Apple iOS 27 » Preview of 5 new features, users can also choose Gemini, Claude?

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

Latest leaks on Apple iOS 27 new features roundup

Apple is expected to unveil the next-generation operating system iOS 27 at its June conference this year, and release it in September alongside the next-generation iPhone.

According to the information currently leaked by major media outlets, iOS 27 will deliver multiple major upgrades, including an operating interface built specifically for the first foldable iPhone, a fully evolved chatbot-style version of Siri, as well as large-scale optimizations to the system’s underlying performance. There are also reports that iOS 27 will allow users to freely choose the third-party AI models they want, bringing users a more flexible generative AI experience.

Preview of major features leaked for Apple iOS 27

Feature 1: Let users choose third-party AI models

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

Users can configure the Settings app to select third-party AI models to power Apple Intelligence features such as Siri, writing tools, and image play areas. Third-party AI providers can join the support lineup 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 Siri driven by different AI models can also be further configured with different voices.

Feature 2: New chatbot-style Siri and dedicated app

According to the well-known Apple leak site MacRumors, Apple plans to upgrade Siri into a full chatbot, and launch a dedicated Siri app. It will support text and voice conversations, and is also planning 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 capabilities, and be able to perform deep integration operations across apps. Siri will also replace the existing Spotlight search function and introduce an all-new glowing visual design in Dynamic Island.

Feature 3: Dedicated interface support for the first foldable iPhone

Rumors say Apple plans to launch its first foldable iPhone in September, and iOS 27 will also be specially optimized for a large screen. According to MacRumors, this foldable iPhone clamshell model will have a 5.5-inch display, expanding to 7.8 inches when unfolded.

For the first time, iOS 27 will introduce multitasking features for iPhone. In the unfolded state, it can support two apps displayed side by side, and many built-in apps will also adopt a sidebar design, delivering an iPad-like user experience.

Feature 4: Camera adds Siri mode and visual intelligence features

According to MacRumors, the Camera app in iOS 27 is expected to add a standalone Siri mode.

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

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

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

According to MacRumors leaks, in iOS 27 the Photos app will add an Apple Intelligence tool section within the editing interface.

This area will provide three major functions, including AI-generated extension capabilities that expand scenes beyond the original photo’s framing, enhancement features that can automatically adjust color and lighting, and a re-composition feature designed specifically for spatial photos—allowing users to freely change the image viewing angle even after taking the photo.

Devices supported by iOS 27: possibly dropping iPhone 11, and the second-generation SE

iOS 27 is also expected to be an update focused on optimizing the system’s underlying layer. MacRumors notes that Apple will remove outdated code to improve execution speed and battery life.

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

iOS 27 may be Cook’s last major system update on the job

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

Cook will officially step down on September 1, 2026, and move to become Executive Chairman of the Board. He will then hand the baton to John Ternus, the Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, who is currently 50 years old.

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

Apple is expected to see 14% to 17% sales growth in the third quarter of 2026, and the company’s future development strategy will continue to be closely watched by the market.

Further reading:
Apple! Cook steps down—who is John Ternus, the new CEO? Can he continue Apple’s profit myth?

First interview after Buffett retired! Buffett: There’s currently nothing really worth buying in the stock market; Apple was sold too early