Apple expands Apple Intelligence and Siri capabilities across iOS 27 and other platforms
The tech giant has unveiled significant upgrades to its conversational assistant and image tools, integrating Google’s Gemini foundation models while maintaining a strict privacy-first architecture.
Apple has announced the next generation of Apple Intelligence and Siri, introducing expanded capabilities for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27. The update features a more capable conversational AI assistant that supports natural language interaction, open-ended questions, and context-aware actions across apps such as Messages, Music, and Reminders. New tools include Visual Intelligence for searching and acting on screen content, enhanced photo editing with Spatial Reframing and Extend, and advanced writing assistance in Messages and Mail. Siri AI will be available in English later this year, with privacy maintained through on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute.
The overhaul builds upon a partnership with Google to integrate Gemini foundation models, significantly enhancing contextual awareness and voice capabilities across the ecosystem. Apple software chief Craig Federighi described the update as a major leap forward, noting that the AI models now pull from both online sources and personal data stored on devices. This integration allows Siri to function more effectively by referencing information online to provide detailed, up-to-date insights while remaining grounded in the user’s immediate context.
Siri AI will be available in English later this year, offering users the ability to type or speak naturally to find information and complete tasks. The assistant can now generate drafts from scratch or provide feedback on written content in Messages and Mail, matching the user’s writing style, punctuation, and tone. A dedicated app brings together all conversations in one place, allowing users to ask questions on one device and continue the thread on another, with options to pin conversations or customise voice expressivity and pace.
Visual Intelligence is now available on iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro, enabling users to search and take action based on what is on their screen. By taking a screenshot or looking at real-world objects, users can ask Siri about text, images, or items in front of them. The feature simplifies tasks such as splitting bills, retrieving nutritional information, or importing cards to Apple Wallet. Additionally, new photo editing tools include Spatial Reframing, Extend, and Clean Up, allowing users to reframe shots, expand images, or remove larger objects with ease.
Privacy remains a central pillar of the release, with Apple Intelligence designed to protect user data through on-device processing. For more complex requests, Private Cloud Compute allows the system to draw on larger server-based models running on Apple silicon without collecting personal information. The Foundation Models framework and App Intents APIs are built with privacy at the centre, allowing app developers to integrate features like Siri, Writing Tools, and Image Playground at no cost per request, with features working offline.
The first developer betas for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 were released following the WWDC 2026 keynote on 8 June 2026. Enrolled members of the Apple Developer Program can download the software directly via the Settings app. The update also introduces improvements to accessibility, including enhanced VoiceOver, Magnifier, and Voice Control, as well as new features for Safari, such as Notify Me for monitoring page changes and automatic tab grouping.
