Apple Launches iOS 27 with Rebuilt Siri AI Assistant

Apple Inc. launched iOS 27, introducing over 200 enhancements focused on artificial intelligence and user personalization. The update features a major overhaul of Siri with natural-sounding voices and system-wide integration, as well as AI-driven tools for the Camera and Photos apps, including nutrition recognition and advanced cleanup tools. Other updates include Liquid Glass appearance settings and specialized health tracking for menopause and premenopause.

During a press roundtable at WWDC, Siri platform leader Mike Rockwell explained that the company originally developed an incremental version of the assistant that added tool calling. However, Apple scrapped that version after determining it did not meet the company's vision. This decision led to a two-year delay and a complete reconstruction of the assistant using Apple Intelligence Foundational Models to create a natively multimodal Siri.

Despite the broad launch, some features remain in development, including a customizable Camera app interface and Siri AI extensions for third-party large language models. These omissions are linked to internal testing and alignment with future iPhone 18 Pro hardware. Additionally, the company confirmed that Siri AI will not be initially available in the European Union due to compliance requirements with the Digital Markets Act regarding privacy and data security.