iOS 27 update: 10 major new features coming to your iPhone

Apple has begun rolling out its latest software updates across its device ecosystem, bringing new Apple Intelligence capabilities, enhanced child safety controls and a range of performance and design improvements.

The updates are available for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple Vision Pro and Apple TV, with features varying depending on the device, language and region.

Apple Intelligence gets smarter across everyday apps

The latest Apple Intelligence updates add new capabilities to apps users regularly rely on. In Photos, new Spatial Reframing and Extend tools, along with an upgraded Clean Up feature, offer more ways to edit images while preserving the original moment.

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Image Playground can now create images in a wider range of styles, including photorealistic images. Apple said image metadata and upcoming support for the SynthID standard will help users identify images created or edited using AI.

Safari also gains new AI-powered tools. Tabs can be automatically organised into topics, while users can receive alerts when websites are updated, including when products are restocked or prices change. Users can also describe a shortcut they want and have one created for them.

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Call Context can surface useful information, such as reservation numbers or confirmation codes, when users are making calls to businesses.

New tools give parents more control

Apple is also introducing new features aimed at helping parents create safer digital experiences for children.

A redesigned setup process for child accounts allows parents to apply age-based protections more easily and choose which apps children can access. The new Ask to Browse feature can require parental approval before a child visits a new website in Safari.

Parents can also approve new contacts, while Communication Safety has been expanded to detect and intervene when graphic or violent content appears in shared images or videos.

Screen Time has received a redesign, giving parents a quick overview of average device usage and the apps their children use most.

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Parents can set daily time limits for categories including entertainment, games and social media, while new Schedules allow them to control which apps are accessible at different times of the day.

Faster performance and smoother connectivity

Apple said the software updates also bring performance improvements across its platforms. On iPhone and iPad, apps can launch up to 30% faster, while photos can load up to 70% faster after being captured. AirDrop transfers can be up to 80% faster.

On iPad, file browsing and transfers to external USB drives can be up to five times faster, alongside improvements to multitasking and window management.

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Connectivity has also been improved, with smoother switching between cellular and Wi-Fi networks on iPhone and iPad. Large photo and video transfers in low-bandwidth conditions will no longer prevent subsequent messages from being sent.

Liquid Glass gets more customisation

Apple has refined its Liquid Glass design across its platforms, giving users more control over its appearance.

A new Settings slider lets users adjust Liquid Glass from an ultraclear appearance to a fully tinted look. Apple has also updated app icons to make them sharper and more defined.

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Search improvements across Spotlight, Photos and Mail are designed to make finding information more stable and efficient. Mail also gets a new ranking system for more relevant results in Top Hits.

More updates across Apple devices

iCloud Shared Albums now support full-resolution photo and video sharing and make it easier for Android and Windows users to join and contribute.

The Health app adds support for perimenopause and menopause features in Cycle Tracking, including notifications about cycle deviations.

AirPods users can customise audio with a new EQ feature, while Apple GymKit has been expanded to support heart-rate data syncing for AirPods Pro 3 users through an iPhone.

Apple Maps gets an enhanced Flyover experience combining aerial imagery with AI. Apple Watch gains new Smart Stack suggestions, a single-handed tap gesture and expanded Workout Buddy support.

On Apple Vision Pro, users can turn panoramas into spatial scenes with depth and use them as personalised environments. Apple TV, meanwhile, gets high-resolution lossless audio support for Apple Music, a redesigned Apple Podcasts app and broader text-size accessibility options.

The software updates are rolling out across iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, visionOS 27 and tvOS 27. Some Apple Intelligence features are limited to supported devices, languages and regions.