Apple has released the second public betas of iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, allowing anyone with a compatible device to download and test the new software. This second beta comes one week after the first public beta, marking progress toward the official fall release.
How to install the public beta and which devices are supported
Users can get started by signing up on Apple's beta website, then opting in from Settings. Navigate to Settings, General, Software Update and select the iOS 27 or iPadOS 27 Public Beta option. Note that some features, especially those relying on Apple Intelligence, require an iPhone or iPad with an A17 Pro chip or later, or M1 and later. However, many system and performance improvements are available on older devices as well.
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Siri AI becomes a conversational assistant similar to Claude and ChatGPT
The headline feature of iOS 27 is Siri AI, a much more capable version of the virtual assistant. Siri AI can search the web, access personal information, see what's on your screen, and take actions within and across apps. Unlike previous versions, Siri AI works more like Claude or ChatGPT, with a dedicated app for back-and-forth conversations. Users with devices supporting Apple Intelligence can also generate text or refine writing through the "Write with Siri" feature.
Updated Liquid Glass design and new AI features in native apps
Apple has refined the Liquid Glass design introduced last year, adding a slider to adjust transparency and improving its look. Several native apps gain AI enhancements: Visual Intelligence moves to the Camera app with new capabilities such as getting nutritional information from a meal or splitting a bill. The Photos app introduces AI photo editing tools, Safari can automatically organize tabs, and users can create Shortcuts and Safari extensions using natural language commands.
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AirPods, Home, and parental controls: updates across the ecosystem
AirPods gain a custom equalizer, the Home app now supports 4K video cameras, and Apple has added new child safety controls for parents. These updates reflect Apple's commitment to a more integrated and secure ecosystem.
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Performance improvements across all iPhone and iPad models
Apple has made dozens of performance optimizations. Apps launch faster, AirDrop transfers are quicker, the keyboard loads faster, and the entire user experience feels snappier even on older iPhones. These improvements stem from fine-tuning at the kernel and memory management level.
For further reading, check our article on OpenAI's Presence platform to see how enterprise AI is evolving. The new Siri AI also ties into team-based AI adoption, as discussed in Atlassian's approach to AI. For official details on iOS 27 features, visit Apple's preview page.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/22/apple-seeds-ios-27-public-beta-2
