Apple iOS 27: Exclusive early look at 5 new features—can users also choose Gemini or Claude?

According to a comprehensive report from Bloomberg and other foreign media leaks, Apple’s upcoming iOS 27 will bring five major new features: opening up third-party AI models for user selection, an upgraded version of Siri, support for foldable iPhone interfaces and photo AI tools, and other updates.

Latest leaks on Apple iOS 27 features roundup

Apple is expected to unveil a new generation of operating system, iOS 27, at this year’s June conference, and release it in September alongside the new generation of iPhones.

Based on information currently leaked by major media outlets, iOS 27 will bring multiple major upgrades, including an operating interface specifically designed for the first foldable iPhone, a fully evolved chatbot-style version of Siri, as well as large-scale optimizations to performance at the system level. There are also reports that iOS 27 will let users freely choose the third-party AI models they want, giving users a more flexible generative AI experience.

First look at leaked main features of Apple iOS 27

Feature 1: Open up to let users choose third-party AI models

Bloomberg’s latest report says Apple will add a new feature called “Extensions” to iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27.

Users can, through the Settings app, choose third-party AI models to power Apple Intelligence features such as Siri, writing tools, and image playgrounds, and third-party AI providers can join the support list via the App Store.

Mark Gurman, a Bloomberg reporter who specializes in Apple product leaks, also revealed that Apple is internally testing models from Google and Anthropic, and that Siri driven by different AI models can further be configured with different voices.

Feature 2: New chatbot-style Siri and a dedicated app

According to the well-known Apple leak website MacRumors, Apple plans to upgrade Siri into a full chatbot, and launch a dedicated Siri app that supports text and voice conversations. Apple also plans to use custom AI models developed in collaboration with the Google Gemini team to power some of the new features.

The new Siri is expected to have personal context understanding and screen awareness, and it will be able to perform deep integration and operations across apps. Siri will also replace the current Spotlight search feature, and bring a brand-new glowing visual design in the Dynamic Island.

Feature 3: Dedicated interface support for the first foldable iPhone

It’s rumored that Apple will release its first foldable iPhone in September, and iOS 27 will also be specially optimized for a large-screen experience. MacRumors reports that this foldable iPhone clamshell will have a 5.5-inch screen, expanding to 7.8 inches when unfolded.

For the first time, iOS 27 will introduce multitasking features for iPhone. In unfolded mode, it will support two apps displayed side by side, and many built-in apps will also add a sidebar design, bringing an experience close to that of iPad.

Feature 4: Camera adds Siri mode and visual intelligence features

MacRumors reports that the iOS 27 Camera app is expected to include a standalone Siri mode.

This mode will integrate visual intelligence technology, allowing users to directly scan nutrition labels on food packaging and sync them to the Health app, or scan business cards and save the contact information directly to the contacts list.

For the Wallet app, visual intelligence can also extract information from physical event tickets or membership card details and generate digital versions.

Feature 5: Built-in AI editing tools in the Photos app

MacRumors reports that in the editing interface, the Photos app in iOS 27 will add an Apple Intelligence tools section.

This area will offer three major functions: including AI-generated extensions that expand the original outdoor scenery in photos, an enhancement feature that can automatically adjust color and lighting, and a re-composition feature specifically designed for spatial photos—so users can freely change the viewing perspective of images after taking them.

Devices supported by iOS 27: Possible phase-out of iPhone 11 and second-generation SE

iOS 27 is also expected to be focused on updates that optimize the system’s underlying layer. MacRumors notes that Apple will clean up outdated code to improve execution speed and battery life.

In terms of supported devices, iOS 27 is expected to drop support for the iPhone 11 series and the second-generation iPhone SE, and the supported lineup will cover iPhone 12 through iPhone 17 and iPhone Air models expected to be released in the fall of 2026.

iOS 27 might be Tim Cook’s final major system update

Apple’s impressive achievements over the past 15 years have largely been driven by current CEO Tim Cook, and iOS 27 may become the last major system update released during Cook’s tenure.

Cook will officially step down on September 1, 2026, and move into the role of Executive Chairman of the Board, handing over responsibilities to the 50-year-old Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus.

Ternus has a strong background in hardware engineering. After taking office, he will immediately face the major challenge of leading Apple in its AI transformation, and he will also need to sustain sales momentum for flagship products such as the foldable iPhone and iPhone 17.

Apple is expected to achieve sales growth of 14% to 17% in the third quarter of 2026, and the future development strategy will continue to draw attention from the market.

Further reading:
Apple Cook steps down! Who is John Ternus, the person who takes over as CEO? Can he continue Apple’s profit myth?

First interview after Buffett stepped down! Buffett: Right now, there’s not much worth buying in the stock market—Apple was sold too early