they want the shortcut to do in natural language.

Apple Intelligence will also be used with HomeKit Secure Video, enabling AI-generated descriptions of footage captured by compatible security cameras.

Improved Liquid Glass Design

Apple is also refining the Liquid Glass design introduced with iOS 26.

According to Apple, iOS 27 brings more consistent refraction and improved contrast to the Liquid Glass interface. App icons have also been refined to appear clearer and more detailed.

Users will be able to adjust the transparency or tint of Liquid Glass elements using a new slider.

Performance Improvements

iOS 27 includes performance improvements across the operating system.

Apple says apps can open up to 30% faster, new photos can load in the Photos library up to 70% faster, and file transfers through AirDrop can be up to 80% faster.

The update also includes several additional optimizations aimed at making everyday iPhone use faster and smoother.

New iPhone Handoff Feature

A new iPhone Handoff feature will allow users to use the same phone number across two iPhones and switch between the devices more easily.

The feature will require support from the user’s telecommunications provider, which may charge an additional fee. T-Mobile in the United States and Deutsche Telekom in Germany are expected to be among the first providers to support the feature.

An eSIM is required to use iPhone Handoff.

Split Bills With Apple Cash

iOS 27 also introduces an AI-powered bill-splitting feature through Apple Cash, although the feature will initially be available only in the United States.

The feature can be accessed through Apple Wallet and Messages, as well as through the new Siri mode in the Camera app.

Users can point their iPhone at a bill or receipt, allowing Siri to identify the items and calculate their share of the total, including taxes and tips. They can then pay the exact amount they owe through Apple Cash.

More Flexible Location Sharing in Find My

Apple is adding new controls to location sharing in the Find My app.

Users will be able to share their location for a specific period, such as four days or six hours, or schedule location sharing to automatically stop at a specific date and time.

Location sharing with a particular person can also be temporarily paused until the end of the day without notifying that person.

The feature could be useful in situations where users want to temporarily keep their location private, such as when planning a surprise event.

Video Apps Coming to CarPlay

iOS 27 expands video capabilities in Apple CarPlay, allowing compatible video apps to stream content to supported vehicle displays.

Users will be able to play videos on a compatible car display through AirPlay by selecting the vehicle from the AirPlay menu.

Developers will also be able to create CarPlay apps with video-browsing capabilities, allowing users to search for content directly from the vehicle’s display.

For safety reasons, video playback will only be available when the vehicle is parked. The feature could be useful while waiting in a parked car, at an airport or while charging an electric vehicle.

Compatibility

iOS 27 will be available for iPhone 11 and newer models. However, Siri AI and other Apple Intelligence features will require iPhone 15 Pro or later models.