Apple has launched the first public beta for iOS 27, alongside public betas for iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, macOS 27, and tvOS 27. The stable release is slated for this fall. Interested users can enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program to install version 27 on their devices.

Compatibility for iPhones remains consistent; any device running iOS 26 can run iOS 27, including the iPhone 11 and newer models, as well as the iPhone SE (2020) and later. iOS 27 introduces a polished "Liquid Glass" design, promising significant performance improvements: app startup times are reduced by 30%, Photos library loading by 70%, and AirDrop transfers by 80%. Network transitions between Wi-Fi and 5G have also been optimized.

The standout feature is Siri AI, enabling natural language commands for various actions and searches, accessible via a new dedicated Siri app. However, AI features will be restricted within the EU due to ongoing regulatory discussions. While the public beta offers an early look, users should be aware of potential bugs and consider waiting for the stable release. Notably, macOS 27 is exclusive to Apple Silicon models, dropping support for Intel-based Macs, and several older iPad models have been excluded from iPadOS 27.