Apple’s next major iPhone software update, iOS 27, will highlight two central goals: quality improvements and new artificial intelligence features, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
The update follows last year’s design-heavy iOS 26 and mirrors Apple’s 2009 release of Snow Leopard, which centered on stability, cleanup, and performance instead of adding major new features. Apple is applying a similar approach to refine its platforms after several cycles of feature expansion.
Addressing Existing Issues
Although iOS 26 arrived without significant delays, many users have reported issues such as overheating, battery drain, interface glitches, keyboard failures, connectivity problems, app crashes, and general sluggishness in system animations.
With iOS 27, engineering teams are reviewing system components, removing outdated code, eliminating bugs, and targeting overall performance gains. Apple views this quality-focused cycle as groundwork for future devices, including foldable iPhones.
Interface Adjustments
While the update’s primary emphasis is on core improvements, iOS 27 is expected to include subtle refinements to the interface introduced in iOS 26. Apple has already begun making adjustments—such as new options to customize the lock screen clock’s glass styling and tint levels—and more minor visual and usability tweaks are expected.
AI Upgrades Across the System
iOS 27 will introduce several new AI capabilities. Apple is preparing a rebuilt version of Siri, with the first phase scheduled for iOS 26.4, and is expanding Apple Intelligence features into more apps.
The update will also include a health-focused AI agent tied to a planned Health+ subscription and enhancements to Apple’s AI-powered web search, designed to compete with services like ChatGPT and Perplexity. Internally, Apple is testing a text-based chatbot app called Veritas, which supports the redesigned Siri architecture rather than serving as a standalone consumer product.
AI development spans multiple teams, including those led by Sebastien Marineau, vice president of intelligent system experience, and Mike Rockwell, who is guiding the Siri overhaul. Apple has also partnered with Google to integrate Gemini technologies into its Apple Foundation Models.
Outlook
With a mix of Snow Leopard-style cleanup and significant AI expansion, iOS 27 is shaping up as a foundational release for 2026. The focus on stability, performance, and deeper intelligence features extends across Apple’s wider software lineup, including macOS 27, positioning the updates to support new hardware categories and long-term platform changes.