Katarzyna Petru
Though iOS 26 has just landed in the hands of users, Apple is already hard at work on the next generation of its system. According to the latest report from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, iOS 27 is set to deliver “major updates” as part of Apple Intelligence – a suite of AI features integrated into Apple systems.
iOS 26.4 won't be skipped either
Before we get to next year's “seventh”, this spring we can expect iOS 26.4, which – if the reports are to be believed – is set to be a massive leap forward in the realm of artificial intelligence. This version is expected to introduce “supercharged Siri”, which is the long-awaited set of changes that were originally announced at the launch of iOS 18.
Apple promises that with iOS 26.4, we will get not only the three main Siri features that were mentioned back in 2024, but also new tools and extensions that will make the assistant a significantly more contextual and proactive tool.
iOS 27: the next chapter of Apple Intelligence
According to Gurman, Apple will showcase iOS 27, macOS 27 and watchOS 27 during WWDC 2026. Each of these systems is set to be linked to a major update of Apple Intelligence and the company’s “broader AI strategy.” While details are not yet known, the fact that the journalist uses the term “major updates” suggests something more than cosmetic fixes.
However, it’s hard to expect Apple to change its approach to privacy – the company has consistently focused on on-device data processing rather than in the cloud. It is possible, however, that the integration of AI with system applications will change or that it will expand partnerships, as it did previously with OpenAI.
scepticism among users
However, a tone of caution emerged in the comments under the 9to5Mac article.
One commenter wrote:
"We'll believe it when we actually see it on our iPhones. For now, it’s just hot air."
And it's hard to disagree – Apple has maintained an exceptionally closed and cautious communication model for years, and most leaks are still unverified speculations.
What can we expect in iOS 27?
At this moment, we can only speculate. If Apple maintains the pace set by iOS 26, which introduced over 20 new Apple Intelligence features, then iOS 27 may bring:
better context understanding by Siri and other apps,
content personalisation in iMessage, Mail, and Notes using AI,
local creation of images and texts (without sending data to the cloud),
expanded creative tools – for example, photo and video editing using Apple Intelligence.
Two Major Stages of AI Development in 2026
If all goes to plan, iPhone users will see two big waves of AI innovation:
iOS 26.4 (spring 2026) – new Siri and the first expansions of Apple Intelligence,
iOS 27 (autumn 2026) – full integration and new directions for AI development in the Apple ecosystem
Apple is clearly entering a stage where AI will no longer be an addition, but rather a key pillar of the entire ecosystem.
The question is – will the company actually show something this time that will prevent Siri from being a symbol of untapped potential?
