Katarzyna Petru
Although iOS 26 has only just reached users, Apple is already working intensively on the next generation of its system. According to the latest report from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, iOS 27 is expected to bring “major updates” as part of Apple Intelligence – a set of AI features embedded in Apple systems.
iOS 26.4 will not be overlooked either
However, before we reach next year's "seventh version", we have yet to experience iOS 26.4 this spring, which – if the reports are to be believed – is set to be a huge step forward in the context of artificial intelligence. It is this version that is expected to introduce "supercharged Siri", the long-awaited set of changes initially announced at the launch of iOS 18.
Apple announces that with iOS 26.4, we will receive not only the three main Siri functions that were discussed back in 2024, but also new tools and extensions that will make the assistant a much 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 expected to be linked to a significant update of Apple Intelligence and the company's "broader AI strategy." Although the details are not yet known, the fact that the journalist uses the term “major updates” suggests something more than cosmetic fixes.
However, it is difficult to expect that Apple will change its approach to privacy – the company has consistently prioritised on-device data processing rather than in the cloud from the beginning. However, it is possible that the way AI integrates with system applications might change or that it will expand collaboration with partners, as it did previously with OpenAI.
scepticism among users
However, there was a tone of caution 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 with that – Apple has maintained an exceptionally closed and cautious communication model for years, and most leaks are still unconfirmed speculations.
What can we expect in iOS 27?
At this moment, we can only speculate. If Apple maintains the pace set with iOS 26, which introduced over 20 new features of Apple Intelligence, then iOS 27 may bring:
better context understanding by Siri and other applications,
content personalisation in iMessage, Mail, and Notes using AI,
local creation of images and texts (without sending data to the cloud),
enhanced creative tools – e.g., photo and video editing using Apple Intelligence.
Two Major Stages of AI Development in 2026
If everything goes according to plan, iPhone users will see two major waves of AI innovation:
iOS 26.4 (spring 2026) – new Siri and the first extensions 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 a key pillar of the entire ecosystem.
The only question is – will the company actually show something this time that will make Siri stop being a symbol of untapped potential?
