By Staff Reporter

Apple’s latest iPhone software brings faster performance, expanded AI tools, new customisation features and stronger parental controls

September 12, 2026

Apple is set to release iOS 27 on Monday, September 14, bringing a major software upgrade to compatible iPhones, including some older models.

The update follows Apple’s latest iPhone launch event and will be available as a free software update, including to users in the UAE.

Once it is released, users can install it by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Apple recommends backing up important data before installing a major operating-system update.

But while iOS 27 introduces a range of changes, some of Apple’s most anticipated artificial-intelligence features will not be available immediately.

Faster everyday performance

One of the biggest improvements may be something users notice without actively looking for it.

Apple says iOS 27 has been optimised to improve memory management, processor use, display rendering and search.

According to the company, apps can launch up to 30 per cent faster, photos can load up to 70 per cent faster after being taken, while AirDrop transfers can be up to 80 per cent faster.

The improvements are designed to make everyday tasks feel more responsive across supported devices.

Siri gets an AI overhaul — but later

Apple is preparing a major upgrade to Siri, giving its voice assistant greater ability to understand natural conversations and use personal context.

The upgraded Siri is expected to eventually handle requests involving information spread across different apps, reducing the need for users to manually search through their phones.

However, the full AI-powered Siri experience will not arrive with the September 14 release.

Apple says the new Siri will initially launch as an English-language beta later this year, with additional languages expected afterwards.

The feature will also require an iPhone capable of running Apple Intelligence.

AI-powered photo editing

The Photos app is also receiving new intelligence-powered editing capabilities.

Apple is introducing Spatial Reframing, which can intelligently recompose images, while improvements to the Clean Up tool will make it easier to remove unwanted objects from photographs.

Some of the more advanced editing features will be limited to Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhones.

Your camera becomes an AI search tool

iOS 27 also expands the use of AI through the iPhone camera.

With Siri integrated into the camera experience, users can point their iPhone at an object or scene and ask questions about what they are seeing.

The feature builds on Apple’s Visual Intelligence technology, allowing the camera to become another way of obtaining information without manually typing a search.

More control over Liquid Glass

Apple is continuing with the Liquid Glass design introduced with iOS 26 rather than replacing it.

However, iOS 27 gives users greater control over how the interface looks.

An opacity adjustment allows users to choose between a clearer appearance and a more heavily frosted effect, while Apple has also refined icons across several built-in applications.

Bigger widgets and more Lock Screen control

For users who like customising their iPhones, iOS 27 introduces extra-large widgets that can display more information directly on the Home Screen.

The Lock Screen is also getting additional customisation options, including greater control over the size of the clock.

While these may not be headline-grabbing changes, they give users more flexibility over the appearance and functionality of their devices.

More control over sounds

Apple is also giving users greater control over individual sound categories.

Instead of having limited control over the overall volume experience, iOS 27 provides more individual management for ringtones, alarms, timers, alerts and system sounds.

That means, for example, users can keep their alarm volume high without necessarily having every notification sound at the same level.

Stronger child-safety controls

Apple is expanding its parental-control and child-safety features in iOS 27.

Parents will have additional ways to approve requests, manage age-appropriate experiences and limit children’s exposure to potentially inappropriate content.

The changes form part of Apple’s wider effort to provide families with greater control over how younger users interact with their devices.

Which iPhones will get iOS 27?

Apple says iOS 27 supports the same iPhone range as iOS 26, extending compatibility back to the iPhone 11 series and second-generation iPhone SE.

However, compatibility with the operating system does not mean every device will receive every feature.

Apple Intelligence capabilities require newer hardware. Supported devices include the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, as well as the iPhone 16 generation and newer models.

Older compatible iPhones will still receive many of the performance improvements, interface changes, customisation options and other everyday features.

For iPhone users, the key date is therefore September 14.

The operating-system update arrives then, but Apple’s biggest Siri and AI ambitions will continue rolling out later.