BERLIN: Apple is bringing several new features to the iPhone with iOS 27, with a focus on additional AI functions and strengthened child and youth protection.
The update is available from Sept 14 for models from the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE second generation onwards. AI features may, as in the past, only run on models from the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 onwards.
New AI tools
The new AI tools include the ability to reframe, enlarge or remove larger distracting objects from photos after the fact. With Image Playground, users can also create images in different styles and modify them using a text description.
The Messages and Mail apps will suggest relevant actions depending on the conversation context – for example, creating an appointment or saving content.
During a phone call, relevant information from other apps can be displayed, such as a booking number from an email.
Automating tasks in the Shortcuts app is also easier. The shortcuts required for this can be created using a simple text description – for example: "Send Pedro a message with my approximate arrival time as soon as I'm driving home from work."
Apple also plans to add a security feature to iOS 27 at a later date: the Passwords app will warn users about weak or compromised passwords, which can then be changed with a single tap.
Safari features
The Safari browser can automatically group open tabs by topic, making it easier to find related web pages.
A new monitoring feature – called "Notify Me" – also informs users about changes on websites, such as falling prices or availability, ranging from concert tickets to mobile air-conditioning units.
Parenting help
Parents can now specify which system applications children are allowed to use when setting up parental controls (Screen Time).
For all other apps, there is an "Ask to Buy" feature, which children use to obtain permission to buy and install apps and content.
A new "Browse Request" feature also requires children to obtain permission before accessing new websites.
The Communication Safety feature, which previously blocked content containing nudity, has been expanded. Parents can now also set it to prevent images and videos containing violent or graphic content from being displayed.
The Screen Time function has been improved for setting app usage times and schedules, and the overview of average device usage and most-used apps has been revised.
Design tweaks
The Liquid Glass interface now offers better contrast and more even illumination, which is intended to improve readability. A new slider controls the level of transparency, allowing users to adjust how Liquid Glass looks – from ultra-clear to fully tinted.
App icons have also received a minor refresh and are said to appear sharper and more detailed.
And other features
Shared iCloud albums now support cross-platform photo sharing – including for users of Android smartphones and Windows computers.
A customisable equaliser is now available for AirPods, allowing users to adjust treble, mid-range and bass individually.
Automatic switching between WiFi and mobile data is said to work significantly more reliably and seamlessly.
The Mail app's search ranking system has been revised so that search results are more relevant overall and the best matches appear at the very top.
Further improvements have been made to accessibility features, the Health app, the 3D map view (Flyover), the Home app and connectivity with fitness equipment via a new GymKit app.
To actively initiate the download and installation of iOS 27, open Settings/General/Software Update, select the update, tap "Download and Install" and follow the instructions. The system will usually also prompt the user to upgrade once it is available.
iOS 27 is available for all iPhones from the iPhone SE 2 (2020) and iPhone 11 (2019) onwards. – dpa
