Apple is rolling out the first public betas of iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 today, opening early access to anyone with a compatible device to try the major changes — most notably the system-wide integration of AI across native apps and features.
How to join the public beta
– Enroll at Apple’s public beta site (beta.apple.com).
– On the device you want to test, go to Settings > General > Software Update and select the iOS 27 or iPadOS 27 Public Beta option.
Note: today’s public build is identical to the third developer beta. Apple has also released a revised third developer beta of iPadOS 27.
iOS 27: rethought Siri and system-wide AI
The headline feature of iOS 27 is “Siri AI,” a far more capable Siri that can perform web searches, access personal data (with permission), analyze on-screen content, and act inside and across apps. Siri AI is conversational — closer to assistants like Claude or ChatGPT — and includes a dedicated app for extended interactions. Using Siri AI requires a device that supports Apple Intelligence.
Several Visual Intelligence features are also migrating into the Camera app, including meal nutrition recognition, bill-splitting assistance, and other contextual tools. iOS 27 also introduces “Write with Siri,” which lets the assistant generate or improve text on your behalf.
Redesigned visuals, photo and browsing updates
The Liquid Glass design introduced last year receives aesthetic and ergonomic tweaks, including a new slider to adjust transparency levels. Photos gains AI-backed editing tools for more automated retouching and transformations. Safari adds automatic tab organization and the ability to create Shortcuts or Safari extensions via natural-language commands.
Practical additions and performance improvements
iOS 27 includes several hardware- and usability-focused updates: personalized equalizer settings for AirPods, 4K camera support in the Home app, and new parental controls for child safety. Apple also reports dozens of general performance optimizations — faster app launches, quicker AirDrop transfers, and faster keyboard loading — with noticeable improvements even on older iPhones.
For developers and a word of caution
The parity between the public beta and the third developer beta simplifies testing and feedback ahead of the final release. As with any beta software, back up your data before installing: public betas provide an early look at new features but may contain instabilities.
For readers who want a deeper dive, dedicated coverage outlines the full list of iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 changes and hardware requirements.
