iOS 27 public beta arrives with Siri AI and faster AirDrop

Apple has opened access to the first public betas of its updated operating systems. Users can now install test builds of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate and watchOS 27. These are early releases, so bugs, higher battery drain and unstable features are possible.

The biggest addition to iOS 27 is Siri AI. The assistant is designed to hold more natural conversations, understand follow-up questions, analyze on-screen content and complete complex actions inside apps. A separate Siri app with request history is also included. In the public beta, the feature is available on devices that support Apple Intelligence. For now, Siri AI works only in English and will not be available in the EU at launch.

Apple has also upgraded other AI features. Photos gains Spatial Reframing for changing composition after a shot, Extend for generating content beyond the original frame and a more accurate Clean Up tool for removing unwanted objects. Image Playground can now create higher-quality images, including photorealistic results.

Even without AI, iOS 27 brings notable changes. Apple promises app launches up to 30% faster, new photos appearing in Photos up to 70% sooner and AirDrop transfers up to 80% faster. Safari can automatically group tabs and track page changes, such as price drops or items returning to stock. Passwords can flag weak passwords and update them, while Shortcuts can build automations from plain-language prompts.

watchOS 27 adds Siri AI, Dynamic App Grid, a single-tap gesture for Smart Stack, Workout Buddy improvements and menopause and perimenopause support in cycle tracking. In macOS 27 Golden Gate, Siri AI is integrated into Spotlight and can analyze on-screen content, assist with text and handle tasks. iPadOS 27 includes iOS 27 features, Visual Intelligence with Apple Pencil and faster file transfers between iPad and external SSDs.