Apple has previewed iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).
Both updates are available to developers now. Apple will release an open beta next month, followed by a public rollout this fall.
The main highlight of the event was Siri AI and Apple Intelligence, but there were plenty of new updates with iOS 27, besides the AI.
Liquid Glass Changes
Apple is making design changes to Liquid Glass.
The update adds a slider that lets users choose how much transparency they want. Apple also says it has updated the interface with more uniform refraction and improved contrast.
App icons are also expected to look sharper and more detailed.
Performance Improvements
Apple says iOS 27 will bring several performance improvements.
App launches will be up to 30% faster. New photos will load in the library up to 70% faster, while AirDrop transfers will be up to 80% faster.
The update will also bring smoother transitions between WiFi and cellular data. Apple has also added a newly optimized CPU scheduler to improve system smoothness.
Mail and VoiceOver
The Mail app is getting a new search ranking system that brings the most relevant results to the top.
VoiceOver is also getting new features for understanding the user’s surroundings. It will provide richer image descriptions and work with the Action button.
VoiceOver can also automatically generate synced subtitles for any video. It can also translate existing captions in other languages.
Shared Albums and Maps
iCloud Shared Albums will now allow friends and family using Android and Windows devices to join and add their own photos.
Shared Albums will also support full-resolution sharing.
The Maps app is getting an enhanced Flyover mode.
GymKit
GymKit is coming to the iPhone and AirPods Pro 3. The feature will allow users to connect to compatible gym equipment.
iPadOS 27
iPadOS 27 will let users play any set of photos and videos as a slideshow.
Users will be able to set the duration, transition style, and music. They will also be able to save the slideshow as a video to their library.
Missed message notifications and unread counts will sync faster and more reliably on iPad.
Users will also be able to add and edit calendar events by describing them.
Apple says browsing and transferring files from an iPad to an external drive will be up to five times faster in iPadOS 27.
