iOS 27 has the potential to bring about five significant changes that will transform your experience with the iPhone.

      Apple is said to be considering a significant hardware transition in 2027. The company is rumored to unveil an affordable MacBook powered by a smartphone chip, as well as its first foldable iPhone. Additionally, there may be a shift in the launch schedule for the mainline iPhones, separating them from the usual Fall release timeline.

      While these developments are exciting to watch, Apple's focus will likely be on making a significant software shift, especially regarding AI initiatives on its mobile devices. This change will probably be driven by iOS 27.

      Currently, speculation suggests an upgrade to Siri that may finally propel Apple into the realm of generative AI, following the path set by Gemini’s integration across Android. However, iOS 27 is expected to serve as a platform for numerous other enhancements as well.

      Bloomberg has forecasted that the upcoming major iOS update might adopt a strategy reminiscent of Mac OS X Snow Leopard from 2009, concentrating more on improvements and refinements rather than flashy new features. While this may sound a bit underwhelming, Apple has reportedly been working on some innovations that could significantly enhance the iPhone experience next year.

      A new app experience

      Toward the end of 2025, Apple revealed a framework for developers introduced with iOS 26 and its updates. Essentially, this framework allows developers to integrate AI functionalities within their apps. This doesn't involve adding third-party AI chatbots but focuses on an AI model that operates entirely on-device.

      According to Apple, “The Foundation Models framework enables developers to craft new intelligent features that prioritize user privacy and work offline, utilizing cost-free AI inference.” Here’s the exciting part:

      Apple is allegedly planning to implement a custom Gemini framework to enhance Siri. If the current implementation on Android devices serves as an indicator, Siri may be able to perform app actions without requiring the apps to be opened first. Gemini already does this with Google's own apps and some third-party applications such as WhatsApp.

      For Apple, the necessary groundwork is already in place. The “Use model” function in the Shortcuts app allows users to choose between on-device processing, Apple’s cloud services, and ChatGPT for AI-powered tasks. With the anticipated Siri redesign, the assistant is expected to independently manage cross-app actions.

      Furthermore, if the new ChatGPT app store and AI browser shortcuts are any indication, Siri could emerge as the central hub for completing tasks across various apps using voice or text commands. The infrastructure of Apple’s smartphones has been prepared for such advanced AI functionalities since the release of the iPhone 15 Pro, and iOS 27 could potentially turn ambitious concepts into reality.

      Siri redesign

      There are reports that Apple is considering a redesign for the Siri assistant. Currently, its approach seems somewhat inconsistent: activating Siri can be done by a long press on the power button or a double-tap on the navigation bar, while Visual Intelligence has its own activation method.

      In contrast, Gemini on Android offers a more cohesive and streamlined interaction experience. Whether using voice commands, live chats, or screen awareness, all can be triggered within a unified core UI. It's unclear how Apple intends to modify the existing Siri design, but it certainly could benefit from some simplification.

      A useful starting point could be to enhance Siri’s multi-modal AI abilities through dedicated widgets, similar to how Gemini actions can be placed on the iPhone’s lock screen. Siri might also gain from a system where it could launch apps or specific AI-driven Shortcuts using customized keywords.

      Apple Health+

      Apple's venture into health and fitness through wearables has proven to be lucrative. As the technology and market evolved, it led to the creation of its subscription service, Fitness+, coinciding with new sensor capabilities.

      With iOS 27, Apple might introduce an additional service tentatively named Health+.

      This new service is expected to be an AI-enhanced platform that will offer features like food logging, personalized coaching, and more. An AI-driven health advisor could play a central role. According to Bloomberg, “The service would be powered by a new AI agent that would replicate — at least to some extent — a real doctor.”

      The AI coach will reportedly gather data from Apple wearables and use it to provide tailored recommendations. The Apple Health+ service is also anticipated to include videos featuring experts in sleep, nutrition, physical therapy, mental health, and cardiology.

      An AI-powered search tool

      Bloomberg has indicated that a comprehensive search tool is in development for iOS. This system will allow users to search through files and other content on their devices, while also retrieving information from the web.

      “Apple’s new search experience will utilize an interface incorporating text, photos, videos, and local points of interest. It will also include an AI-powered summarization feature designed to make results more easily digestible and accurate compared to the existing Siri,” the report states.

      The universal search system is expected to evoke familiarity with the Spotlight enhancements introduced in macOS Tahoe. If it can incorporate