Apple rolls out second public beta of iOS 27 with Siri AI upgrades

MUMBAI: Apple is giving users another bite at the future, one beta update at a time. The tech giant has released the second public beta of iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, giving eligible iPhone and iPad users early access to its next-generation operating systems ahead of their official rollout later this year.

The latest beta focuses largely on stability improvements, bug fixes and performance refinements, incorporating feedback from earlier preview versions while continuing to build on the AI-powered features Apple unveiled for iOS 27.

At the centre of the update is a significantly enhanced Siri, powered by Apple Intelligence. The redesigned assistant is capable of understanding conversational context, handling multi-step requests and retrieving information across apps such as Mail, Messages, Notes, Calendar and Reminders without requiring users to repeat commands.

Apple has also broadened Siri’s integration with supported third-party applications, extending its role beyond the company’s own ecosystem.

Another major addition is Visual Intelligence within the Camera app. The feature can recognise information from physical objects such as event flyers and membership cards, enabling users to create calendar events or add passes directly to Apple Wallet.

The update also introduces expanded Screen Time controls, giving parents greater flexibility in managing children’s device usage. Users can now set app limits by category and apply customised schedules for different periods, including school hours, evenings and weekends.

Several everyday features have also received upgrades. The Messages app now supports background uploads for large files, while Photos introduces full-resolution shared albums, keyword tagging, star ratings, and support for contributions from Android and Windows devices.

Other enhancements include the ability to save individual video frames as photos, independent alarm volume controls, larger Home Screen widgets, a built-in equaliser for compatible AirPods, direct support for GymKit-enabled fitness equipment and improvements to HomeKit Secure Video.

Users can access the update by enrolling in Apple’s Beta Software Program and installing it through the Software Update section in Settings. Apple advises users to back up their devices before installing beta software, as preview versions may contain bugs and could affect application compatibility or battery performance.

The public beta is available for the iPhone 11 series and newer models, including the second-generation iPhone SE. However, Apple Intelligence features including the upgraded Siri experience remain exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro lineup and newer supported devices.

With artificial intelligence becoming the defining battleground for smartphone platforms, Apple’s latest beta signals that the company is steadily refining its AI-first software experience before opening the doors to a wider audience later this year.