iOS 27
Overview
iOS 27 is the next major version of the mobile operating system for iPhone being developed by Apple. After Apple announced iOS 26 at WWDC 2025 and switched to a "year-based naming system," iOS 27 is the version expected to be released in 2026, corresponding to the 2026–2027 season. The official announcement is typically made at WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) in June, and the pattern of official distribution beginning alongside new iPhone models in September of the same year is expected to continue.
Key Details
Naming System and Background
At WWDC 2025, Apple introduced an approach of attaching the year in which the software is primarily used, rather than the conventional sequential numbering (e.g., iOS 18 → iOS 19), and announced iOS 26. This is an approach similar to model-year designation in the automobile industry, intended to reduce version confusion by applying the same year number across the entire Apple ecosystem (macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, visionOS, tvOS). Accordingly, iOS 27 is a version released in 2026, but it bears the name "27" because most of its actual period of use falls in 2027.
Development Timeline
- WWDC 2026 (expected June): First unveiling and developer beta distribution
- July–August 2026: Public beta program in operation
- September 2026: Official release (RC build), distributed simultaneously with new iPhone models
- Second half of 2026–2027: Minor updates focused on added features and security patches (iOS 27.1, 27.2, etc.)
Expected Key Features
Because Apple does not officially confirm new features until the announcement, the detailed features of iOS 27 are mostly based on rumors and industry analysis. However, considering the technological trends of 2025–2026, the following directions are expected.
1. Advanced on-device AI: Expansion of Apple Intelligence. Siri is expected to support more natural conversational responses and inter-app integration (App Intents), and to strengthen an on-device structure in which a significant portion of generative models is processed on the neural engine (NPU).
2. Strengthened privacy protection: As a follow-up to App Tracking Transparency (ATT), an expansion of the share of on-device processing and an expansion of the scope of application of Private Cloud Compute are expected.
3. Interface redesign: The translucent, fluid design language of the Liquid Glass family introduced in iOS 26 is expected to be refined, and the scope of customization for widgets, Control Center, and the Lock Screen may widen.
4. Productivity and continuity features: Strengthening of Continuity features between the iPhone and Mac, iPad, and Vision Pro, and expansion of satellite-communication-based emergency features.
5. Performance and power efficiency: Thermal and battery optimization through combination with new chips (A series), and improved background task scheduling.
Supported Devices
Apple typically excludes some older devices from the latest version. The exact support list for iOS 27 will be finalized at the time of announcement, but the industry observes that some older models among the devices supporting iOS 26 will be excluded. Generally, Apple discloses the list of supported devices at the same time as the announcement, and chipset generation and memory capacity serve as the main criteria.
Security and Privacy
Through annual security updates, Apple has expanded features such as Lockdown Mode, Passkeys, and Communication Safety. In iOS 27 as well, zero-day response systems, strengthened app sandboxing, and AI-based phishing and scam detection are expected to be discussed.
Latest Trends
As of 2024–2025, Apple is switching its naming system to a year-based one and accelerating its strategy of integrating generative AI throughout its operating systems. As Apple Intelligence was fully rolled out in iOS 26, the prevailing analysis is that iOS 27 will be the turning point that completes the transition to an "AI-native OS." In addition, changes in the regulatory environment (allowing alternative app marketplaces and payments under the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), rulings related to the App Store in the United States, etc.) are expected to directly affect the design of iOS 27, and Apple is highly likely to continue providing features differently by region. Meanwhile, the expansion of hardware-linked features such as satellite communication, ultra-wideband (UWB), and indoor positioning is also a key point of interest. As of 2025, iOS 27 has not yet been officially announced, so its specific features will be confirmed at WWDC 2026.
Related Topics
- [[iOS 26]]
- [[Apple]]
- [[iPhone]]
- [[Apple Intelligence]]
- [[WWDC]]
- [[Android]]