Apple introduces systemwide dictation

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(NEXSTAR) – It’s that time of year again. Apple is hosting its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, unveiling what is ahead for its tech. That includes its next major software update, iOS 27.

Apple broke from its numerical tradition last year , jumping from iOS 18 to iOS 26 to more closely align with its launch year, and will continue that pattern this year.

What are some new features in iOS 27?

Also similar to last year, AI — in this case, Apple Intelligence — is a focal point for the next major iOS update. That includes a “new Siri AI,” with its own app, according to Apple . Siri will be “an even more capable AI assistant with expanded intelligence to be more helpful every day” as part of the update.

You’ll find new AI editing tools for your photos, too, and will be able to use your Camera to perform a visual search, with Siri’s help ( a similar feature already exists ). While on a call, “Call Context” will find “relevant information from across your apps,” like a flight confirmation code while calling an airline, Apple explains.

People attend the annual World Wide Developers Conference at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, on Monday, June 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

There’s also an emphasis on security, including child safety features to control which apps your child has access to, limit “time allowances” on apps, and approve new websites via text before they are opened. Another feature, Communication Safety, aims to “protect children from viewing or sharing nudity in Messages, FaceTime, and more.”

“It now also intervenes before children see gore or violence in shared images and videos,” according to Apple.

If you were never a fan of Liquid Glass , you can expect an update to that as well. A new slider will be available through iOS 27 , allowing you to adjust the glassiness of elements to enhance readability. The new update will also make app launches and AirDrop transfers faster.

Which devices can — and cannot — get iOS 27?

Simply, if your iPhone has iOS 26, you’ll be able to get iOS 27. There are some differences with other devices, however.

First, these devices will be eligible for iOS 27:

iPhone 11 models and newer

iPhone SE, 2nd generation and later

iPad Pro (M4 and later), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation and later), iPad Air 13-inch (M2 and later), iPad Air 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4), iPad Air 11-inch (4th generation and later), iPad (A16), iPad (9th generation and later), iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad mini (6th generation and later)

Watch SE 3, Watch Series 10 and 11, and Watch Ultra 2 and 3

Notably, some older iPad models that got iOS 26 will not be eligible for iOS 27. That includes 3rd generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch, 1st generation iPad Pro 11-inch, 3rd generation iPad Air, 8th generation iPad, and 5th generation iPad mini. Many older Apple Watches will also no longer receive the next iOS update.

Not sure which device you have? On iPhone, open the Settings app, then go to General, and About. Apple offers steps on identifying iPads using the model number.

When will iOS 27 be available?

As it usually does, Apple did not give a specific launch date for iOS 27 on Monday. Instead, it vaguely announced that the new features will be available in fall. If it’s like previous updates, however, iOS 27 will likely be available in September.

If you participate in the Apple Developer Program , you can test these features now. If you’re in the Apple Beta Software Program , you’ll be able to experience a public beta version of iOS 26 next month, according to Apple.

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