IOS 27 Siri overhaul is shaping up to be Apple's most aggressive push into everyday AI on the iPhone so far.
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 at WWDC 2026 on 8 June, ahead of a wider rollout in September alongside the new iPhone lineup.
The iOS 27 Siri overhaul will turn the long-criticised assistant into a full chatbot, designed to rival services such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini. A dedicated Siri app with an iMessage-style interface is planned, supporting text and voice, persistent conversations and searchable chat history.
A new system-wide "Search or Ask" bar will sit at the top of iOS 27, letting users either search the device or talk directly to Siri and other AI models from one place. When activated, Siri responses will appear in a dark, card-style view linked to the Dynamic Island, with quick access to context such as weather, notes and calendar events.
Beyond the core iOS 27 Siri overhaul, Apple is expanding its Apple Intelligence platform across the system. The company is testing more capable image-generation models, promising sharper Genmoji, more realistic Image Playground results and a new AI wallpaper generator built into the wallpaper picker. Photos will gain AI tools such as Extend, Enhance and Reframe for generative fill-style editing, automatic adjustments and spatial image reframing, although some of these may initially ship in beta.
Crucially, iOS 27 will open up to rival AI providers through Siri Extensions, allowing services like Gemini and Claude to plug into Siri and Apple Intelligence features. Users will be able to pick their preferred chatbot for Writing Tools, image generation and even alternative voices, with a dedicated Extensions section expected in the App Store.
The Camera app is set for its biggest redesign in years, with iOS 27 introducing a customisable interface where users can reposition controls such as flash, exposure and resolution, and switch between a default and pro-style layout. A new Siri mode within the Camera app will surface "Visual Intelligence" capabilities, including scanning nutrition labels into the Health app and reading business cards into Contacts.
Apple also plans a cleaner, more functional AirPods settings panel and support for third-party casting protocols such as Google Cast, in response to EU digital market rules. Accessibility will see a major lift as Apple Intelligence powers features such as richer VoiceOver image descriptions, on-device subtitles and enhanced Magnifier tools, all expected as part of the iOS 27 cycle.
Leaks suggest iOS 27 will support iPhone 12 and newer models, including the upcoming iPhone 18 range and the first iPhone Fold, while dropping the iPhone 11 line and second-generation iPhone SE. Many of the most advanced Apple Intelligence and iOS 27 Siri overhaul features are likely to require at least an iPhone 15 Pro, reflecting the heavy on-device processing involved.
If Apple delivers on these leaks, iOS 27 will mark a turning point: Siri shifting from scripted helper to central AI hub, third-party models gaining first-class status, and everyday apps like Camera, Photos and Wallet quietly woven into an intelligence layer that runs across the system. For iPhone owners, the real test will come later this year when the iOS 27 Siri overhaul and Apple's broader AI ambitions move from keynote slides to daily use.