Apple releases public betas of iOS 27, macOS 27, and watchOS 27

Step-by-Step Installation on iPhone

To download the betas to iPhones, Macs, or Apple Watches, users must first register with Apple on a special page. The download can only take place after registering and specifying the desired devices on which the beta is to be installed. Once the Apple account is set up, users can go to System Settings under "General" in the Software Update section to specify whether beta versions should also be displayed.

Then, in your iPhone's Settings, navigate to "General" > "Software Update" > "Beta Updates." There, you can select the "iOS 27 Public Beta." Next, navigate back to "Software Update," where you can now choose "Update Now." The new version will then be installed on the device.

What's New in iOS 27

One of the biggest new features in iOS 27 is the new voice assistant Siri AI. Among other things, Siri AI recognizes screen content and is said to be significantly smarter than the previous Siri. However, Siri AI is not initially available on iPhones in the European Union. According to Apple, Siri AI will initially only be available in a limited English version for macOS 27.

In addition to Siri AI, iOS 27 offers improved controls for Liquid Glass, Apple's semi-transparent user interface. A slider in iOS 27 allows for more precise adjustment of transparency to personal preferences. iOS 27 is also said to run better on older iPhones.

Apple also promises significant speed improvements: apps are said to open up to 30 percent faster, photos are to load up to 70 percent faster into the photo library, and AirDrop transfers are to be accelerated by 80 percent.

In Safari, tabs can now also be grouped by topic to help you keep track. Additionally, you can use the "Message to Me" feature to be automatically informed about updates such as price changes on websites.

For watchOS 27, the update must be performed from an iPhone running the iOS 27 beta via the Watch app. The Liquid Glass design also receives some updates, including stronger contrasts for improved readability.

Supported Devices and Other Systems

iOS 27 is supported on a wide range of iPhones. These include the iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 17e, as well as numerous models from the iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, and iPhone 11 series, and the iPhone SE (2nd generation).

In addition to the test versions for iPhones, those for iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and watchOS 27 have also been made available. Those who are already registered can click "Sign In" and begin the download immediately.