The upcoming iOS 27 update, expected in September, goes far beyond bug fixes. While Apple has focused on refining its flagship operating system, the new features are substantial and exciting. Developer beta is already out, with a public beta arriving this month. Among the highlights are a revamped context-aware Siri and a major upgrade to Image Playground that finally delivers photorealistic images.
Siri becomes context-aware with a new camera mode
One of the most innovative additions is the Siri camera mode. Available as a new shooting mode, it uses Visual Intelligence to identify objects, plants, animals, and food. Pointing at a dish, Siri can provide nutritional information and calories. You can also snap a photo of an event flyer to add a date to Calendar, translate text, or split a bill. This marks a huge step forward for Apple's voice assistant, making it much more contextual and proactive.
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Image Playground breaks limits with photorealistic generation
Until iOS 26, Image Playground was considered a weak point, limited to cute re-renderings and illustrations. With iOS 27, Apple introduced a new generative model running on Private Cloud Compute capable of producing high-quality images in any style, including photorealistic output for the first time. Every AI-generated image carries a hidden SynthID watermark. The app now also supports photo editing, not just creation.
Lock screen gets a more customizable compact clock
For those who prefer a cleaner wallpaper display, iOS 27 offers a new compact clock mode. The time moves from its traditional large, centered position to a smaller format alongside the date and widgets at the top. It is the opposite of the stretched clock effect introduced in iOS 26, allowing the wallpaper to stand out more.
Safari automatically organizes tabs by topic
Safari uses Apple Intelligence to group open tabs into topic-based collections. If you are shopping for a refrigerator while planning a vacation, Safari creates separate groups for each activity. Enable "Automatically Create Topics" in Tab View to use the feature.
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Inline reply to messages from Android users
Finally, in the Messages app, you can inline reply to any message, including from Android users (green bubbles). Just long-press a specific message and tap Reply. In iOS 26, this was limited to iMessage conversations.
Wallet passes get upgraded with new layouts
The redesigned pass experience, introduced for boarding passes in iOS 26, now extends to membership, gift, loyalty, and rewards cards. The new Poster Generic layout features a background image, logo, customizable fields, and up to two quick actions, like getting directions or checking points balance.
Reminders and Calendar accept natural language
In the Reminders app, you can type phrases like "Pick up Dad at 6 p.m. tonight" and Apple Intelligence automatically extracts date, time, and location. The Calendar also recognizes people, dates, and places as you type, suggesting to add details with a tap.
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Shortcuts describable in words
Creating automations becomes easier: in the Shortcuts app, tap New Shortcut and describe what you want. The AI assembles the appropriate actions, from a single operation to complex sequences. Shortcuts can be triggered by time, location, app activity, and more.
Photos extended with AI
A new "Extend" option in Photos and Lock Screen uses Apple Intelligence to automatically expand an image beyond its original borders, filling empty space with coherent details. No need for aggressive cropping.
Maps Flyover enhanced with realistic textures
Apple has improved the Flyover feature in Maps with AI models that add greater texture and detail to aerial imagery. Trees, buildings, and landmarks appear more realistic, with accurate geometry and improved lighting. The update makes selected cities even more lifelike.
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Liquid Glass opacity adjustable in Settings
If the Liquid Glass effect introduced in iOS 26 was not to your liking, you can now adjust its opacity. In Settings > Appearance > Liquid Glass, a slider lets you switch from a transparent version to a more opaque one, improving text legibility.
To make the most of the new productivity features, integrating tools like Google Meet for professional meetings can be beneficial, as detailed in our setup guide. According to MacRumors, iOS 27 represents a substantial update combining artificial intelligence with system refinement.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/03/new-things-iphone-can-do-ios-27
